IN a proactive step to strengthen families and empower parents in Ward 68, the South Durban Basin Area-Based Management (SDB-ABM), in collaboration with the eThekwini Municipality, hosted a proud parenting workshop at Austerville Community Hall on October 28.

Also read: Health workshop promotes community well-being

It brought together parents, community leaders and organisations working closely with children and families to address the growing social challenges affecting the area’s youth.

According to SDB-ABM’s Siphelele Zwane, the workshop was born out of concern for issues that have been plaguing the community in recent years.

“Over the past few years, there have been problems in the Ward 68 community that have negatively affected children, their health, academics and overall development. The aim of the workshop was to gather all relevant stakeholders working with children and parents in the ward,” said Zwane.

The proud parenting skill manual: 

One of the high points of the occasion was the unveiling of the proud parenting skills manual, which is an action toolkit aimed at equipping parents with skills for better and healthier relationships with their children. Implementation will be done in collaboration with local organisations, government departments and faith-based organisations for wider community involvement.

Zwane added that several departments have already committed to supporting the rollout.

“This programme has been a great success. Over the next few weeks, there will be engagements on how to extend this training across different sectors of society, including church bodies, schools and community organisations,” she added.

A joint effort:

Marvin Qhobosheane, from Safer Cities, said the initiative is part of a broader community safety and family-strengthening strategy.

“SDB-ABM is facilitating these trainings in partnership with Safer Cities, the Health Unit, the Department of Social Development, South African National Council for Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders, Community Fathers and Heartline,” said Qhobosheane.

For more information about the proud parenting training, community members and interested organisations may contact Marvin Qhobosheane on 065 821 4821 or Siphelele Zwane on 076 137 1618.

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