Fathers Matter and Healing Touch for ECDS: A Day of Learning, Healing and Empowerment at Lehae Township Secondary School

12 September 2026 | Lehae Township, Johannesburg, South Africa

Empowering Women. Protecting Children. Building Futures.

The Power of Women and Children International (PoWC) is delighted to share the success of the Fathers Matter and Healing Touch for ECDs Workshop, held on Saturday, 12 September 2026, at Lehae Township Secondary School.

The workshop brought together Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners and teachers for a meaningful day of learning, reflection, practical engagement and empowerment. Through the combined focus on positive fatherhood, emotional well-being and nurturing relationships, participants were reminded of the vital role that families, educators and communities play in raising happy, healthy and resilient children.

The programme was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when organisations and individuals come together with a shared commitment to the well-being of women and children.

FATHERS MATTER: BUILDING POSITIVE AND PRESENT FATHERHOOD

The workshop began with the Fathers Matter programme, presented by Rev. Seth Naicker from Heartlines.

The session opened with an engaging icebreaker, setting a welcoming and interactive tone for the day. Participants were encouraged to reflect on the importance of fathers being active, positive and present in the lives of their children.

The discussions highlighted that fatherhood is not only about providing financially, but also about being emotionally available, caring, supportive and involved in the daily lives of children.

Key lessons from the Fathers Matter session

Participants explored several important themes, including:

1. Active, positive and present fatherhood

Fathers were encouraged to take an active role in the upbringing, emotional well-being and development of their children. Being present, listening and offering support are essential aspects of responsible fatherhood.

2. The importance of shared responsibility

The session emphasised that caring for children is a responsibility that can be shared by both mothers and fathers. Both parents have an important role to play in creating a loving, supportive and nurturing environment.

3. Understanding the absence of fathers

The discussion recognised that unemployment and other social and economic challenges can contribute to the absence of fathers in children’s lives. These challenges require compassion, understanding and constructive community support.

4. Respecting our differences

Participants were encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives with respect, recognising that families and communities may face different circumstances.

5. Involving fathers in ECD programmes

One of the important recommendations was the need to involve fathers more often in ECD meetings and activities. Stronger engagement between fathers, teachers and ECD practitioners can help build better support systems for children.

Opportunities for further training

ECD members who have not yet participated in the Fathers Matter training were encouraged to communicate with Uncle Tom Fikiri regarding opportunities for future training.

Heartlines continues to play an important role in promoting positive values, family engagement and the well-being of children through its programmes and partnerships.

HEALING TOUCH FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT: SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE WHO CARE FOR CHILDREN

Following the Fathers Matter session, the programme continued with the Healing Touch for Early Childhood Development (ECD) Support presentation, led by Mary Frost from the United States of America.

Before the presentation began, ECD members shared a song, creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere for the next session.

Mary Frost then guided participants through an introduction to Healing Touch and its potential application in supporting relaxation, emotional well-being and nurturing relationships in early childhood settings.

Understanding healing and touch

The presentation explored the meaning of healing and touch, encouraging ECD practitioners to think about the importance of creating calm, caring and supportive environments for young children.

Participants were introduced to the wider work of Healing Touch International, including its training opportunities in the United States and around the world.

The session highlighted the value of continued learning and professional development for those working with young children.

Helping children to relax

One of the important lessons from the presentation was the role of relaxation and coaching in supporting children.

ECD practitioners were encouraged to consider how they can help young learners to relax, feel comfortable and develop positive emotional experiences in the classroom.

The discussion reinforced the importance of patience, compassion and attentive care when working with young children.

Introducing Brushing and Field Repatterning

Mary introduced participants to a new learning approach referred to as Brushing or Field Repatterning, which was presented as an activity that ECD teachers could learn and explore with children.

The session encouraged practitioners to expand their understanding of supportive activities that may promote calmness, relaxation and well-being.

Practical learning: The Scudder Technique

The workshop also included a practical demonstration of the Scudder Technique.

ECD members participated in the practical exercise, allowing them to relate the learning to their own experiences and consider how the activities could be incorporated into appropriate child-support settings.

The practical component added an important dimension to the presentation, giving participants an opportunity to engage with the subject beyond theory.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mary Frost for sharing her knowledge, time and experience with our ECD practitioners.

Her contribution made the Healing Touch session a valuable part of the workshop.

WOMEN AND MEN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMES

The workshop also introduced participants to opportunities for further empowerment through programmes offered by Heartlines.

The discussion highlighted the importance of continued training for both women and men, particularly in areas relating to parenting, family relationships and the well-being of children.

ECD members who have not yet completed training were encouraged to contact Uncle Tom Fikiri for information about the next available opportunities.

Parenting support for mothers and fathers

Participants were also informed about a WhatsApp support service available to parents seeking assistance with raising children and other related matters.

Parents can send “Hi” on WhatsApp to: 060 058 2107

This provides a simple way for parents to seek information and assistance relating to parenting and child well-being.

A TEAM EFFORT: THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

The success of the Fathers Matter and Healing Touch for ECDs Workshop was made possible through the collective efforts of our partners, facilitators, supporters and the ECD practitioners who participated.

This was not the work of one organisation alone. It was a demonstration of teamwork, shared responsibility and a common commitment to empowering those who care for children.

Special appreciation to Mary Frost and MIRAGLO Foundation – USA

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Mary Frost from the USA for facilitating the Healing Touch session and sharing her knowledge with our ECD practitioners.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the MIRAGLO Foundation – USA for its partnership and support in making this important learning opportunity possible.

Your contribution has helped strengthen our commitment to promoting healing, caring relationships and the holistic development of young children.

Heartfelt thanks to all our partners

We extend our sincere gratitude to all the organisations that have supported the work of The Power of Women and Children International:

Heartlines – South Africa, for the Fathers Matter programme and its commitment to strengthening families and positive fatherhood.
Healing Beyond Borders – USA, for its connection to Healing Touch education and its contribution to the wider vision of healing and well-being.
MIRAGLO Foundation – USA, for its partnership and support.
Indi-Africa, for its commitment to collaboration and people-to-people engagement between India and Africa.
We Will Speak Out South Africa, for its work in promoting communities free from gender-based violence.
Faith Action to End Gender-Based Violence – South Africa, for its commitment to faith-based action and community empowerment.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation – South Africa, for its continued work in promoting justice, equality and a better society.
The Angel Network – South Africa, for its commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and children.
Adventist AIDS International Ministry – USA, for its humanitarian and community-focused work.
All other partners, supporters and friends who continue to contribute to the vision and mission of PoWC.

Together, we are building stronger communities where women are empowered, children are protected and families are supported.

THANK YOU TO DIMITRI FOR CATERING

A special word of appreciation goes to Dimitri, who generously supplied the catering for the Fathers Matter and Healing Touch for ECDs Workshop.

Your contribution helped make the day more comfortable and welcoming for all participants.

We thank you for your kindness, generosity and support of this important initiative.

THANK YOU TO OUR ECD PRACTITIONERS AND TEACHERS

To all the ECD practitioners and teachers who attended the workshop, we say thank you.

Your dedication to the care, education and development of young children is deeply appreciated.

You are the people who work every day to create learning environments where children can grow, discover, play, learn and develop.

Your willingness to attend training, share experiences and embrace new learning demonstrates your commitment to improving the lives of the children you serve.

We encourage all participants to continue applying the lessons learned from the workshop in their respective ECD centres and communities.

LOOKING AHEAD: CONTINUING THE JOURNEY

The Healing Touch for ECDs Workshop was an important step in strengthening the capacity of ECD practitioners and promoting the well-being of children.

The discussions on positive fatherhood, emotional support, relaxation, caring relationships and empowerment reminded us that raising children is a shared responsibility.

At The Power of Women and Children International, we believe that when we invest in the people who care for children, we invest in the future of our communities.

We look forward to continued collaboration with our partners, further training opportunities and more programmes that empower women, engage men and protect children.

CONCLUSION

The Fathers Matter and Healing Touch for ECDs Workshop at Lehae Township Secondary School was a meaningful and empowering gathering.

From the engaging Fathers Matter session with Rev. Seth Naicker, to the Healing Touch presentation and practical learning led by Mary Frost, participants gained valuable insights into positive parenting, emotional well-being and nurturing relationships.

The success of the workshop is a reminder that partnerships, learning and compassion can make a lasting difference in the lives of children.

We thank everyone who played a role in making the day possible and look forward to building on this success.