The Khuselani Abantwana (protect children) NPO, situated in Boksburg CBD, is determined to offer vital counselling to children and the youth.
They established the NPO in October 2020 and formally registered a year later.
The founder, Koleka Xaba-Mabuza, a clinical social worker, said she formed the NPO to offer counselling to children and the youth because they are most likely to be affected by mental health illnesses, bullying and depression.
“We offer counselling to understand their problems and ensure they can focus at school and in their personal life. It is possible for parents to miss out on what is affecting their children. We are here to close that gap.
“Many children struggle at school and in their personal lives because of family issues, and this can lead to depression or mental issues.
“The symptoms of depression are persistent sadness, isolation, suicidal thoughts and stress. Mental illness symptoms are like the ones of depression,” she mentioned.
Mabuza said they also involve parents in their sessions when counselling children. Problems that children face in their families trigger not all mental illnesses and depression.
“Some of these illnesses are passed down in families,” Mabuza pointed out.
She said for now; they are offering individual counselling, but they are likely to give group counselling in the future.
“We do community work by partnering with other NPOs. We attend their social events to inform people about our services. We are already offering counselling to children from two schools around Boksburg,” Mabuza expressed.
The NPO runs with two social workers and volunteers and six board members currently, and it needs more staff and board members.
The NPO is also appealing for any type of donations. Call Mabuza on 072 241 3119/061 490 8780 or Sebueng Mnguni on 073 224 2029 if you want to help the organisation.
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