UBUNTU WELLNESS PROJECT

November 2025.

To address the growing social and emotional challenges faced by learners, a community programme is working to build confidence, belonging, and resilience amongst hundreds of learners across nine Gamagara schools in the Northern Cape. One of the key highlights for this programme is the Boys’ Camp, which focuses on building mentorship, discipline, and resilience among Grade 9 boys, many of whom are growing up without father figures.

“Through this project, we are working to strengthen not just academic outcomes, but also the emotional and social well-being of learners, teachers, and parents. We’ve seen a remarkable change in how learners relate to teachers and parents; there’s more trust, communication, and a growing culture of care. Social workers have become a familiar and supportive presence, helping address behavioural challenges, reduce absenteeism, and promote a healthier school climate,” explained Brizelda Titus, Director of Boipelo Resources, the implementation partner of this programme.

The Boys’ Camp stands out as one of the most impactful elements of the initiative, providing Grade 9 boys with a safe space to learn teamwork, self-awareness, and personal accountability. Through team-building exercises, obstacle courses, and social worker-led sessions, the camp encourages connection, belonging, and positive behavioural change.

“We are grateful to Biopelo Resources for arranging this impactful programme. Our learners were left inspired, especially as many face challenges such as substance abuse. The sessions reminded our teachers to stay vigilant and highlighted the importance of education for our learners,” said Mrs J Louw, Deputy Principal at Deben Primary School.

Funded by REISA Solar, the Ubuntu Schools Wellness project is part of a broader schools initiative aimed at improving the quality of education in under-resourced schools through psychosocial support, capacity building, and holistic learner development.

To date, the Ubuntu Schools Initiative has reached schools in both the Northern Cape (Gamagara Municipal Area) and Western Cape (Hopefield and Vredendal Noord Primary Schools). Through initiatives such as uniform and sanitary pad distribution, the programme continues to improve learner attendance while also helping them develop trust, self-awareness, and social skills.