Library becomes a safe green room for victims of GBV and more

The underutilised library at Garlandale High School in Athlone will be unveiled as the Garlandale Safe Space or Green Room where learners can seek help for trauma, GBV and mental health issues.

If everything goes according to plan, the Green Room will be unveiled on Saturday 27 July as a symbol of healing, resilience and hope for generations of Garlandale High School learners to come.

This project was initiated by the Garlandale High School Alumni Association and the class of 89 and with other former learners also involved. The class of 91 took over the project and hopes to complete it to meet the handover deadline.

“Starting with zero funds, former learners have either raised funds, contributed financially or sacrificed of their time to literally roll up their sleeves and assist in transforming the venue since late 2019.

“With the increasing number of learners seeking help for trauma, grief, depression, suicidal thoughts, GBV-related incidents and abuse, the school had not one dedicated space for counselling. External counsellors were being called in almost daily, but had to operate out of the sickbay, which is not a private space and they were constantly interrupted. The Green Room is now a calm, dignified space that gives learners the privacy, safety and support they deserve,” says Selvyn Theron, spokesperson of the project.

They were incredibly blessed both financially and with material support for the project, not only from alma mater of the school but also others.

“Financial contributions came from Pathagon Environmental Solutions 1, Juta and Company, Cherry Century City, Argon Steel, JBH Industrial, Build It, Gamiro Investments, Jerro Electrical, Munro Trading and Vernon’s Welding Works.

“Gifts in kind include two whiteboards donated by Pinelands North Primary School, an ottoman donated by the Baxter Theatre and various items from individuals. We still need a water cooler, Trellidoor safety gate and a wifi extender,” he says.

With a limited budget some of their challenges included sourcing quality materials and furnishings, despite the overwhelming support.

“The Green Room is a direct response to the emotional and psychological challenges faced by many learners. These challenges include the impact of gender-base violence, domestic trauma, sexual abuse and mental health struggles. By creating a dedicated space, we’re removing the stigma around asking for help and ensuring that learners have confidential access to counsellors and social workers,” he says.

The project commenced in November 2019 and stalled for 18 months due to the Covid pandemic. It was restarted shortly after the GHS Alumni Association was established in November 2021.

“The school celebrates its 42nd year and in late 2019 Dawn Crowie, who was the principal at the time, engaged with representatives from the class of ’89 with the need to create a safe space. In the interim, members of the class of ’91 had a meeting with the deputy principal, Bradley Koen, Tarryn Prince, one of the counsellors, and Francis Hill, the on-call psychologist for the school assigned to her, to take over the project to be completed on or before the handover. Hill is called in when there is a serious matter, such as rape etc, to guide the process and assist the learner who is experiencing the trauma. She also assisted with discussions on strategic requirements for the Green Room,” Theron says.

“We would like the Green Room to be a place of peace, healing and hope – where learners can find strength during difficult times, and where every individual feels seen without judgement, heard with compassion and supported with dignity. We also hope this space is a space where voices matter, emotions are safe and journeys toward wholeness can begin. Our next project is to upgrade the girls’ toilet, which will bring its own list of what is needed,” he says.

At the handover they expect the principal, teaching and counselling staff, learner support personnel and social workers, former learners involved in the project, Crowie, Manco of the GHS Alumni Association and the SGB chair to be present.
For more information or donations, contact Theron on 078 233 3386.