Our first radio outreach, led by the Sinomlando Young Reporters was a huge success. It was amazing to listen to them host a discussion on the topic of Power and Relationships – who has the power in the relationship? Many were eager to share their opinions on questions asked by our Young Reporters: How can we maintain good and healthy relationships? In what ways are people forced into relationships? In what ways does the government intervene? How can power in a relationship be used to foster and reconcile people with one another?

Our team attended a Community Conflict and Mediation discussion in Maqongqo, led by Africa Unite. Africa Unite strives to build communities that are conflict free, to enhance social cohesion and promote social economic development within communities in South Africa. Over 40 community members gathered to address issues in their community, followed by a session where solutions were brainstormed. The discussion kicked off with questions such as, “What is the good you see in your community?” “What is the bad you see in your community?” It is crucial to engage in discussions about your community because this is the only way...

Every Friday, Sinomlando Centre​ facilitates drawing and drama activities in Northdale with the youth, asking meaningful questions that explore feelings of home, courage, success, ambitions etc. We draw objects that make us feel at home. “Home” is a place of comfort and safety. We are grateful and thrilled to be decorating the youth space at Northdale Hospital with these random, but related illustrations that inspire feelings of safety, comfort and good memories.

Our third Memory Work Camp took place at the end of October with children from Montebello. We engaged children in re-telling past stories about their lives, through memory work based on the River of Life. Many of these young people have lost parents or never knew their parents. They were encouraged to write and illustrate their history in the form of travelling along a river bank. Exploring alternative methods of communicating one’s past can be helpful in retrieving traumatic memories and experiences. Storytelling encourages healing for those who feel a lack of identity and belonging. Each young person presented his or...