Project: James House - Vredendal
MAMA: Kaashifa  
Started in: 2016
Partner since: 2017 
Location: Vredendal, Western Cape 
Number of children: 40 (supported by MAMAS), 300 (total)  
Special: James House works together very closely with two primary schools.

Based on the success of the B.E.S.T programme (Building Emotionally Strong Teens) in Houtbaai, James House extended this specific programme to Vredendal. In this small town in the Western Cape, the project is directed at children and teenagers with behavioural problems and their families. It focuses on children likely to derail due to their difficult home situation where poverty, abuse and violence almost always play a part. Many teenagers have dropped out of school and experiment with drugs and alcohol. Some are even involved in crime.

With B.E.S.T James House offers these children six months intensive coaching, during which they work on skills, self-confidence and a vision for the future. These youth are guided by professional youth workers and a psychologist. Elements of the programme include individual chats, group therapy, readmission to school, homework support, social skills training and monthly therapy sessions with the family.

Personal attention and professional guidance work, as has been frequently proven in recent years. The children come to realize that they can choose a different path, that there are more opportunities available than they had believed possible. Like an education or job for example. They become motivated to make something of their lives.

James House works closely together with school and at home during the whole programme. The counsellors talk to teachers at school to ensure their support is adapted to the specific child.  Support groups are set up for the parents to encourage them to take on a positive leadership role at home.