EMPOWERING FOSTER PARENTS: “I CHOOSE TO BE A RESPONSIBLE PARENT” WORKSHOP TRANSFORMS FAMILIES

By Madali Chibambu

• Foster parents in Soweto gathered at the Protea Glen office for the “I CHOOSE to be a Responsible Parent” workshop, hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
• The workshop aimed to equip foster parents with essential parenting skills, promoting stronger family structures and improving the well-being of both parents and children.
• The event focused on addressing the unique challenges of fostering, including communication issues and behavioural difficulties, while offering a judgement-free space for parents to share experiences and find practical solutions.

Foster parents in Soweto recently gathered at the Protea Glen office for the “I CHOOSE to be a Responsible Parent” workshop, hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development. The workshop was designed to equip foster parents with essential parenting skills, aiming to strengthen family structures and improve the well-being of both parents and children.

“This programme nurtures family life and a stable home environment,” said Brenda Maluleke, a social worker from the Protea Glen office. “It empowers family members to guide children towards responsible adulthood.”

Pule Moeketsi from the Valued Citizens Initiative engaged parents in discussions on the unique challenges of raising foster children. Parents raised concerns about children who struggle with communication or exhibit disrespectful behaviour, seeking guidance on how to create a more supportive and loving environment. According to Moeketsi, the workshop is a judgement-free space where parents can learn from one another and find practical solutions to parenting challenges. The Valued Citizens Initiative focuses on creating schools and communities where everyone—children, parents, and educators—feels a sense of pride and belonging.

Maluleke emphasised that through this programme, parents would gain valuable insights into family dynamics, learn to cultivate healthy relationships, and develop the tools needed to guide their children with compassion and love. The workshop also covered parenting styles and strategies to address misconduct through effective communication.

Lettie Maseko (not her real name), a foster parent facing challenges with a misbehaving child, expressed relief after the workshop. “I used to underestimate government workshops, but today I leave with a positive testimony to share with my neighbour,” she said.