When parents lack good relations among themselves,
it is demonstrated on their children and their success in life becomes limited
as they are likely to be perpetrators of violence.
 
These are some of the issues that were
discussed during the family preservation event that was organised by the Westonaria
Service Point, in the West Rand on Thursday. The aim of the event was to
preserve family relationships and to encourage the elderly to instil positive family
values amongst the youth and young parents.
 
Speaking to the community of Venterspost,
Social Auxiliary Worker, Stephina Ndimande encouraged members of the community
to work together with social workers to address various family ills that affect
them.
 
She said, “Social workers are available
and ready to assist the community with social ills related to crime, substance
abuse, teenage pregnancy and underage drinking.”
 
One of the participants in the programme
was Intake Social Worker, Rebecca Sekhwela, who gave a presentation which
focused on the dynamics of family relationships, the challenges faced by
grandparent headed households, family values and the resources available to
assist the community to preserve families.
 
The elderly persons who attended the event
expressed their excitement as they engaged with social workers and promised
that the lessons learnt, will be used to instil positive family values in their
homes.​