Happier, confident children

When they first visited schools, Clews and Surya noticed the aggressive way in which children were communicating and a high incidence of bullying. They also witnessed the high levels of stress among educators — who also struggle with many daily problems — which in some cases leads them to lash out at children.

This is counterproductive to the positive and important learning work that needs to be taking place in a classroom. Research shows that children who are stressed can’t learn well. The classroom needs to be a safe space for children, especially for those who don’t feel safe at home.

The Wise programme has been developed to aid teachers and caregivers to deal with their stress first so that they are better able to help children to cope with their problems, learn how to manage their feelings and realise their own potential.

“Having experienced how hard it is for adults to make significant and sustainable changes in their own lives, I was careful in designing the Wise personal wellbeing programme to support the caregivers through a powerful process of personal change,” says Surya.

The response to the pilot study has been overwhelmingly positive. Delegates completed both the staff personal wellbeing programme, which includes in-depth experiential training, homework and follow-up over eight weeks, as well as the children’s wellbeing programme, to learn about practical tools to use with children, such as the Innermagic self-esteem board game and the Magic Mat book.

These educators reported significant reductions in their own stress levels, alongside noticing a positive difference in children’s behaviour. They reported decreased absenteeism of both children and teachers, reduced high-risk behaviour by children and fewer incidents of aggression in the classroom.

With such positive results, and once parents are also included in the Wise programme, decreases in domestic violence and even child abuse rates are likely.

Expressive, confident children believe in themselves and speak out about their feelings, making them far less likely to fall victim to abuse.

“The Wise programme has influenced my understanding of children, helping me to help them deal with issues they can’t deal with. I have empathy and understanding toward them,” said one of the participants.

The Wise training programme has been implemented with educators from a few previously disadvantaged schools along the Garden Route and in the Cape Flats, and nongovernmental organisations such as Knysna Families South Africa, Knysna Drug and Alcohol Centre, the department of health and Sinemethemba Child and Youth Centre.

Depending on the funds raised, Clews and Surya aim to roll out the programme nationally.

Candice Burgess wrote this article on behalf of Wise