Healing doesn’t always require words. For many children living with fear, abandonment, or loss and sometimes what they need most is a hug – one that whispers ‘you are not alone’.

Recently, *Girls and Boys Town South Africa (GBTSA) brought that message alive through its Hug of Hope Campaign, hosted across its campuses in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal.

The event formed part of Mental Health Awareness Month 2025, under the theme ‘Mental Health as a Universal Human Right’.

For GBTSA, which has been a place of safety and healing for young souls since 1958, the campaign was more than just a fundraising effort, it was a powerful reminder that emotional healing begins with connection.

“A hug isn’t just a gesture it is a lifeline”. For many of our children, who have faced abandonment, abuse, or poverty, a hug says: ‘You are safe. You belong. You can heal’. That is the power of what we do every day. It is a movement that aligns with GBTSA’s mission to heal heartbroken children, restore hope and provide a safe environment for children and youth to heal and thrive,” said *Karen Farred, CEO of GBTSA.

• Also read: Girls and Boys Town learners embrace the power of a hug

The day’s activities brimmed with energy and emotions. Supporters wrote heartfelt messages of encouragement on a Wall of Hope, children expressed themselves through art and storytelling, and families joined in a treasure hunt to find the Hug of Hope mascot, a joyful symbol of the healing that a simple embrace can bring.

“When I was a teenager at GBTSA, I felt invisible. One hug from my family home teacher reminded me that I mattered. That hug gave me hope for my future,” added Bathabile, GBTSA Alumni.

More than raising funds, the Hug of Hope campaign embodies this year’s mental health theme, that every child deserves dignity, safety, and the right to emotional well-being.

In a world that can feel cold and mostly uncertain GBTSA stands as a reminder to us all that healing begins with a simple gesture, a hug. All that these children need is you to rewrite their futures with your warm arms.

About Girls and Boys Town South Africa:

Since 1958, Girls and Boys Town South Africa has been a sanctuary of healing heartbroken children. Their mission is to mend the invisible wounds of those who have faced unimaginable challenges, guiding them towards a future filled with promise and possibility.

Imagine a child whose laughter has been stifled by hardship and loss. At Girls and Boys Town South Africa they embrace these children with open arms, offering them more than just a place to stay – they give them a chance to reclaim their joy, rediscover their inner strength and build a future they can be proud of.

*This article was amended after publication. It previously described Girls and Boys Town SA as a school, however, the newspaper has since received confirmation that it is a sanctuary. Additionally, Tshegofatso Ramaphoko has been removed as the quoted source, and any quotes should be attributed to Karen Farred, CEO of Girls and Boys Town SA. Further information about the sanctuary has been added to clarify its role. The Randfontein Herald apologises for any confusion caused — Ed.