Therapists working with vulnerable children have created a book filled with 24 stories to help heal and provide support to children facing trauma.
South Africa (17 August 2021) – Children’s charity, Jelly Beanz, a registered non-profit passionate about children and those working with children at risk, will be launching a book written by therapists who work alongside children, telling healing stories that they hope will be able to give hope to children who know pain.
Jelly Beanz works towards giving HOPE to children nationally, although they are physically based in Cape Town.
Children make up more than half the population of South Africa. Around two-thirds of these children live in poverty. For these children, just getting something to eat, finding a pencil to do homework, staying warm on a cold day or dry on a rainy day is a never-ending struggle.
Life for these children is a battle to survive physically and emotionally. In these circumstances, they are more vulnerable to being abused or exploited sexually, more likely to become victims of violence and crime, and have a higher rate of HIV infection. They are prone to drop out of school and suffer psychological problems. Those without adult caregivers and those who are separated from their parents are even more vulnerable. And these children are the most vulnerable when confronted with disasters such as the Covid19 pandemic.
Ironically, the children most in need of mental health services will never have access to such services. Yet, let us not forget that Africa has a strong tradition of healing through creating community and telling stories. For centuries, stories have imparted knowledge, values, moral lessons, and collective wisdom. Today, stories still have the power to instil hope, create meaning and provide emotional support for vulnerable children and youth. Stories can be a powerful tool for healing.
Therapeutic storytelling has become well established in the psychological treatment of children. Healing occurs not only in a therapist’s office but also wherever a child feels safe, cared for, and supported. Healing takes place within the safe relationships you can provide. You can walk alongside a child on their journey of healing. This book is a collection of healing stories. These stories are written by therapists who work in the field of trauma and abuse and use these in therapy to help hurting children. We trust these stories will offer hope to children who know pain.
Those working with children and wanting to learn more about how storytelling can help them process trauma, you can join Jelly Beanz tomorrow in a virtual talk.
Let the healing for Africa’s Children begin.
Come and join us virtually and experience the wonder and power of storytelling on Wednesday, 18th August @ 13h00 – Just click below to register.
https://forms.gle/jYmfT1Q4QuyxuCUh8
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