Families gather to strengthen relationships at Kempton Park conference

Congregants and community members gathered at Hope Restoration Ministries (HRM) in Kempton Park on March 14 for a family conference to support and strengthen households facing various challenges.

The event brought together mothers, fathers, children, husbands and wives, creating a space where families could engage, share experiences and gain practical guidance on building healthier, more harmonious homes.

According to Hope Restoration Ministries Executive Pastor Percy Mongwai, the conference focused on empowering families across different circumstances.

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“We are looking at empowering families. For married couples, it’s about building a successful family unit. For single parents, it’s about how to cope, especially in a difficult economic climate where the demands on families are increasing,” said Mongwai.

He added that the conference also addressed the realities of blended families, which may include children from previous relationships and often present unique challenges.

“You find that in blended families, where a husband or wife brings children from a previous marriage, there can be challenges in adjusting and finding balance within the home,” he said.

Mongwai noted that young adults were also included in the discussions, particularly those living independently.

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The sessions aimed to encourage responsible decision-making and a stronger sense of accountability within families.

Life stages and the challenges that come with them were also explored, including issues faced by married couples, single-parent households, families raising teenagers, and even child-headed households.

“We all experience challenges within families. The Bible says people perish due to a lack of knowledge, so the aim is to equip individuals with the knowledge needed to better navigate these situations,” said attendee Maureen Mokoena.

Mokoena said one of the key takeaways for her was the influence of social media on family dynamics.

“I didn’t expect it, but it became clear that social media can contribute to some of the challenges families face today,” she said.

The conference featured four sessions, each designed to engage participants in different ways.

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Activities included interactive games involving parents and children, siblings and married couples, focusing on appreciation, communication and support within the family.

One session explored life profiles, covering psychological and biological changes and needs from birth through to older age.

A separate teen-focused session allowed young participants to discuss topics such as emotions, identity, household responsibilities, and their roles within the family structure.

Another session focused on personality assessments, helping participants better understand themselves and others, while also addressing conflict resolution and diversity within families.

For Sibonkosi Shongwe, the conference provided an opportunity to reflect on his own family relationships.

“I wanted to improve my family circumstances and build a better connection with my parents. I realised we do not spend enough time together,” he said.

He added that one of his key lessons was the importance of reducing screen time and prioritising meaningful connections.

“I’ve learnt that I need to limit my time on my phone and focus more on connecting with my parents and others.

“I hope to strengthen my relationships and spend more quality time with family and friends,” he said.