It's cool to be kind 🩵

Suicide Prevention Month Not every struggling learner walks into our office, so this year we put a poster in every classroom, with a message of hope and emergency contact numbers. We also handed out cards at break time, a reminder to be gentle with yourself.

"Understanding and Supporting Your Teen’s Mental Health" We talked about anxiety, depression, grief and trauma, the hopes parents have for their children, and how to share those hopes in ways that encourage rather than overwhelm. Parents don't have to struggle alone.

How can you show kindness today? 💜

3.2 million South Africa children are bullied every year Every year we run a Kindness Campaign in our schools. Instead of addressing bullying with "stop" and "no" messages, we promote the antidote: Kindness.

It is always a joy to host Prof Shirley Reynolds and Anne Owen on visits from the UK. We are feeling challenged and inspired.

Safety is not just physical 💚

“Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.” We help young people develop the tools to let emotions out safely 💛

Today, 3 of our colleagues are being trained in EASE-SA (Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions), so that we can continue rolling out this WHO-developed, UCT-adapted programme in our schools 🤓

Thank you to our teachers 💙

Why we do what we do 🩷

"I've always been bullied in my class with no one protecting me. Now that I'm defending myself from the bullies, I'm treated as a bad person." Rather than stopping at one student, we worked with the whole class on what respect and support should look like.

EASE-SA at Apex Primary: “The sessions have been a rewarding experience. There was engagement from the learners and a lot of laughter. It became chaotic at times, but at the end of each session the group of boys kept saying that they are looking forward to the next session.”

Our office isn't only a space for learners - it has become a safe space for educators too. An educator at Nederburg Primary School in Paarl shared: "I am so grateful that CK is at school because it helps me when I need it most."

Kindness does not have an age restriction. We recently hosted a session on "Kindness" with Grade R learners in Bonnievale. Instead of coming to schools with a "stop" or "no" message, we address hurtful behaviour by promoting the opposite. We believe kindness is the antidote.

A renewed sense of self 💛

Pause. Play. Rest. 🎨🌷 Teacher support at Apex High School. Educators pour so much into their learners every day. We need to make sure they are also poured into.

"When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower." We recently hosted a workshop with the teachers at Forest Village Leadership Academy on "Communication Styles". One step closer to an environment that promotes blooming 🌼

The power of listening 🩷

"I didn't know I could feel happier, but now I do." - CK client There is help. There is hope. World Suicide Prevention Day at Imboniselo Primary School 💛