POLOKWANE – For Susana Jardim, helping others was never just a job — it was a calling.

Since 2017, she has dedicated herself to supporting learners at Pietersburg Laerskool, offering compassion, stability and hope to those facing life’s toughest challenges.

“I felt I could only help by meeting people where they are, in their crises, and connecting with them through compassion and action,” she said.

Jardim recently ended her tenure at the school and reflected on a career that has profoundly shaped her view of resilience, community and care.

“Being a social worker took me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to the core,” she said.

“Yet I am grateful for the crises that helped me gain valuable experience. I have become more resilient and even more motivated to advocate for vulnerable people, especially children.”

Throughout her years in social work, Jardim witnessed first-hand how financial strain, domestic violence, mental health struggles and substance abuse have pushed more families into crisis — with children often bearing the heaviest burden.

“Families are facing financial problems, breakdowns in family units due to domestic violence or divorce, mental health issues and even substance abuse. These social problems have devastating consequences for children,” she said. “When parents are struggling to cope or deal with their own problems, children end up being neglected and exposed to situations they should never have to go through.”

Despite these challenges, Jardim found purpose in being a steady presence for those in need.

“Sometimes people just want to be heard and understood. I believe that is a fundamental human need,” she said.

“Hope can be restored when people’s experiences are heard and validated with empathy and compassion. Being a social worker places me in a privileged position, to be entrusted with the responsibility of bringing about change in people’s lives, empowering them and supporting them on their journey.”

She says some of her proudest moments came when her interventions helped turn despair into hope, chaos into stability and crisis into change.

“Communities need to work together to create safety nets to protect children from the many social problems affecting them,” Jardim said.

“It is important to be vigilant and observant of children’s behaviour and routines to recognise sudden changes. Where there is concern for a child’s wellbeing, immediate action must be taken and reported to child protection organisations.”

She urges residents to be increasingly aware of risks facing children in public spaces.

“People must speak up and create awareness of these dangers so the relevant authorities can act. Schools, churches and private businesses can join hands and volunteer their time and resources to build support for vulnerable children and families in crisis,” she said.

“Every small action makes a difference and creates a ripple effect in communities.”

Jardim has also served with the Polokwane Child and Family Welfare Society, where she continued her mission to protect and uplift children in need.

Read more about Susana’s journey and her message of hope in this week’s edition of the Polokwane Review.