The old African proverb "it takes a village to raise a child" conveys the message that it takes many people ("the village") to provide a safe, healthy environment for children, where they can develop, flourish and realise their hopes and dreams. The village includes not only family and neighbours but also community members, professionals, and policymakers who provide care for children. At one of the secondary schools in Mamelodi – a peri-urban community in the City of Tshwane, this concept is being built on with the help of professionals in the community who provide an array of services to learners in difficult circumstances. One such service is Occupational Therapy (OT) intervention, which is being provided to learners in new and exciting ways, contributing to their growth and development.

High school can be a challenging experience for students. From figuring out the ever-changing landscape of secondary education to achieving good grades, exploring, and participating in sports, and dealing with additional pressures from home or outside the school environment; navigating these challenges without the help of the village, can be extremely tricky.

 
Students from the University of Pretoria started conducting occupational therapy group sessions at this school in 2022. Occupational therapy intervention in school settings improved academic performance, social participation, and self-esteem for children. Within this school, these groups aim to sustain a supportive and nurturing environment with selected learners from grades 10-12. The group sessions allow learners to overcome the many different obstacles they face in their everyday environment, such as peer pressure, illicit drugs, or struggling to obtain certain marks in their classes. These sessions also help identify learners who need to be referred to individualised therapy services.

In an interview with a past learner, Carlos, who now studies Law at The University of Johannesburg, we discussed what it was like being a learner at his school. Reflecting on his journey, Carlos elaborated on the difficulties he experienced. Peer pressure and engaging with the wrong crowds changed the trajectory of his life and caused him to engage in unsafe habits. It was through the help of his teachers and learner support agent (LSA) that he was connected to services which provided the type of help he needed.

Teachers who knew his story and understood his struggles, encouraged him to join OT and communicated its importance with his parents. Carlos joined the OT groups during his matric year and quickly saw its benefits. Through these group sessions, he realised how his choices and habits were negatively affecting his performance in school and other areas of his life. He learned different skills and techniques to help study, maintain and upkeep his existing routines. He still uses these techniques today in his university career, enabling him to participate in class and engage with his work successfully. In addition, the topics covered during the sessions gave Carlos a new perspective on his life, making him think about himself, his future, and the consequences of his actions. It was through this, and the caring support of his teachers, that he applied the newly learnt strategies and techniques shared in the sessions, positively changing his life 

He is an example of where "the village" has been able to do more than just create hope but change lives. Everyone has a responsibility to each other, and it is through this that we uplift, empower, and create new opportunities for everyone. It truly does take a village to raise a child. It is essential that we recognize the importance of creating a supportive and nurturing environment for all learners, especially those who are facing difficult circumstances. The provision of OT intervention in schools, as well as other services, is a vital step towards building the village that is needed to raise and support our children. By working together, we can empower our learners and give them the tools they need to overcome obstacles and realise their full potential. We must continue to invest in these services and initiatives, as they are critical to the holistic wellbeing of learners and their future. 

The impact of OT intervention on learners at this secondary school highlights the significance of community collaboration and professional support towards education. It is a great example of how the village can work together to create an environment where learners can achieve their full potential. As we continue to navigate the challenges of the education system, it is essential to remember the importance of investing in services that support learners and promote their growth and development. Let us work together to build the village that our children need and ensure that every learner can thrive, regardless of their circumstances.