Nature serves as the IN-School manager for adolescents and young people at Show Me Your Number, a non-profit organisation. Her role involves offering technical support to implement HIV programmes for youth aged between 10 and 24.
BY NOKO MASHILO
Nature Manala (30) is disrupting the silence in communities by introducing programmes that encourage better communication between parents and children.
These initiatives tackle various issues prevalent in dysfunctional families, such as patriarchy, sexual abuse, and households led by children, among others. Her primary goal is to promote the community’s optimal health and well-being.
Originally from GaMasemola in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, this dedicated young social worker now resides in Tlhabane kasie, Rustenburg, North West. She collaborates with the Social, Health, and Education departments to provide integrated support programmes. These efforts ensure that students receive the necessary assistance to stay in school until they complete their high school education.
Social worker Nature Manala is on a mission to help youth and communities to deal with pressing social and health issues.
Nature serves as the IN-School manager for adolescents and young people at Show Me Your Number, a non-profit organisation. Her role involves offering technical support to implement HIV programmes for youth aged between 10 and 24. She aligns her programmes with the National Strategic Plan and actively contributes to the implementation of the school health policy.
“I create awareness among parents about comprehensive sexuality education in schools, which is part of the Life Orientation Curriculum. Additionally, I manage a programme that focuses on new HIV prevention, delivering a comprehensive package of social, structural, and biomedical services aimed at reaching 80% of at-risk adolescents in schools,” explained this proactive individual.
Nature prides herself on helping teenagers like Refiloe Mokoena from Iketleetso Secondary School in Lethabong kasie.
“Refiloe was provided support as a pupil who became a teenage parent and had to navigate school and parenthood. Through the deployment of my team, Sharon Marokhu and Faith Matsimela as mental health workers and Nene Rapitsi, learner support agent, support was provided to ensure she is retained in school and develops healthy parenting skills. She is currently waiting for her Grade 12 results. This gives encouragement to our work and hope we will eventually get to zero learner pregnancies in schools since it is our main priority,” said Nature.
Refiloe said she is a teenage mother and blames herself for falling pregnant at a young age.
“I coped because Show Me Your Number has helped me accept my pregnancy and also forgive myself. The worst part is that my schoolmate used to make fun of me, and I nearly dropped out of school. Thanks to my teachers and social workers from Show Me Your Number who dedicated their time to counsel me,” she said.
She further said that she nearly destroyed her future for only one mistake. “I fell pregnant when I was 16 years old in grade 10. Through the support system I received, I managed to write matric this year, and next year I would like to study financial management and administration courses so that one day I would be able to support my son. He is my full responsibility,” said Refiloe.
Refiloe said she has learned that no one is perfect and we all make mistakes.
“We must learn from them and to all pregnant teen mothers, be strong and do not allow your peers to kill your morale and self-esteem. Learn to speak to those you trust and you will heal your emotions,” said the teen mother.
Nature’s team comprises 23 learner support agents, six care champions, three social auxiliary workers, and one social worker.
She considers her participation in the National Strategic Plan for 2023 to 2028, contributing to consultations at the provincial and national levels under the Civil Society Forum led by renowned activist Steve Letsike, as a career highlight.
Reflecting on the challenges posed by COVID-19, Nature highlighted the difficulties in supporting their beneficiaries.
“School closures meant that learners spent most of their time at home, affecting those whose safe haven is usually at school, where they also have meals,” she explained.
Another challenge arose from beneficiaries being restricted in reporting cases. “We also witnessed a high number of teen pregnancies during Covid-19, as reported by the Health department,” expressed Nature with concern.
When asked why she chose to become a social worker, Nature revealed that due to being unwell on registration day, she entrusted her sister, Kgomotso Manala, to choose a course for her. Social work was the chosen field.
“Today, I’m grateful to relieve people’s suffering, fight for social justice, and make positive changes in lives and communities. Being part of the solution to many social issues brings me immense happiness,” she said.
She also said she learned that meaningful engagement is required when you deal with the communities. “This will help one understand their needs and how to provide opportunities for them. In return I will also be encouraged to explore the strengths that will ease my assistance to them,” said Nature.
Nature’s dream is to see youth development projects in disadvantaged areas. “Our communities have a lot of talented youth that need opportunities to thrive but knowledge is limited due to lack of exposure. I am ready to share my knowledge with them. Together we can build a great nation,” said Nature.
She further said we need easily accessible healthcare centers for communities that render integrated services like social workers and psychologists. It breaks my heart to see elders and youth traveling long distances to be assisted in these services,” said Nature.
