Final Week Log – Johannesburg

Week 6 marked my final week in Johannesburg and concluded my third and final week with the Teddy Bear Foundation (TBF). Unfortunately, I fell ill early in the week and was only able to work on Friday, which turned out to be a relatively relaxed day at TBF. Given that it was my final week, I thought it would be more fitting to reflect thematically on the previous five weeks, drawing key takeaways from my work with REPSSI and TBF.

Thematic Analysis of Weeks 1–5

1. Community Engagement and Empowerment

From the very first week, the theme of community was central to my work. At Nkosi’s Haven, I saw how essential a strong community was for individuals dealing with HIV and AIDS. The way people supported each other, especially the mothers, created a sense of belonging and safety that was incredibly powerful. This community-oriented spirit continued throughout my work at REPSSI and TBF, where I observed how community involvement can create sustainable change.

In the Better Parenting Workshop at REPSSI, the emphasis on community support for mothers and the importance of fathers in child-rearing highlighted how interconnected families and communities are in shaping healthy environments. The young leadership training further solidified this, showing how young people can empower each other to make meaningful changes within their communities.

Takeaway: Empowering individuals within a community, whether it’s young leaders or mothers, creates a sense of collective responsibility that can lead to long-term positive change.

2. Leadership and Youth Empowerment

Another constant theme was youth empowerment, which I saw throughout my time in Johannesburg. The young leadership training at REPSSI, where I worked with children interested in becoming leaders, underscored the importance of providing young people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead. A key part of this training was highlighting the value of every individual’s unique strengths, especially through the lens of multiple intelligences.

The training revealed that leadership isn't about one-size-fits-all approaches but recognising and nurturing the strengths of those being led. I also noticed that the Teddy Bear Foundation’s work with GBVF and trauma recovery also involved youth and families as key agents of change. Through Safe Talks and court preparation initiatives, it became clear that leadership, empathy, and responsibility can be cultivated in young people, even in difficult environments.

Takeaway: Fostering leadership in youth requires a deep understanding of individual strengths, empathy, and community support. By nurturing these qualities, we enable young people to be catalysts for change in their own lives and communities.

3. Trauma, Healing, and Mental Health

The theme of trauma and the importance of mental health support emerged strongly throughout my time in Johannesburg. Whether it was the children at Nkosi’s Haven, the families at REPSSI, or those attending TBF’s GBVF interventions, I witnessed how trauma impacts individuals and communities on a deep level. REPSSI’s work on psychosocial support was particularly eye-opening in its holistic approach to mental health. It wasn't just about addressing individual trauma, but understanding how trauma is transmitted across generations and the role of community in healing.

At TBF, the focus on GBVF, particularly in the court preparation sessions, illustrated how trauma is often passed down through generations, leading to a cycle of violence and emotional harm. I also noticed that community-based interventions, like the workshops at REPSSI and TBF, were crucial in addressing mental health in a way that felt accessible and non-threatening.

Takeaway: Trauma is not only personal but collective and generational. Addressing it requires a community-focused, holistic approach that emphasises healing, empathy, and breaking cycles of violence.

4. Intersectionality in Social Issues

A significant theme throughout my work was intersectionality, particularly in relation to GBVF and mental health. The Teddy Bear Foundation’s training on the intersection of personality types and GBVF highlighted how various social factors - gender, class, culture, and historical trauma - contribute to the perpetuation of violence and inequality. This theme was also evident in REPSSI’s strategy development, where we discussed the need for child-centred, inclusive approaches that take into account the complex realities of the communities we work with.

In the TBF’s advocacy workshops, I saw how local communities are actively engaging with these issues, showing that solutions must be as multifaceted as the problems themselves. By recognising the intersections of these issues, we can better address them in a way that reflects the realities of the people affected.

Takeaway: Understanding and addressing the intersectionality of issues like GBVF, mental health, and socio-economic inequality is key to creating solutions that are inclusive, effective, and sustainable.

5. The Need for Sustainable and Impactful Strategies

My involvement in REPSSI’s 2026 strategy development was an eye-opening experience. The need for sustainable, child-centred strategies was central to the discussions. We talked about making the strategy more inclusive, involving the very children who would be impacted by the work. This shift in perspective, to focus on low-hanging fruits and quick wins that would build momentum, was a key takeaway from the process.

At TBF, the success of the youth leadership initiatives was also seen through a tangible project—the creation of kids' clubs in schools. This hands-on, measurable approach showed that creating a strategy with clear, actionable outcomes ensures that progress can be tracked and celebrated.

Takeaway: Sustainable impact requires a clear, inclusive strategy that focuses on immediate, achievable goals while also building towards long-term change. The voices of those affected must be at the heart of these strategies.

Final Reflections and Gratitude

As I look back on these past six weeks, I’m filled with immense gratitude for the experiences, learning opportunities, and the people who made all of this possible. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Teddy Bear Foundation for welcoming me into their work, for the opportunity to learn about the complex and critical issues surrounding GBVF and trauma recovery, and for the inspiring work they do in South Africa.

I am equally grateful to REPSSI for their time, guidance, and the chance to contribute to their psychosocial support efforts. The work they do to help individuals and communities heal from trauma has been deeply inspiring, and I’ve learned so much about the importance of community-based mental health support.

Finally, I’d like to extend my thanks to the Laidlaw Foundation for making all of this possible. Their support has enabled me to gain invaluable experience, contribute to meaningful projects, and learn from some of the most dedicated professionals in the field.

These six weeks have not only shaped my understanding of mental health, leadership, and community engagement but have also deeply reinforced my commitment to creating spaces where individuals can heal, grow, and empower others. I leave Johannesburg with a sense of fulfilment and a deep appreciation for the work being done in these communities. Thank you to everyone who made this journey possible.