Together we can make a difference
We believe that every child deserves to be supported at their point of need, whether in learning, emotional wellbeing, or access to services that enable them to become their best selves.
Our Vision and Mission
VISION
To raise children who know we see them, hear them and that they matter. For children whose tomorrow is awesome.
MISSION
To provide integrative and holistic psychological interventions to school learners with a specific focus on emotional, social, learning and psychological needs. We strive to give the children a voice and a platform to be seen, heard and listened to, a shoulder to stand upon and reach out towards their amazing and fulfilling tomorrow that they deserve.
About Us
We are a non-profit company dedicated to providing accessible and sustainable mental wellness services to children and adolescents from disadvantaged communities. We believe that every child deserves to be supported at their point of need, whether in learning, emotional wellbeing, or access to services that enable them to become their best selves.
We do this by adopting an integrative approach to psychological intervention, thoughtfully blending therapeutic techniques, educational support, and life skills development to address the unique needs of each child and family.
Overview
The need for psychological support in South Africa is urgent. Public schools face an overwhelming shortage of psychologists, with ratios often exceeding one professional for thousands of learners. This gap leaves countless children struggling with unaddressed learning difficulties, trauma, anxiety, and behavioural challenges. Without intervention, these barriers significantly affect not only academic performance, but also long-term wellbeing and future opportunities.
The “I AM A CHIILD” initiative is a compassionate response to the pressing need for accessible psychological services among school-going children, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Children today face a myriad of mental and social struggles, ranging from anxiety, depression, and peer pressure to academic challenges and unstable home environments. These can profoundly impact their development and well-being. Recognizing these critical issues, our initiative seeks to provide a comprehensive suite of services, including therapy and counselling, learning support, a life skills and guidance program tailored for teenage boys, and parenting guidance and training groups. By offering these mental health services at a reduced rate, we aim to break down financial barriers, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Through this proposal, we aspire to empower vulnerable young minds and strengthen families, fostering resilient communities for the future.
Our Goals and Objectives
1. Enhance Learner Well-Being
Provide psychosocial support to help learners navigate emotional, social, and psychological challenges, fostering resilience and overall well-being.
2. Improve Academic & Personal Development
Support learners in overcoming learning barriers, boosting self-esteem, decision-making skills, and motivation, ultimately enhancing their school performance and personal growth.
3. Expand Access to Mental Health Support
Bridge the gap in mental health services by offering accessible and affordable support to learners in disadvantaged communities, ensuring no child is left behind.
4. Individual and Group Counseling
To provide individual and group counseling services for learners struggling with emotional, social, and academic difficulties.
5. Developing Coping Skills
To equip learners with coping skills, confidence, and problem-solving abilities to manage stress, anxiety, and self-esteem issues.
6. Working Together
To collaborate with schools, parents, and educators to create a holistic support system that nurtures learners’ psychological and academic success
ABOUT THE FOUNDERS
Laurate Gumbo
Laurate is the co-founder and facilitator of “I Am a Chiild” Mental Wellness Services and Programs. As an Educational Psychologist, she is deeply passionate about the mental well-being of young people, recognizing both the critical psychological needs they face and the gap in accessible, child-focused mental health services.
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With more than 10 years of experience in the South African education system, she has gained first-hand insight into the challenges that children and adolescents encounter daily. Laurate has successfully initiated and spearheaded a school wellness department, advocating for mental health awareness and creating safe spaces for young people to navigate their emotions and personal growth. She is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children and adolescents can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and gain the tools necessary for lifelong mental wellness. Her tailor-made interventions empower young people to express themselves freely, build self-awareness, and develop the confidence to navigate life’s challenges.
Through her work, Laurate continues to champion accessible, child-centered mental health support, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
Margeaux Groenewald
Margeaux is the co-founder and facilitator of “I Am a Chiild” Mental Wellness Services and Programs. Margeaux is an Educational Psychologist with a deep commitment to creating opportunities for children to grow, thrive, and access the support they deserve. With over 18 years of experience in psychological assessment and a background in child and adolescent therapy, she brings both expertise and empathy to her work with children and families.
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Her practice is grounded in a client-centred approach, drawing on Psychodynamic, Attachment and Cognitive Behavioural principles to provide a safe and supportive space for children to explore, learn, and develop. Margeaux has a particular passion for addressing barriers to learning, helping children not only understand their challenges but also discover their strengths and potential.
Alongside her private practice, she is actively involved in community-based work, contributing her skills weekly to the Johannesburg Parent & Child Counselling Centre. Her dedication to bridging the gap in access to psychological services for underprivileged children is at the heart of this non-profit initiative.
Margeaux believes that every child has the right to feel seen, supported, and empowered to claim their place in the world and she is committed to making that vision a reality through both professional expertise and compassionate care.
Flint Ndambakuwa
Flint is the co-founder and facilitator of “I Am a Chiild” Mental Wellness Services and Programs. Flint’s passion and commitment lies in mobilizing resources and building networks that bring together initiatives aimed at creating safe, supportive, and empowering environments for young people.
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He is an experienced Educator with over 15 years in the South African Education system, most of these years have been dedicated to working with children in underserved communities. He has served as a mentor for young teachers in training, supporting their academic growth, in-service training, and professional development. Flint has experience in being a liaison officer between external stakeholders, the donor community, schools, and parents. He strives to foster positive relations among teachers, support staff and parents for the benefit of children and their wellbeing. Flint’s active involvement in community development initiatives, focused on capacity building for school learners enables him to work collaboratively with other stakeholders to create an environment for children to thrive and explore their potential.
Flint advocates for each child to be met at their point of need, ensuring access to appropriate interventions and is committed to advancing education, strengthening community partnerships, and promoting holistic learner wellbeing and development.
OUR APPROACH
The “I Am a Chiild” initiative adopts an integrative approach to psychological intervention, thoughtfully blending therapeutic techniques, educational support, and life skills development to address the unique needs of each child and family. Our approach is firmly based on the belief that healing and resilience are powerful, attainable outcomes when children receive the emotional and mental support they require. We strive to create a safe, nurturing space where young individuals can freely explore their emotions, process their challenges, and navigate a path forward with confidence and clarity. By combining evidence-based counselling, tailored learning support, and guidance programs, we empower children to overcome adversity, build inner strength, and unlock their potential, while equipping parents with the tools to foster a supportive home environment.
OUR PROGRAMMES
1. Safe Haven program (Therapy/counseling program)
Our program provides individualized support to help clients develop emotional regulation, social skills, and coping strategies tailored to their unique needs. We use integrative evidence-based approaches, including cognitive-behavioural techniques, trauma informed techniques, and play therapy, to foster personal growth and positive behavioural change. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can build confidence, improve relationships, and enhance overall well-being. This program is divided into two, which are the individual (one on one) sessions and group sessions (capped at 6 children).
2. True North: Navigating Manhood Program (Life skills/ guidance program)
The purpose of this program is to guide teenage boys (13 -18 years) toward self-discovery, emotional resilience, and authentic masculinity by providing a safe space for open conversations, self-reflection, and personal growth. True North empowers young men to navigate life’s challenges with confidence, integrity, and emotional intelligence.
3. Word Explorers program (Learning Support program)
The program aims to make reading accessible and enjoyable for all learners by using engaging activities, boosting self-esteem, and enhancing communication skills in a supportive environment.
4. Guiding Hands Circle (Parenting work)
The program aims to create a nurturing and supportive environment where caregivers, parents, and teachers receive counselling, training, and guidance to promote the well-being and success of children and adolescents at home and in school.
5. Insight pathways: Psychological Assessments for growth
The program provides standardized evaluations used to understand an individual’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning. Psychoeducational assessments focus on identifying learning disabilities, intellectual abilities, and academic strengths and weaknesses. These assessments help create personalized learning plans, secure school accommodations, and improve academic success. Career assessments evaluate interests, skills, personality traits, and cognitive abilities to guide children toward suitable career paths based on their strengths and preferences. These assessments empower children by boosting self-awareness, fostering confidence, and ensuring they receive the right support to maximize their potential in school and future careers.
Support us
We are in the early stages of building I Am A Chiild, and every bit of support helps us grow our impact. If you would like to walk this journey with us — whether through a donation, becoming a funder, or partnering with us — we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us at info@iamachiild.co.za.
Our Current Wish List
Each item on our wish list helps us bring care, learning, and connection to the children and families we serve. From art supplies to therapy tools, your contribution makes a real difference.
To keep our wish list current, we’ve created a live Google Sheet that’s updated regularly as our needs change.
call
- 071 748 4467
- 084 528 5596
- 079 778 8459
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