Programms

Realistic programmes

...

Therapeutic programme

APPENDIX 2: FURTHER INFORMATION ON REALISTIC’S THERAPEUTIC AND VOCATIONAL PROGRAMMES

THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMMES

Therapeutic support ordinarily includes one-on-one counselling sessions, support group sessions, parent and family support groups and home visits.

Where REALISTIC staff are of the view that the psychological needs of a participant cannot be met through its existing programmes referrals are made to a dedicated social worker in the Department of Social Development who will in turn ensure that specialist care is offered to the person concerned.

PARENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP

One of REALISTIC objectives is not to work with REALISTS in isolation therefore family support groups are facilitated twice a month for a holistic reintegration to mainstream society. The workshops emphasise parenting skills in order to equip parents with the necessary skills to be able to provide proper guidance and role modelling in the home.

HOME VISITS AND FAMILY MEETINGS

Home visits and/or family meetings take place once a month or more frequently if there is an urgent issue or a special request from the family or the REALISTS referrer (NPA, Correctional Services or probation officer).

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROGRAMME

Restorative Justice is a process that brings together those harmed by crime (the victims), the offenders and the community to engage in a dialogue that can help to improve understanding and encourage healing. It recognize that the victims of crime, as well as the community, are affected by the crime and have an active role to play in the justice process. Restorative Justice provides victims with an opportunity to meet offenders and to let them understand how their actions have affected the lives of their victims. By doing this, the offenders are made to understand the extent to which their actions have harmed others and are then given the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions. REALISTIC has included this process in our sessions to assist REALISTS take responsibilty for the past actions, and to help heal the hurt of those affected by their actions, especially family and friends.

ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE CAMPAIGNS

Throughout the programme REALISTS are randomly tested for substance abuse and are given the tools and support to help them break their addiction. For the past five intakes, REALISTIC has managed to successfully host Liberation Camps which focus on supporting REALISTS to stop abusing substances. We have given more than 420 youth from Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Langa and the surrounding areas an awareness of the dangers of drug abuse in our society. Through regular drug testing, our records show that we have successfully managed to keep our participants clean from drugs during and after the camps.

HIV/AIDS AWARENESS AND PEER EDUCATION

HIV/AIDS is a everyday reality in the lives of REALISTS and the communities in which we work. The REALISTIC programme therefore equips these young men and women with information about the disease. As part of this programme REALISTIC works closely with New Start to ensure that our REALISTS know their HIV status. One of the objectives of the programme is to equip the REALISTS with the skills needed to be peer educators so that they can educate others on HIV/AIDS related issues. After REALISTS have completed the training programme, the REALISTS run life orientation lessons in local schools raising awareness about the disease. REALISTIC currently works in the following schools: Sthembele Matiso High School, Andile Primary School, Liwa Primary School, Lwazi Primary School, Fezeka High School, Gugulethu Comprehensive School and Oscar Mpetha High School.

GENDER EQUALITY INITIATIVES

The REALISTIC programme also includes gender equality training programmes that incorporate materials developed by the Sonke Gender Justice Network and the South African Correctional Services. These programmes aim to help the REALISTS change from having the mindset of boys and grow into men who are able to make mature decisions, focus on their goals and respect the people that they have relationships with. The programme includes a focus on gender values, challenging current mind sets and identifying and learning from positive role models.

OUTDOORS AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES

Apart from daily programme, REALISTS are given an opportunity to associate and explore nature while reflecting on what they have learnt about themselves during the programme. The day trips are both physically and mentally challenging and these help to build self-esteem and self-confidence in the REALISTS. For example, hiking up a mountain gives REALISTS a sense of achievement once they have reached their destination and this confidence is transferred into other areas of a REALISTS life.

VOCATIONAL PROGRAMMES

COMPUTER LITERACY

REALISTIC offers a basic computer literacy course to REALISTS which introduces them Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Explorer. One of the outcomes of this course is for each REALIST to create their curriculum vitae which they can then use when looking for work.

ARTS AND CRAFT

Art enables REALISTS to express themselves through colour, drawings and construction and instills discipline, creativity and self esteem. Through the programme REALISTS are taught to be patient and to understand that the more you focus the greater the possibilities. This principle transfers directly into their reintegration in society, the more focused they are, the greater the possibility of becoming self employed and being exemplary within the community. Materials used include ceramics, and disposed items such as old tins, damaged cd’s, match boxes and cardboard.

TERTIARY EDUCATION ADVISORY AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME

One of the goals of REALISTIC is to help each REALIST acquire the skills and qualification that they need to be able to look after themselves and their families. We meet with each REALIST individually and review his or her qualifications and then assist them in enrolling in a suitable institution to either finish their secondary school education or to gain a tertiary qualification. We also assist him/her to apply for bursaries or other financial aid that is available.

EMPLOYMENT CREATION AND JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE

Placements include REALISTS going back to school, gaining employment within their field of study and/or interest, being employed in a public works programme or environmental programme, Learn to Earn, Sivuyile Collage, Chrysalis Academy, BSG Enteprise, CWD for Chef Course, Pierre Cronje Furniture Shop and etc.