Thriving youth take the lead in Philippi workshop, commit to six-week GBV programme
Participants at Thrive Initiative’s Philippi workshop engage in discussions on emotional resilience and healthy relationships.
Image: Supplied
Fifty young people from Nyanga and surrounding communities took part in a groundbreaking workshop hosted by the Thrive Initiative in Philippi Village last week, with 25 committing to continue into a six-week programme aimed at preventing gender-based violence (GBV) through personal development and emotional resilience.
Held on Friday, December 5, as part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the workshop responded to widespread “GBV fatigue” among township youth. Many participants expressed frustration at traditional awareness campaigns that often leave them feeling blamed or excluded, particularly young men.
The workshop offered a human-centred approach, giving youth a space to explore the emotional and social pressures that can contribute to harmful behaviour, including stress, identity struggles, and a lack of belonging.
“We are not excusing violence. We are addressing the root causes,” said Brian Segal, founder of the Thrive Initiative. “If we want lasting change, we have to start with the human being behind the behaviour.”
Workshop attendees at Philippi Village explore personal development as a pathway to preventing gender-based violence.
Image: Supplied
The six-week follow-up programme will focus on building emotional literacy, strengthening communication skills, and fostering healthier relationships. Rather than lecturing participants on what not to do, the initiative encourages honest discussions about feelings, fears, and hopes.
The response from the community was strong: half of the participants have already committed to the extended programme, signalling a demand for practical, respectful, and youth-led interventions.
“Communities are calling for connection, respect, and real solutions,” Segal said. “Thrive is answering that call with a fresh approach to preventing violence, starting with understanding the person behind it.”
The Thrive Initiative is a South African non-profit organisation dedicated to addressing the root causes of bullying, GBV, and social disconnection through practical tools for self-regulation, empathy, and healthy communication.