Further studies to assist children in South Africa

My qualifications and experience:

Currently I have my Bachelors in Applied Social Science (Psychology major), Gestalt Play Therapy certificates level one and two, Diploma in Counselling and Communication, Early Childhood Development, and Children's yoga level one to three. My passion, expertise and purpose lies with children, specifically helping those who are underprivileged, misunderstood or have minimal support structures. I have worked as a preschool teacher, special needs therapeutic teacher and children's yoga teacher. Currently I work as a SACAP counsellor (SACAP is the institute where I studied. I am able to call myself a counsellor, given I use the institutes name in my title) at a low-fee, private school in Strand. Here I have the opportunity to counsel (individual and group) children aged 5 to 14 years old. The school is situated right by the beautiful Strand beach and aims to support, empower and guide children to reach their potential. I have been blessed with being at Crosspoint Academy as I have the opportunity to fulfil my passion!

My motto and work ethic:
My motto is to treat every child who walks through my counselling door in the same way I wish to be treated. The epitome of my passion is to be kind, compassionate, understanding and to remove all expectations of fitting into a box. I invite each child to share as much or as little as they wish to in the session, knowing that they are the boss during their counselling. There lies much empowerment for children to have a sense of belonging and control in an aspect of their lives where everything else may feel scattered or broken.
I can wholeheartedly say that I have learned as much, if not more, from these children as they have learned from me. Daily I am reminded that laughter, gratitude and simplicity go a long way. Many of these children live in low income homes, yet still express gratitude for who they are and where they come from.

The road to where I am now, has been filled with much difficulty and hardship (yet I would still choose the same path if given the opportunity to start over). I am reaching out to raise funds to cover my student loan (for the degree I have already completed) and to further my studies so that I can register with the HPCSA (Health Professions Counsel of South Africa). This financial security and furthered education will equip me with more knowledge, understanding and resources to extend my support structures and ultimately assist more children. The possibility of this will not only benefit children within the counselling room, but also equip me in supporting parents and teachers to ultimately influence and help children. Working as a team is something that lacks when it comes to children and I wish to have a role in closing this gap to improve the children's lives and the functionality within the classroom and home environment.

As a mother, I know how difficult it is to keep our children secure and safe, yet give them enough independence and trust to grow and experience life. This balancing act is something that also interests me, and ultimately, I want more involvement from and focus on parents through workshops and group support so that parents are empowered to help their children. All aspects of a children life (school, counsellor, child, guardians/parents) working in unison are paramount to bringing about continuous growth, resilience and change as a unit!

Finances:
I believe in my capabilities as a counsellor yet I am, unfortunately, limited by my financial difficulties. I am reaching out to anyone who believes in my goal to help me achieve this by contributing any amount. Big or small! I know what I need is an enormous amount, but any support would make a difference! If you are unable to support my cause financially, please share the campaign and help me reach more people. Please know that by helping me, you are helping each children that I interact with and support during their difficulties. This ripple effect is everlasting!

Here is the breakdown of the money I am looking to raise:

1. Pay off current study loan through ABSA- R2670,61 x 19 months = R50741,59
2. Further my studies through SACAP - R110 000

The total I am looking to raise comes to R160741,59.

Why should you support me?!
South Africa is on a downward spiral when it comes to health, support, education and violence. I know of, and see countless children who come from broken homes, are exposed to violence, do not have access to basic needs and whose family are worse off due to the virus and the tremendous issues that it has left us with. I can make a difference and I strive to! Please help me in doing so.