A safe space for children

In isiZulu, the word umphakathi means community.

When one reflects on the word community, the feelings it conjures up are that of safety, and the freedom to be yourself in front of those you trust. Bearing this in mind, it is fitting that De La Salle Holy Cross College has renamed its library the Umphakathi Centre.

Thanks to the efforts of Ghia Görtzen, an accounting teacher at the school, this space is more than just a library. It is a safe space for children to sit and read if they’d like, or complete a puzzle or maybe even enjoy the simple pleasure of speaking to someone, be it a teacher or friend, about one’s problems. On March 11, the school celebrated the opening of the centre with a blessing ceremony.

Görtzen explained that it occurred to her last year that not all children are boisterous individuals who want to be surrounded by noise so, she spoke to principal Debbie Harris about creating a safe space where learners could just be themselves. Work on the centre started at the start of the year with a lot of assistance given to make sure this centre became a reality.

For coming generations, she hopes this centre will continue to be a place that serves as a safe space for everyone and to know there will always be a place at the school for them to feel safe and be themselves with the forced need to impress anyone.

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