By Daniel Thomae | Project Leader
“Relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love,” says Dr. Bruce Perry, leading child trauma clinician and researcher. We agree; that’s why we put people at the centre of all we do.
Studies show that having a healthy relationship with an adult mentor can put a child on the path to better behaviour and stronger relationships, committed school attendance and improved academic results. We agree; that’s why the role of our coaches is as much about mentoring children as it is helping them develop their sporting abilities.
It is estimated that 70% of South African children are growing up in single-parent homes, and 4 out of 5 boys don't have a consistent, positive male role model in their lives. Broken relationships drive the country’s high rates of gender-based violence, crime, gangsterism, substance abuse and poor mental health.
As we equip young changemakers, the importance of good relationships cannot be overstated. On the field and in the classroom, our coaches have been investing hour after hour into the 45 young boys in our care this year. It has been a joy to see the boys reporting increased confidence in the classroom, earning good marks at school, getting trauma counselling, learning skills for a growth-mindset, and having fun with their teammates on the field during the recently completed Stellenbosch Local Football Association season.
We look forward to landing this year on a high note, and we welcome your ongoing support as we continue mentoring young boys and girls so they can be changemakers in the year ahead.
By Daniel Thomae | Project Leader
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