As South African schools grapple with a worrying rise in bullying and violence among learners, the Thrive Initiative (NPO) has just completed training its first cohort of 10 youth facilitators from Nyanga to drive and pioneer a new Somatically based intervention for schools and communities here within the Cape peninsular, says the NPO.

According to Brian Segal, Founder of the Thrive Initiative, Bullying does not occur in isolation. "Bullying is a symptom, not the cause," says Segal. "It is often an expression of unprocessed stress and pain that stems from social, economic, and family pressures. Many learners are simply replicating the communication and emotional patterns they experience at home."

"When you reprimand a bully, you increase their internal tension, which often leads to more outbursts. But if you can give them tools to release that pressure and express themselves safely, behavioural change follows naturally."

Based on this understanding, the Thrive Initiative has developed a new and innovative approach, adds the NPO.

"At Thrive, we believe the solution isn't more punishment or discipline, but rather the teaching of new skills around self-awareness, self-regulation and communication," Segal says.

Thrive's approach is grounded in somatic healing, a method that focuses on releasing tension from the central nervous system to bring about emotional regulation and behavioural transformation. The organisation offers training programmes that equip learners, teachers, and caregivers with practical tools to communicate, connect, and respond rather than react, says the NPO.

Thrive have just finished their first cohort training of 10 passionate individuals (aged 20 - 24) from Nyanga, one of Cape Town's most challenging communities. These graduates, now officially certified as Thrive Initiators. They have been trained to become community based entrepreneurs, and growing the much needed skills of Emotional Intelligence into corporates, schools and communities across the Cape Peninsula, adds the NPO.

These Thrive Initiators are trained to facilitate interactive sessions, teaching participants new skills to manage stress, build empathy and resolve conflict in a whole new constructive way. Their work extends beyond addressing bullying and tacks related issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), Relationship difficulties, Community pressure as well as accountability and leadership, says the NPO.

"Our Nyanga cohort represents the next generation of community leaders," condludes Segal. "They will not only help reduce violence and bullying in schools but also grow as financial and social entrepreneurs, building a thriving, resilient local ecosystem from within."

For more information, visit www.thrive-initiative.com. You can also follow the Thrive Initiative on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or on TikTok.

*Image courtesy of contributor