Ukuthula Sandplay, a non-profit organization, has been providing Silent Group Sandplay (SGSP) in resource-poor communities in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, for four years. The project was initiated by Lindi Redfern after completing Sandplay research, when participants requested to continue Sandplay due to its healing benefits. Ukuthula was established as a non-profit organization to oversee and raise funds for SGSP in communities lacking therapeutic intervention.
The organization has made significant progress, providing SGSP at three group Sandplay facilities in Lidgetton, Mpophomeni, and Cedara. Each facility accommodates 5-6 Sandplayers at a time, with groups attending sessions from Monday to Friday. At full capacity, 85 Sandplayers can be accommodated simultaneously for a 6-week series of SGSP. Hundreds of children and adults have been introduced to and accommodated for a series of 6 Sandplay sessions, with about 30% of participants attending multiple series.
Ukuthula's SGSP facilitators attend personal Sandplay sessions between running group sessions, which supports their personal growth and increases their therapeutic capacity. Facilitators experience profound adversity in life but remain resilient, extending compassion to others. Professional trauma-informed volunteer mentors provide support to senior facilitators and the programme coordinator, further enhancing their skills and insights.
The organization has established partnerships with various entities, including the Community Chest-Pmb, the DG Murray Trust, and the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). Individual donors, such as Jill Brown, and organizations like the Grail Community (UK-based) and Redfern Incorporated, have also contributed to Ukuthula's efforts. These partnerships have enabled the ongoing provision of community-based therapeutic work.
Ukuthula Sandplay continues to grow, with Flamboyant School in White River, Mpumalanga, reaching out to request support in setting up an SGSP facility. This addition is exciting, as Flamboyant is a remedial school, and integrating personal inner processing support will be meaningful. The organization's work aligns with Carl Jung's observations on the importance of deeper knowing and connection to our inner selves.
Despite progress, Ukuthula Sandplay faces resource constraints, having not employed anyone full-time in four years. The team, including founding directors, senior facilitators, and the project coordinator, are reimbursed for their time and services. Revenue and funding remain constrained, and securing additional income sources is necessary for continued operation.
The organization submitted an NLC application on April 23, but the outcome is pending. Ukuthula Sandplay's work demonstrates the therapeutic benefits of Silent Group Sandplay, particularly in resource-poor communities. The project's growth and partnerships highlight the importance of collective collaboration and support in providing essential services to those in need.
Key points
- Ukuthula Sandplay provides Silent Group Sandplay therapy to hundreds of participants in rural KwaZulu-Natal communities.
- The organization has established partnerships with various entities to support its work.
- Ukuthula Sandplay faces resource constraints, requiring additional funding to ensure continuity.
