The Belongingness Project developed in response to a need to find meaningful, relevant and pro-active ways of responding to some of the bigger questions and stories at the school: how to work with societal ideas of ‘the other”, including specific questions on how to address for example, Diversity, Transformation, Discipline, Bullying, Ableism, Success… from a Narrativ Practice orientation.

Because we work in an ever-changing society, and a school reflects this society, the development of this exciting project is of necessity an ongoing initiative and conversation at the school. Not a week goes by where a new question does not pop up for the school to find wisdom on and to respond to. Linda van Duuren ( School Counsellor and Narrative Practitioner) and Kim van der Hoven (Director of Forres) engage in regular development work on what has now become known as The Belongingness Project.

To date there are a number of programs that have been developed and are integrated into the Life Orientation programs at the school that offer a Narrative Practice response to these questions. Engaging the support of her dynamic teachers and support team, Kim works thoughtfully and tirelessly, hoping to ensure that no child, family or member of staff should experience that terrible sense of un-belongingness in this vibrant school community.

Cape Town Narrative Co-Op 2018