In 2017 CRS worked with a South Africa-based non-profit organization to update several guides within its "Journey of Life" curriculum of workshops. The series is designed for communities wishing to support children in need and their caregivers. CRS collaborated with REPSSI on the facilitator training guide and community implementation guide, as well as the guides on protecting children from trafficking and abuse. REPSSI is a non-profit organization that addresses the social and emotional impact of poverty, conflict, HIV and AIDS among children and youth in East and Southern Africa.
With individual and community resources often stretched to the breaking point by war, violence, natural disasters, HIV and AIDS, people need the information and skills to be able to plan a course of action. Using picture codes, personal testimonies and role plays, the workshops stimulate reflection, dialogue and action among participants. By taking them through their own life journey they are better able to understand the problems facing children in their care and in their community. Pictures and posters, a core feature of the resource, are designed to facilitate dialogue. Resource mapping and action plans provide communities with an opportunity to identify their capacities and begin to act on their collective responsibility towards these children.
