On the 20th February 2018, we celebrate the work of our South African sister charity as they mark the World Day of Social Justice
Khulisa is a UK charity that specialises in preventing and reducing crime by addressing the emotional barriers to a person’s sense of belonging in their community. Our programmes were originally designed and developed in post-apartheid South African communities, and were successful at reducing conflict and promoting social cohesion in some of the most violent communities in the world. Having worked in the UK for 10 years, we’re taking the World Day of Social Justice, as an opportunity to remember our heritage and celebrate the work of Khulisa Social Solutions
World Day of Social Justice in South Africa
On the morning of 20 February 2018, World Day of Social Justice, Khulisa Social Solutions will mark the launch of their new international partnership with Professor Thuli Madonsela (founder of the Thuli Madonsela Foundation) through a collaborative community event titled ‘Walk in My Shoes’. This event will recognise the first day of an international programme to promote social justice across the world. Hosted at The Women’s Jail at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, the event will focus on interactive storytelling and provide a platform for socially excluded people to be heard and to share their experiences.
‘Without inclusiveness, social justice and participation in any democracy, peace is an illusion. South Africa’s democracy, development and peace rely on our young leaders. We need to find a way to engage them and I hope to help create space and a platform in which to do so.’ Professor Thuli Madonsela
Following launch on the 20th February, Khulisa Social Solutions will scale their new educational programme across the country, of which storytelling is the central activity which helps young people to explore their experiences of trauma. The programme is designed to support marginalised young people and adults, helping them to tell their story and in doing so, re-engage with lost dreams or hopes they may have for a more positive future.
Given Professor Thuli Madonsela’s experience as the former South African Public Protector (2009-2016), she understands the need for the public, private and third sectors to work together in order to ensure young people’s voices are heard. With her support, the partnership will call upon citizens, government, businesses and like-minded organisations to provide resources, incentives and information that places social justice and the needs of individuals, at the centre of decision making and policy reform.
Storytelling remains an important part of Khulisa’s programmes in the UK
We support young people to explore the root causes of their violent behaviour by identifying behavioural patterns and by identifying their triggers to violence. All of our programmes are delivered in groups where young people share their experiences with others and learn how to communicate their feelings in more positive ways.
On the 7th November 2017, Khulisa also held an event at the Mercers’ Hall in Central London called ‘Look Beyond the Label’. The event brought together more than 120 guests from across the private, public and third sector and guests heard from ex-prisoners bravely share their experiences of the criminal justice system. It is only through listening to these experiences that people will begin to #SeeThePerson and to understand the truth behind how and why a person becomes involved in crime. You can read more about our event and see videos from the evening, here.
On the World Day of Social Justice, Khulisa supports everyone in pursuit of a fairer, more just society. The way we support and care for prisoners in our prison systems, for children excluded from schools or for vulnerable adults in the community, should reflect the values of tolerant, compassionate and equal society.
"The power of storytelling in our society can never be underestimated. It empowers, educates, entertains and most importantly it heals. Its ‘reach’ as a technique is extraordinary – all are touched, drawn in and invited to respond." Khulisa Social Solutions