Foundation certifies peer counsellors

Kwatsaduza – The Thabang Xaba Foundation educates learners in the hope of combating substance abuse and gangsterism.

“In 2017 the communities of KwaThema, Duduza and Tsakane (Kwatsaduza) experienced an increase in substance abuse and bullying in both primary and secondary schools.

“Gangsterism also increased, with many of our youth being involved in illegal activities,” says Thabang Xaba, founder of the foundation.

Through its surveys, the foundation saw that to respond to these challenges it would have to evaluate its programmes and come up with a methodology that would accommodate learners in all institutions.

“In our attempts to address these challenges through youth dialogues, it dawned on us that peer supporters training would be a better tool.

“We really want to help address and reduce the numbers of those seen to be affected,” says Tebogo Mokoena, head of communications.

The foundation is confident in its methods and their effectiveness.

“It is not the first time this methodology is being used, especially among teenagers.”

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In December 2017, the foundation trained learners in all eight secondary schools in KwaThema, teaching them life skills, communication skills, project management and leadership skills.

These learners have now graduated to peer counsellors.

They will facilitate advocacy programmes in their respective high schools.

On Monday, the Thabang Xaba Foundation began distributing its certificates of accreditation.

“These groups of peer supporters and counsellors will not educate their peers at school.

“However, they will advocate by facilitating support groups, running workshops and giving referrals in cases that need attention from the different state organisations,” explains Xaba.