A new wellness hub at Kenmere Primary School aims to give learners more than just academic support, providing a safe space where they can access psychosocial care, improve their well-being and find support when they need it.

The hub, which was officially opened on Thursday 5 November, consists of a psychosocial support centre, outdoor gym equipment, an elevated deck space for art activities, an animal garden and a five-a-side football pitch.

School principal Richard Page said the hub combines psychosocial, fitness and academic support for learners and the wider community.

He said planning began a year ago and he was elated that, with the help of donors, the school could now provide this valuable support to learners.

Page added that the school also provides specialised support for learners with autism and believes the hub will be beneficial to them.

“Children come from various backgrounds, many of them need psychosocial support. They need a space to relax. We also have learners who are on the spectrum at the school and they need body breaks.

“That is why we have the gym equipment with animal therapy to make them feel comfortable and relaxed.”

He explained that the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) sponsored the psychosocial centre, while the school also raised funds for the garden, gym equipment and five-a-side football pitch.

The hub will be run by the school’s social worker, a psychologist and counsellors from the community.

Page said residents would also be able to access the facility on a referral basis.

Vanessa Craill, a school’s social worker for the WCED, said the hub was a proactive response to social challenges.

She said the school could not tackle these challenges alone and urged the community to work in partnership with the school.

Craill encouraged learners to seek help rather than suffer in silence.

“I want the learners to know that you matter and are valued and there is support. This hub belongs to you. Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength.”

Safe Space

Sarah Roberts, Western Cape Commissioner for Children, praised the school for creating a safe space for learners.

“Children today have so much stress that we don’t realise. And they don’t always have someone at home to speak to. I really hope that this will be a space, not only for the children but the teachers and wider community.”

Roberts said the province was plagued by social ills, with children often carrying the burden of these challenges.

“In the Western Cape there is gang violence, but we must not underestimate poverty and the day-to-day struggle to survive. School dropouts are also a big challenge. This should be a proud moment for the community, and I hope that the community will safeguard this place.”

Learners also expressed their excitement about the new addition to the school.

Grade 7 learner Nahum Daniels said: “This space is important for learners who are struggling at home and learners who are going through things will know there is a space for them. They will know that they matter. The school is a place they can go to if they need help and assistance.”

Another learner, Azra Hoossen, said that although this was her final year on primary school, she was happy that learners would now have access to the facility.

While Leah Williams said: “The wellness hub is a big opportunity for all the learners at the school to grow and achieve things. It is a big blessing for the school.”

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