South Africa: From Being a Parent of Our Afterschool Programme Beneficiary to Becoming a Facilitator

A Mother’s Journey from Crisis to Leadership

Anna Mabena’s story begins in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. A community where challenges often weigh heavily on families. Anna was navigating a difficult period: her teenage son was battling substance abuse, and her daughter needed an escape from the chaos at home. That escape came in the form of Lefika la Phodiso’s afterschool programme, a safe space where children could express themselves freely and find support. Anna noticed a remarkable change in her daughter after joining the programme. She was happier, more engaged, and had found a sense of belonging.

When Anna interacted with Lefika’s staff, she felt something she hadn’t felt in a long time- seen and supported. This connection sparked a desire to give back. Anna decided to join Lefika as a volunteer, stepping into a world that would transform her life.

Finding Safety and Support

During this challenging time, Lefika provided more than psychosocial support for Anna and her daughter. The organisation offered individual counselling sessions, food parcels, and a community that embraced them with care and dignity. These interventions helped Anna cope with the situation at home. Her daughter continued to thrive in the afterschool programme, and Anna began to see the power of creating safe spaces. Not just for her family, but for others in similar circumstances.

The Change: From Parent to Facilitator

Anna’s involvement deepened when she decided to train as a Community Art Counsellor at Lefika. Motivated by gratitude and a desire to contribute, she enrolled in the training programme that equips individuals with skills to support children through art-based psychosocial interventions. This decision marked a turning point. Anna was no longer just a parent benefiting from Lefika’s services. She was becoming part of the solution. Through her training, Anna learned how to hold space for children, foster emotional safety, and use creative processes to help them express and process their feelings.

Evidence of Transformation

Anna’s journey is documented through interviews and her active participation in Lefika’s programmes. Today, she is a trained facilitator, working with children who, like her daughter, need a safe space to feel valued and respected. Her story illustrates the ripple effect of community-based psychosocial support: when families are empowered, they become agents of change within their communities.

Story of Change Quotes 

Quote 1: 

Safety means I can show up as my full self— Banele Mdluli

Quote 2: 

My body, my choice— Muriel Sibanyoni

Quote 3: 

This is a place where kindness lives. No bullies. No hate. Just friends and respect— Nkanyezi Modila

Sustainability and Next Steps

Lefika is committed to making emotional safety part of everyday culture. The organisation continues to:

• Build teams around respect and open communication
• Celebrate diversity so every child sees themselves reflected in their environment
• Train and support adults through counselling and workshops

Anna’s story is a testament to the power of community care. It shows that when organisations invest in families, they create leaders who give back. Turning personal challenges into collective strength.

By: Nobukhosi Ncube