Voorspoed Primary volunteers certified for facilitating silent healing sessions for children

Volunteers from Voorspoed Primary School in Hanover Park were recently awarded certificates for their dedication to an expressive sand work programme — a therapeutic initiative helping pupils process trauma through silent, creative play.

The ceremony held on Monday, November 3, at Voorspoed Primary, recognised teacher assistants who have spent ten weeks quietly guiding children as they work through their emotions using miniature figures and a sand box.

John Gosling, a Jungian analyst and psychiatrist who oversees the programme under the International Association of Expressive Sand Work (IAES), said the process draws on the child’s own inner ability to heal.

“The moment a child steps into that silent, protected space, something within begins to reorganise and restore itself,” he said. “We don’t interpret or direct — we simply witness what unfolds.”

Originally developed in Italy, expressive sand work is now offered in 15 countries worldwide. It was introduced in South Africa in 2015 at Bloemvlei Primary School and later expanded to Parkfields, Athwood, and Voorspoed primary schools.

Each 10-week cycle pairs a trained volunteer with a child identified by teachers as experiencing trauma or behavioral challenges, meeting for one hour weekly in complete silence.

Linda Bruyns, coordinator for the Hanover Park area, said the progress she has seen in children is profound.

“We’ve witnessed aggression lessen, concentration improve, and confidence return,” she said. “When a child is given safety without judgment, they begin to trust again. It’s a quiet but powerful transformation.”

Volunteer Keashia Cadman said the experience taught her patience and consistency. “We weren’t allowed to speak or interfere,” she said. “At first, my Grade 1 child wouldn’t look at me, but after a few sessions, he’d search for me at the end — that trust means everything.”

Volunteer Fatima Toffar said the programme has personal meaning.

Working with a Grade 3 pupil, she said the programme has been transformative for both her and the child. “During training, I worked on my own box, and it brought back memories — I cried a bit,” she said.

“Silence is stronger than words,” she said. “When I worked with my pupil, I realised I was her safe space for that one hour. In our community, children rarely get that chance to just be themselves.”

For more information, visit www.jungsouthernafrica.co.za