South Africa’s Plant Play program supports children’s wellbeing
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
In Diepsloot, South Africa, the organisation Human Nature Africa’s Plant Play program is working with children aged 10 to 15 to address trauma and prevent violence.
Over two years, Plant Play has reached 542 children in a region identified as a hotspot for gender-based violence due to high rates of crime. The program uses environmental education, specifically caring for a flower, to help children explore their feelings and build confidence.
Researchers believe that childhood trauma contributes to violent behaviour, and that addressing these experiences is vital to breaking cycles of harm. Children exposed to violence often experience chronic stress and fear, which can disrupt their emotional and social development. Plant Play aims to build emotional regulation and coping skills, offering a safe space for children to share experiences and learn from one another. A pilot study of 256 participants showed positive results.
After 14 weeks, the percentage of children reporting they felt calmer and better able to manage their emotions more than doubled, rising from 35% to 73%. The program also provided a way for one 12-year-old girl, grieving the loss of her twin brother, to reconnect with her mother and eventually become a volunteer mentor herself. Plant Play intends to identify children who need further mental health support and connect them with resources.
