PLAY. LEARN.
GROW TOGETHER.
We are a social program of Adopt-a-Village, founded to create a conducive and supportive environment for school children navigating life’s challenges in the Eastern Free State.
Understanding the Challenge, Inspiring Change.
Mental health is central to a child’s entire life. In the Free State, communities like Harrismith and Qwa Qwa have become the embodiment of a broken community, leading to deep wounds that rob children of a rewarding life. The challenges demand immediate attention:
- A staggering 9% of all teenage deaths in South Africa are due to suicide, a number that is alarmingly on the rise.
- Bullying, depression, and anxiety have a devastating link to the high rates of suicide seen in South African schools in 2023.
- Panic attacks and anxiety disorders can severely impact a child's quality of life and ability to learn.
Our vision
- To be a silent yet powerful force that creates and delivers positive, sustainable socio-economic well-being to school children suffering from mental health issues in the Eastern Free State.
- To champion the awareness of mental health among school children as a core and non-negotiable value.
- To foster a sense of responsibility, achievement, and self-confidence through active participation in sports, arts, cultural exchange, community upliftment, and responsible tourism.
Nurturing Growth, Building Resilience
Like a Banyan Tree that germinates in the cracks of a host tree, Kingdom Child provides the foundation for growth. We were founded in 2019 as a social program of Adopt-a-Village to combat the fragmented implementation of mental health programs in our schools.
Our mission is to create a supportive environment where children can develop the capacity to navigate life’s challenges. We achieve this through a holistic model that integrates:
- Sports & Recreation: To instill healthy habits and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
- Drama Therapy: To help children process experiences and build self-confidence.
- Responsible Tourism: To foster new problem-solving skills and a renewed sense of purpose.
Our Program Approach is twofold
Our approach to fostering mental well-being and personal growth is twofold, combining targeted school-based initiatives with broader community engagement.
School-Based Awareness and Education
- Our school-based approach focuses on creating widespread awareness of mental health among children. We conduct impactful awareness campaigns and use methods like Drama Therapy to help children develop the sustainable capacity to navigate life's challenges and equip them with new problem-solving skills.
Community Engagement and Outreach
- Through community engagement, we encourage active participation in activities designed to foster personal growth and a sense of achievement. Children take part in community upliftment projects such as tree planting and cleaning their school premises. These activities, often conducted in therapeutic environments like our camping sites , are designed to instill a sense of responsibility and self-confidence.
Creating a Foundation for Growth
At Kingdom Child Foundation, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the challenges they face. Our mission is to create a conducive and supportive environment for school children, empowering them with the sustainable capacity and ability to navigate life’s challenges that could otherwise impede their educational journey.
We understand that a child’s path to success isn’t just about textbooks; it’s about building resilience, developing essential life skills, and having a safety net when difficulties arise. Many children in our communities encounter obstacles that can derail their education – from socio-economic pressures and lack of resources to emotional and social hurdles.
Our approach is holistic, focusing on nurturing not just their academic potential but their overall well-being.
Healing in Our Community
Our current efforts are focused on making a deep and lasting impact at Vulindlela Primary School in Harrismith and with the children of Leratong Village in Qwa Qwa. Our activities at Tsebela Primary School include:
Conservation & Nature
Community Upliftment
We organize monthly sports activities and run a monthly Soup Kitchen, providing a supportive routine, reducing social isolation, and addressing crucial nutritional needs.
Responsible Tourism Practices
Stargazing through our Astro-tourism can boost mental health by providing mindfulness, reducing stress and fostering a sense of Awe and connection to something bigger than oneself.
The act of observing the night sky can quiet the mind, allowing for a break from daily worries and promoting a sense of inner peace
Harnessing Nature for Mental Wellness
A core component of our methodology is using Astro-Tourism and natural resources as a powerful tool for healing.
We are developing Leratong village in Monontsha Qwa Qwa in Eastern Free State into a sports camping site to provide a therapeutic and engaging environment for children.
The principle behind this is leveraging the area’s exquisite scenery and natural tourist attractions for healing activities. By immersing children in nature, we can significantly improve their mental health with proven benefits:
- The environment provides a calming effect, promotes relaxation, and helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress.
- Outdoor adventures act as a natural mood booster, serving as a stimulant for positive emotions and self-confidence.
- Stargazing can boost mental health by fostering a sense of awe and connection to something larger than oneself.
Join Us in Building a Brighter Future
Help us grant these children a chance to achieve positive academic results in an environment where they can Play, Learn, and Grow Together.
An Initiative of Adopt a Village
Kingdom Child is a social program of Adopt-a-Village, founded in 2019 as a Section 21 Non-Profit Organisation. The program was established when the members of Adopt a Village came together with a realisation that a common threat of mental health runs through their respective communities.
