UNDERSTANDING the effects of trauma on those who experienced the July riots was the objective.
Residents were afforded the opportunity to attend a two-day leadership workshop in Montclair recently.
The Montclair Recreational Hall event successfully executed its mandate to assist community leaders with understanding their roles in times of conflict.
The local-based NPO, OkamaHlobo Foundation, partnered with Old Mutual, the Institute of Afrikology and the Centre for the Mental Wellness and Leadership (CMWL), collaborated to have this trauma-informed, social cohesion and peacebuilding programme to inspire, bring healing and awareness.
Guest speaker, Dr Yaa Ashantewaa Archer-Ngidi, from the Institute of Afrikology, said the aim was to contribute to the healing and peacebuilding of the hurting communities.
She said it was pertinent to acknowledge having been through trauma as individuals and as community members.
“Our work over the past few years and our community engagements have included programmes and activities. We have a resource centre library with books, manuals, directories, charts, where the community can access information.
“Our leadership training targets the youth and community leaders with intervention programmes in communities that focus on empowerment, enrichment and skills development.
“We also host workshops, seminars and consultation targeting community members, teachers, NGOs, CBOs and business corporations – with a focus on culture, Social cohesion, youth and community work, health, family values and human development,” she said.
The Afrikology Resource Centre is located in the rural area of Kwa Thoyanain and provides the youth with an opportunity to re-connect and be a part of the enrichment and skills development through the cultural and heritage programmes.
The organisation’s motto is One aim. One destiny. One Africa. For more information, like their Instagram page @instituteofafrikology1.
