The impact of dialogue circles on TVET campuses
Why this is important...
Our country is one of the most diverse and culturally rich nations in the world. While this is often celebrated, cultural traditions and history can bring up social challenges which often present divided opinions, biases, and limiting perspectives. Dialogue circles give us a chance to have a conversation with each other, to express ourselves in a safe space, without judgement. When these dialogue circles are facilitated by a skilled social worker, participants find support, healing and sometimes even closure on something they have been carrying.
Dialogue circles create opportunities for understanding and learning. We listen to individual perspectives. We build connections with our peers – often which turn into friendships.
The 100-Day teams that have focused on increasing reporting of GBVF incidents, often find that dialogue circles are an effective mechanism to achieve this. Especially with men, who are often conditioned by ‘societal norms’, feel that they need to put on a brave face and deal with their trauma personally. Involving men dissolves the stigma around GBV and abuse and encourages them to open up, report and seek support.
Led by a dedicated Team of educators, social workers, and community leaders, the Taletso TVET College team took on their 100-Day Challenge to create more safe spaces on campus and to host dialogue sessions on different GBV topics. The aim was not just to address the symptoms but to delve deep into the root causes of GBV, looking for a lasting solution that would transform the college environment.
The result: Taletso TVET College created safe spaces and hosted GBVF focused dialogue sessions on three campuses; Mafikeng, Lehurutshe, and Lichtenberg.
Let’s look at how the team achieved this:
Inviting in multiple perspectives from different stakeholders
One of the key lessons learned early on was the power of stakeholder participation and collaboration. As the team reached out to community organisations, government agencies, and local leaders, they found a wealth of support and expertise waiting to be tapped. With each new partnership forged, their efforts gained momentum, and the team’s confidence grew with an expanded network that bought into the idea and value of these dialogue sessions.
Particular focus was placed on male students to address and mitigate the causal factors contributing to GBV in our campus environment, and to destigmatize the male vulnerability and victimisation.
Dealing with limited resources and competing tasks
The team’s 100-Day Challenge was not without its obstacles. Limited resources and competing commitments threatened to derail the team’s momentum. Social workers, tasked with addressing a myriad of social issues, struggled to allocate sufficient time to GBVF-related concerns. Yet, through perseverance and creative problem-solving, the team found ways to overcome these challenges, leveraging their expanded network to fill in the gaps and keep the momentum going.
A safe environment encourages reporting
Tshwane South TVET College has made remarkable strides in their 100 Days Challenge, successfully launching workshops on GBV and substance abuse at both the Pretoria West and Centurion campuses. These workshops, held simultaneously, are creating a significant impact by addressing these two issues together, which are commonly faced by students.
With active participation from stakeholders such as SAPS, the Department of Social Development, SANCA, pastors, and GBV survivors who shared their stories as motivational speakers, the workshops provided a safe and supportive environment for students. NGOs specializing in GBV and substance abuse also contributed, offering their expertise and resources.
Encouragingly, six students from the two campuses have come forward to seek assistance for past experiences with GBV, particularly incidents of rape. This reflects the new culture that has been created on campus as a result of the workshops.
A focus on sustainability
Teams recognized that true change could not be achieved through short-term solutions but required a long-term commitment to nurturing a culture of respect and equality. Regular visits from social workers ensured that safe spaces remained a cornerstone of campus life, providing ongoing support and guidance to those in need.
Equally important was the maintenance of relationships built with external stakeholders, such as the Commission of Gender Equality or Ambassadors 4 Change. These partnerships served as pillars of support, helping to amplify the team’s message and reach even greater audiences.
Towards the end of the 100-Day Challenge, the team found themselves not at the end of a journey but at the beginning of a new chapter. With newfound knowledge and a strengthened network, they vowed to continue their efforts, engaging learners through dialogues, support groups, and prevention campaigns.