Report on the Healing of Memories Weekend Workshop -10 to 12 October 2008

Each year we send 20-30 Educare Practioners on this workshop and it proves to be life-changing for everyone who attends. According to its vision statement, the Institute for the Healing of Memories “seeks to contribute to the healing journey of individuals, communities and nations.” This work is done through workshops, seminars and talks and through developing processes for dealing with negative emotions and leading to reconciliation. This website provides an overview of the Institute’s work.
http://www.healingofmemories.co.za/

This report is written by Mongezi Mngese of the Institute who was the main facilitator on the weekend.
“I trust that the events of the last two months in our beloved country will remain the story of the past. We can only draw lessons from those events, but not to repeat them. I am referring to our political scenario in our landscape. It is difficult to measure our progress in what we are doing when there is so much intolerance amongst the leaders in South Africa. It is clear that we are carrying a lot of baggage from our painful past and the only way we can manage the current situation is to deal with our selves, as individuals.
Having said that, we have to create some spaces for all to share their emotions and feelings. This can only work to our advantage as it will lessen the tensions that are present at the moment. Talking of outstanding issues amongst our leaders, there are structures that are catering for our children and Sikhula Sonke in Khayelitsha is one of them. We are grateful that those women at Sikhula Sonke are given an opportunity to take care of themselves. IHOM create a space for them. Looking after our children, they are confronted by all the challenges that are facing our society. This is what we refer to as a multiple wounded-ness. For those women to give love to our children they themselves need care and we are providing that at least.
These are some of the comments written by the women at the end of the weekend:
• I feel relieved as a result of today‘s celebration. I am lighter than I was when I came on Friday.
• Friday was very tough and painful for me. The story telling was a highlight – knowing that I am not alone was such a relief to me.
• I am now filled with extreme excitement, happiness and love in my heart.
• I am happy and have a power to press on.
• Yes, I was looking forward to this workshop, got excited when it started, but later on I was emotionally touched – the stories moved me so much.
• What a celebration. I enjoyed every moment of it.
• I am different than I was on Friday. This is because I shared my story.
• I was very angry and now am a different person.
• Okay, there is much difference in me. I managed to let off some of my baggage. Other participants assisted me to map my own path and they encouraged me.
• I have shared as much as I can and now feel much lighter
• I know that I was born for success, but lately things were not going that well for me. This workshop had revived me – I know exactly what went wrong and what I have to do to correct that.
• I am feeling better now. When I arrived here I was so stressed, angry, confused and anxious. Now I am feeling relieved and refreshed.
• Many thanks to the organisers for the manner they treated us.
• The workshop was so enriching and fruitful. Our facilitators were amazing.
• The workshop was so great and I wish that these workshops could reach all our teachers and our children’s parents.
• I felt at home, I even managed to share some of my deep issues which I have never shared with anyone.
• The workshop is still transforming my mind... hoping to take a step at a time.
• I am born again. I am happy that I decided to attend this workshop and the devil will be no match to me anymore. Thank you to IHOM we were treated very well.
• The facilitators must go on with the good work.

One of the participants expressed her gratitude that Sikhula Sonke gave them an opportunity to attend and participate in this workshop. She mentioned that the timing this year was even better as most women are about to prepare for the end of the year functions for their preschools. We in IHOM are happy to have these workshops with the mothers of our nation. Many thanks to you, Wendy in particular, and your team, for affording the mamas this space. Bra Daiz! I do not know how you do it but, YOU ARE A STAR. Good Luck!”