Fifty-one community workers from Mitchells Plain have completed a three-day training programme to prepare them to run a school holiday programme for children across five areas in the community.

The training was organised by the Mitchells Plain Safety and Development Forum (MPSDF) as part of its broader work to support child wellbeing and community safety through healing-centred approaches.

What is a trauma-informed approach?

A trauma-informed approach means understanding that a child’s behaviour is often shaped by difficult or painful experiences — such as violence, grief, or loss. Rather than asking what is wrong with a child, practitioners are taught to ask what has happened to the child.

The training introduced participants to the Iceberg Model, which teaches that what we see on the surface, such as disruptive or withdrawn behaviour, is often just the visible part of a much deeper set of unmet needs and past hurts.

What the training covered

The three-day programme was adapted from a 13-module training guide and covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
• Toxic stress and child development
• Attachment and healing relationships
• Safeguarding
• Understanding behaviour as a form of communication
• Creating safe environments
• Social and emotional learning
• Practitioner wellness
• Grief and loss
• Family engagement
• The role of practitioners as healing agents

Participants share their views

Those who took part in the training responded positively.

“A big thank you to everyone that made this training available and possible. The way it was brought over was well planned and professional. I learnt a lot and will implement a lot,” said Charlene Frechas.

“Being part of this training programme really made me look at things from a different angle and I appreciate it a lot,” said Aisha Adams.

Where the holiday programme will run

The trained practitioners will now run the school holiday programme across five Safe Zones in Mitchells Plain:

• Montrose Park
• Beacon Valley
• Tafelsig (East)
• Strandfontein
• Rocklands

The programme aims to give children safe spaces, trusted relationships, and emotional support during the school holidays.

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