The South African Institute of Child and Adolescent Mental Health

🌟 Thank you to the dedicated educators of Luleka Primary School for an engaging and insightful session today!
It was inspiring to see such active participation, thoughtful discussion, and a shared commitment to supporting learner well-being. Together, we continue building healthier, safer school communities. 💙

🌱✨ This morning's ABBA Network gathering in Stellenbosch was a beautiful reminder that community work is never done alone.

Around the room were people from different organisations, different backgrounds, and different walks of life, each carrying stories of service, hope, challenge, and change. What makes these gatherings so special is that they're about so much more than networking. They create a nurturing space where we can share the realities of our communities, learn from one another, and draw strength from the passion that connects us all. 💚

Two messages stayed with us today:

🌸 "Bloom where you are planted." — a beautiful reminder from the founder of the Green Door Project that meaningful impact begins right where we are.

🌳 And from Deronea, the wonderful woman who brings us all together each month: "Remember, giant trees come from tiny seeds."

May we never underestimate the power of small beginnings, shared purpose, and people coming together to make a difference. ✨🤝💚

🌸🌳

🧠 Knowledge empowers. Connection protects.

A fantastic day with the educators of Tuscany Glen, exploring substance awareness, the developing brain, and ways to better support learners. Thank you for your engagement, thoughtful questions, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people. 💙

A special shout-out to Ms Pumza and Ms Moroesi for helping bring this important session to the educators of Tuscany Glen. Your commitment to learner wellbeing and educator empowerment is deeply appreciated.

Prevention starts early 🦋... That's why our substance use awareness work doesn't begin in high school. It begins in primary school, where caring adults can make a lasting difference in the lives of young learners.

Today we spent time with the educators of Rusthof Primary School, sharing knowledge, strengthening support systems, and building capacity for early identification and intervention.

Every informed educator is another advocate for healthier, safer futures. 💚

This initiative is made possible through the support of Metropole East Education District.

💫 One school. 💫 One workshop. 💫 One more step towards stronger support for our learners.

A special shout-out to Ms Vuyo, one of the dedicated social workers who spends her days travelling from school to school, equipping educators with the knowledge, skills and confidence to respond to substance use challenges in their communities.

This week, Vuyo met with the educators of Vuselela Primary School, where meaningful discussions, thoughtful questions and shared ideas created a vibrant learning environment. Their willingness to engage and learn reflects the deep commitment so many educators have to supporting the wellbeing of their learners.

To Vuyo, and to all the social workers working tirelessly behind the scenes: thank you for carrying hope, information and encouragement into our schools every day. 🌱

This initiative is made possible through the support of Metropole East Education District.

This afternoon's substance use awareness session with the educators of Beverly Park Primary School in Eersterivier formed part of the Metropole East Education District's ongoing initiative to strengthen prevention and early intervention in schools.

Honest conversations, thoughtful questions, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of young people... Thank you for the warm engagement and for the important work you do every day. 💙

In collaboration with the Metro East Education District, a presentation was conducted at Soneike High School focusing on substance use and adolescent mental health. What began as a presentation quickly became an engaging and meaningful conversation, filled with interaction, shared insights, and active participation from educators and attendees. A heartfelt thank you to the school for their incredible hospitality, kindness, and warm welcome, which made the session both impactful and memorable.

🌱💛 A heartfelt shoutout to the incredible educators at ACJ Phakade Primary School who engaged so openly and honestly in today’s conversation around substance abuse and mental health.

Some of the most meaningful moments in the room came from reflecting on how often people struggling with addiction are isolated, judged, or pushed away — while at the same time being expected to somehow “get better” on their own. 💔

One educator shared that they were leaving a little sad today, thinking about family members who may have needed more connection, more compassion, and more support instead of distance. And that honesty reminded us why these conversations matter so deeply. 🌿

Thank you to every educator who showed up with vulnerability, empathy, and a willingness to reflect and grow. The care you have for your learners, families, and communities does not go unnoticed. 🌟👩‍🏫👨‍🏫

🌱 Meaningful conversations took place at Apex Primary School as educators came together for a substance abuse awareness session presented by our social worker, Vuyo.

The educators engaged openly, participated thoughtfully, and showed a genuine willingness to better understand how substance use impacts learners, and how they can support and guide young people with care and compassion. 💙

Thank you to the staff of Apex Primary for creating space for learning, reflection, and support for their learners.

At SAICAMH 💙🌍, part of our work is ensuring that conversations around mental health and substance abuse are shared with knowledge, compassion, and courage. From classrooms to conference halls, we have the privilege of speaking to hundreds - and sometimes thousands - of educators, parents, and stakeholders each year. 🌱✨

Today, we’d like to thank Mr. Wade Thomas, our incredible Social Worker Team Lead, for investing in our team through a meaningful upskilling session on presentation and public speaking skills. 🎤📚

By helping others grow their confidence and find their voice, he is helping carry this important message even further. Thank you, Wade, for leading with wisdom, kindness, and heart. 🙌💫