In the lives of students, challenges often arise that can severely impact their education and well-being, leading to absenteeism, dropout, and even risky decisions like early marriages or leaving school entirely. During these critical times, psychosocial support (PSS) plays a pivotal role in fostering resilience and ensuring students stay engaged in their education. Recognizing this need, the Girls Get Equal project trained Mother Group members to provide essential PSS skills within schools, aiming to support students’ ongoing attendance and success.
James (not real name), a student at Nkhulambe Primary School, faced significant hardships after losing both parents. His story illustrates the profound impact of PSS and the dedicated efforts of the trained Mother Group.
“I used to come to school in the same clothes every day because my parents had passed away, and my grandmother couldn’t afford to buy me a school uniform or even enough food. Sometimes, I felt like giving up on school because I thought education would be too difficult without proper support,” shared James.
The Mother Group at Nkhulambe Primary, empowered by their training under the Girls Get Equal project supported by Norad and facilitated by CRECCOM, identified James as a student in need. Recognizing his situation, they intervened by providing him with a school uniform, a gesture that profoundly impacted James’s outlook on education.
“The Mother Group noticed I didn’t have a school uniform and they gave me one. This motivated me greatly,” James expressed gratefully.
The support extended by the Mother Group not only addressed James’s immediate needs but also provided him with the encouragement and resources essential for his continued educational journey. Today, James is optimistic about his future prospects, lifted by the unexpected support from the Mother Group at Nkhulambe Primary School.
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