Nurturing presence and wellbeing

NWU partners with Vessels of Mercy to support community organisations

Prof Tinda Rabie recently lead a reflective session on “Nurturing of self from within: presence and self-care for body, mind and spirit” for Vessels of Mercy, one of the university’s valued community engagement partners. Tinda received the invitation to lead this session via Prof Alida Herbst, Deputy Dean of Teaching and Learning at North-West University (NWU) and specialist in Social Work and Psychosocial Health.

During the session, Prof Tinda Rabie guided participants through reflective exercises on presence and self-care, emphasizing the importance of nurturing one’s body, mind, and spirit. The session provided attendees with practical strategies to maintain wellbeing while fulfilling demanding personal and professional responsibilities, fostering resilience, and enhancing their capacity to care for others.

Vessels of Mercy is a dedicated non-profit organisation located in the North West Province, committed to supporting foster, safety, and adoptive children and their parents. The organisation addresses critical gaps in the welfare system, ensuring that every child receives the care, love, and attention they deserve.

Through their work, Vessels of Mercy empowers parents and communities to restore Respect, Compassion, and Accountability (C.A.R.E.) within families, creating nurturing and supportive environments for all children.

Part of Vessels of Mercy’s community outreach includes organising insightful sessions and workshops for other organisations. One such initiative is “Jenwil”, a complimentary program designed to offer clients additional wellbeing support beyond financial guidance. Through programs like Jenwil, Vessels of Mercy extends its holistic approach to wellbeing, serving mostly working adults who benefit from both practical and emotional support.

This collaboration between NWU and Vessels of Mercy exemplifies the power of community engagement,

where expertise in psychosocial health and reflective practice meets the real needs of families and individuals navigating challenging circumstances. By supporting parents and caregivers, Vessels of Mercy, together with partners like NWU, is making a tangible difference in the lives of children, families, and communities across South Africa.