On 21 June 2019, 300 young women (and some men) came to the Soweto Theatre, in Johannesburg, South Africa, to celebrate their graduation from a five-month empowerment programme run in partnership between Creators of Peace South Africa and the City of Johannesburg. The holistic programme, now in its fifth year, focuses on health, occupational skills, rights and responsibilities, empathy and spiritual well-being. Since 2018, its ‘inner healing’ module has been provided by IofC through Creators of Peace circles.
The programme focuses on six of Johannesburg’s toughest regions. Many of those who took part suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Follow up after the Peace Circles found that over two thirds had made changes in their lives and attitudes as a result: including better parenting, reducing substance abuse, returning to school or finding work. ‘I was badly abused and lost my personal value,’ said one. ‘Today I am starting to love and accept myself as I am.’
Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of IofC and Creators of Peace, Cleo Mohlaodi said, ‘We believe that by creating platforms for all people to tell their stories, we will be able to heal the past and harness the future.’