Matla A Bana is an NGO founded by ex-hostage, Monique Strydom, with the aim of minimising the secondary abuse children suffer when they report crimes against them.
In December 2021 they ran a competition – the prize being 1 000 of their special Survivor Guides for Kids, valued at R10 00.
This great prize was won by Sandy Immelman, the founder of the Helderberg Baby Saver, who in turn donated the guides to PATCH / Helderberg Child Abuse Centre.
The Survivor Guide for Kids was developed by Matla A Bana to help children deal with emotions caused by trauma as well as to guide them in basic self-protection.
“We are happy to be able to hand these guides over to PATCH in the Helderberg who are doing amazing work in protecting and assisting our children.” said Monique Strydom.
Amanda-Lea Jones of PATCH had this to add: “On behalf of our entire team at PATCH, we wish to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of 1 000 Survivor Guides for Kids.
“We are truly humbled by your support and willingness to continue supporting the services we provide to child survivors of sexual abuse.
“The types of crimes being reported have been children who are very young and more likely to be victimised in a private residence by a neighbour during the day, compared to pre-pandemic times, when children were safer at school.
“The Survivor Guides are an incredible tool for children who have been sexually abused, as well as those who may be at risk, and we will be distributing the guides to our social workers who will utilise them during their therapy sessions with child clients.
“Our prevention team will also incorporate them into their educational programs held at various schools, clinics, police stations as well as surrounding NGOs within the Helderberg.”
The Survivor Guide is a simple guide to help children deal with anger, fear and other emotions, and also explains the rights of children. They can be purchased at www.matlasabana.co.za
For more information about PATCH, visit www.patchhelderberg.co.za
