Several trauma-informed holiday programmes got underway last week.

The holiday programmes, funded by the R9-million allocation to the Mitchells Plain Safety and Development Forum (MPSDF), were launched in several Mitchells Plain suburbs on Wednesday 1 July.

Safe spaces for children

The programmes, which were launched in Beacon Valley, Tafelsig, Rocklands and Strandfontein, offer structured sports, arts, recreational, and psychosocial support activities that create safe, nurturing environments for children during school holidays.

The core approach recognises that many children in Mitchells Plain face ongoing exposure to violence, adversity, and toxic stress. Rather than asking “What is wrong with this child?” the programme is built on the question: “What has happened to this child and how do we respond in ways that promote healing?”

The programme aims to interrupt cycles of trauma before they become cycles of violence, while strengthening resilience, belonging, and hope through structured recreational activities combined with positive mentorship, emotional support, and child-centred programming.

Strong demand from community organisations

Following a public Request for Proposals, 20 community organisations submitted applications. Of these, 13 were selected after meeting trauma-informed, governance, and child safeguarding requirements. Five organisations were unsuccessful during this funding round, and two withdrew before programme implementation.

Several organisations still require support with registration as a non-profit, governance systems, child protection measures, police clearances, and compliance with the Children’s Act 38 of 2005.

ALSO READ: Vulnerable kids find safe space at ‘trauma-informed’ holiday programme