Experienced educator and counsellor assumes role of CEO at Sinoville Crisis Centre

Sinoville Crisis Centre (SCC) has announced the appointment of highly qualified and experienced educator and counsellor Frederike van der Walt as its new CEO.

Van der Walt takes over from Colleen Strauss, who served the organisation for 16 years and was instrumental in its success.

She brings with her a wealth of experience and energy and is no stranger to the centre as she joined in 2016 as a counsellor and was later appointed secretary in 2017.

Also known as Fredi, she is a resident of Doornpoort and has had a fulfilling career as an educator with diplomas in education and remedial teaching.

For 27 years, Van der Walt dedicated herself as a teacher at Prospectus Novus School, specialising in educating learners with specific learning disabilities and then retired as head of the Remedial Teaching Department.

“Since retiring, I have remained active in education by serving as a scribe at various high schools, providing support to learners with learning disabilities, during tests and exams. Additionally, I pursued further education and completed a one-year pastoral counselling course with honours, accredited by the Theology Faculty at the University of Pretoria,” she said.

Following Strauss’ resignation, a new management team was also elected with Nelia van Zyl as administration manager, Marie de Graaf as secretary, Jan Greyvensteyn as treasurer, and Hester Smit as housekeeper.

“Becoming CEO of the SCC was never my initial ambition but it simply unfolded that way. Our former CEO pursued further education in social sciences and whenever she was writing exams, I assumed the role of acting CEO and got to learn the duties and responsibilities.”

Van der Walt said since leaving school, she had dedicated herself to assisting individuals dealing with emotional challenges which aligns with the work done by the centre.

“Throughout my teaching career, I consistently worked with students from disadvantaged backgrounds, troubled households, underachievers, and those with severe disciplinary issues. I actively engaged with parents in developing and implementing discipline strategies and interventions.”

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Van der Walt told Rekord that during her tenure she aims to increase awareness within communities about the work being done by the centre.

“Additionally, it’s important to me as the new CEO to continue offering more support to our counsellors’ so they can continue to do their work efficiently.

“I want to take the centre to new heights and with that, I will build on the strong foundation laid by Strauss and lead SCC into a new era of growth and service.”

She said the primary challenge as an NPO as always has been securing funding, as they rely entirely on donations.

“Therefore, we are eager to establish partnerships with various entities in our Sinoville community, including the CPF, police, churches, schools, and businesses. We are particularly excited about collaborating with the newly established National Youth Desk at SAPS.”

She said through these partnerships, SCC envisions a stronger community characterised by hope, tolerance, and social justice.

“All crisis centres excel in their work, each facing unique challenges. While we all offer support and assistance to one another whenever possible, what sets us apart is our strong team of dedicated counsellors, set on a foundation of 24 years.

“What sets SCC apart is the ongoing training of new counsellors and regular training sessions of our existing counsellors. We continuously improve our counselling skills.”

Van der Walt pleaded with the community to continue supporting the centre, explaining that they aim to attract new partnerships.

“By partnering with other community organisations, businesses and educational institutions, we can combine resources, expand our outreach, and improve coordination in our response to crisis,” she concluded.

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