Lentegeur Senior Secondary School unveils wellness hub to support pupils' well-being
The launch took place on Friday August 29 in the school hall, with teachers, pupils, and community stakeholders in attendance. Pictured are pupils and stakeholders inside the wellness hub.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Lentegeur Senior Secondary School has launched its first wellness hub, aimed at supporting pupils’ emotional and social well-being.
The launch took place on Friday, August 29, in the school hall, with teachers, pupils, and community stakeholders in attendance.
Natasha Heugh, acting principal, said the initiative, introduced by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), provides a safe space for pupils and allows organisations to conduct interventions within the school.
Lentegeur Senior Secondary School has launched its first wellness hub, aimed at supporting pupils’ emotional and social well-being on Friday August 29. Cutting the ribbon were Natasha Heugh, acting principal Lentegeur Senior Secondary School and Yolanda Custer, Social Worker, Circuit 6 from WCED.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Yolanda Custer, social worker for Circuit 6 WCED, explained that the idea originated from a visit to Beacon Hill High School’s wellness hub. “The funding came through pupils and alumni who raised money."
She said the hub was officially launched through the provincial department in March this year. “The growth of this initiative has strengthened our focus on supporting pupils. Through the hub and our stakeholders, we provide access to resources that pupils and teachers may otherwise not be able to afford. We hope this will be a place where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired,” said Ms Custer.
Aaqilah Mosavel, care and support assistant at Lentegeur Senior Secondary School, said:. “Our schools deal with social ills such as drug abuse, bunking, absenteeism, and behavioral issues. This hub aims to provide academic support, promote social well-being, and help pupils develop life skills, navigate challenges, and thrive holistically in all aspects of life,” she said.
The launch included a special performance by Bilqees Abrahams, a pupil who wrote and rendered a poem titled The Wellness Hub and New Beginnings and Opportunities.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Leonie Jacobsen, circuit manager for Metro South Circuit 6, said the hub represents a “hub of hope” in Lentegeur.
“Investing in lives is always worthwhile. This initiative reflects collaborative love and care, creating opportunities for holistic development. May this hub be a place of healing, growth, and hope for all who enter,” she said.
WCED spokesperson Millicent Merton said the idea of wellness hubs was motivated by Beacon Hill High School’s initiative, which became a case study for establishing hubs in high-risk, resource-constrained areas such as Mitchell’s Plain.
“The wellness hubs aim to increase psychosocial support and bring these services closer to our pupils. A lack of such support can become a barrier to learning, preventing pupils from accessing the curriculum and, in some cases, leading them to drop out of school. Wellness hubs are designed to ensure pupils thrive academically and help improve retention rates in the education system,” said Ms Merton.
The launch included a special performance by Bilqees Abrahams, a pupil who wrote and rendered poems titled The Wellness Hub and New Beginnings and Opportunities.
Caylin Whate, Grade 9, said, “The wellness hub is an opportunity for support and is focused on the well-being of each pupil. When we feel heard and seen, we can reach our full potential. This space will allow us to share challenges, receive comfort, and build resilience. It’s not just an investment in us, but in our community.”
Grade 10 pupil Carsten Paules said, “As young people, we face challenges such as bunking and drug use. This hub will be a safe space for us to focus on our well-being and take care from within.”