HANKEY – In the heart of Hankey, Thárros Family Centre continues to support children and families through a range of programmes aimed at strengthening wellbeing, learning and family resilience.
Taise Sampson from Thárros Family Centre said that the organisation takes a holistic approach, recognising that children thrive when emotional wellbeing, safety, learning support and family systems are strengthened together.
“We look at the broader picture of what children need to thrive: support, encouragement, safety, and opportunities to simply be children,” said Sampson.
She said that one of the core programmes is structured homework support, where children receive help with schoolwork, build confidence in learning, and benefit from consistent adult guidance in a safe environment.
For many, this provides stability and encouragement during their school journey.
Sampson said that they offer homework support to Grades 1 to 3 learners at Hankey Primary School from Monday to Thursday after school.
“We assist many learners in Grade 1 because we have found that quite a few have not been in Grade R in the previous year or have not had any education prior to starting Grade 1,” said Sampson.
She further said that this enables them to assist the Grade 1s with basic skills like holding a pencil, writing their names and practising numbers.
“By the end of Grade 1, our hope is that they are able to cope,” said Sampson.
Thárros also runs holiday club programmes during school breaks, offering children a safe and engaging space when school is not in session.
Sampson said that these programmes focus on play, creativity and positive interaction, ensuring continued support beyond the classroom.
She said that the organisation also integrates Protective Behaviour principles into its work with children, helping them understand personal safety and encouraging them to speak to a trusted adult when they feel unsafe or uncertain.
“These are simple but powerful messages. We want children to know that they are heard, and that there is always someone they can talk to, no matter how difficult something may feel,” said Sampson.
In addition to working directly with children, she said that Thárros supports families through parenting-related engagement and broader community initiatives.
Sampson said that the aim is not only to support children in isolation, but to strengthen the family systems around them.
Operating in Hankey, she said that the organisation works within a community where many families face socio-economic challenges, but where there is also resilience, connection and potential.
“We see resilience and potential every day in the children we work with,” said Sampson.
“Our role is to walk alongside them and their families, to support them in practical ways, and to create spaces where they can grow.”
As Thárros continues its work, the organisation remains focused on building consistent, meaningful support systems for children, ones that go beyond academics and speak to the broader needs of childhood development.
“For those involved, the message is simple: with the right support, children can flourish,” said Sampson.
For more information, visit Thárros Family Centre’s website at www.tharros.co.za or contact Taise Sampson at 083 500 0910.
