In Alexandra, where many young girls face daily struggles with identity, peer pressure, and emotional trauma, Southern Africa Partners’ (SnAPSA) six-week development programme at Alex High School is quietly changing their lives.

The initiative is helping learners confront personal challenges, build resilience, and rediscover their self-worth. Social worker and mentor Rabeka Silinda reflected on how the programme has impacted the lives of the participants, citing the story of a once-troubled teenager who is now a promising matriculant. “There are a couple of learners who show that this programme works.” Her reflections came during the programme’s closing event, which marked the successful completion of the programme’s latest cycle at Alexandra High School on September 20. Participants received certificates of completion, celebrating their growth and commitment.

Read more: SnAPSA’s programme transforms young lives

Silinda shared that the programme was born out of a growing awareness of the complex challenges learners face, and it was intended to help address them. She explained that the first session focused on identity, and was meant to encourage learners to explore who they are and where they come from.

Silinda emphasised the importance of this session, noting that when they know themselves, they will be able to withstand peer pressure. “When you know who you are, when you have an idea of your identity, you are able to say no to things that won’t benefit you.”

The programme forms part of SnAPSA’s efforts to address a myriad of issues in Alex schools, including drop-out rates. While it is grounded in ensuring that young people develop the skills, attitude, and discipline needed to complete high school, Silinda did not shy away from the fact that some young people do drop out. So, the second session dealt with career guidance.

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Silinda explained that learners were taught practical skills, like CV drafting. “We give them tools to understand how to present themselves in the labour market.”

Additional sessions focused on emotional regulation, teaching them how to deal with disagreements. “Some of them get involved in fights, and they bully each other. These are the behaviours that they have learnt from home. It could be from the domestic violence that they experience through their parents, and they think that is how they should deal with challenges or disagreements.”

Silinda acknowledged that true character development takes time, and emphasised that SnAPSA will continue supporting the programme’s graduates. “Since they are in our database, we’ll continue engaging with them.”

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