Equilibrium

The work

Started by a group of local social workers in 2008, Equilibrium has grown from strength to strength over the years. Funded in part by the Department of Social Development, their core programmes help young people overcome substance abuse, connect with opportunities, address challenges such as gender-based violence, and develop their skills and self-esteem.  

One member of the team describes the context in which they work: “The Cape Flats is known for gangsterism, poverty, unemployment – for many kids, there’s no sense of belonging and a sense of hopelessness. It’s about putting positive role models in front of our coloured kids. Put a product of their area in front of them. Show them they don’t have to succumb to their circumstances. It’s important to have local role models so the kids can say, ‘If this person was raised on the Flats and can achieve this, then I can’.”

With its main offices in Range High School, this is an organisation very firmly rooted in the community. As Director, Mrs Yolanda Groep explains, “Being in the school helps us do our work. Our doors are open, kids can come in to see us at any time.”

As we’re talking, some of the Equilibrium team are working with another NPO to deliver a self-defence training session for pupils in the school hall. The team currently work in 15 different schools.

Besides the core youth work they do, Equilibrium also runs awareness programmes and training for teachers and parents and responds to community needs as they arise. For example, during the covid lockdowns they used their network to mobilise 45 feeding schemes and develop referral pathways for those needing help.

The ambitions

Mrs Groep is clear on the ambitions for the organisation: “We have established a good model here. We know it works and have just been awarded best practise model and gold standard for financial management from the Department of Social Development. This year the Department of Social Services from Northern Cape came to visit to see how we do things. With more funding, we could roll out in more communities.”

“Our dream is to create safe spaces, to create a youth hub, where young people can come to learn skills, do extracurriculars and be themselves. To get them off the streets. There’s a chance we could use an unused school building on this site. But we’re always looking for options, and funders.”

The foundations of a cohesive team

It is clear on meeting them that this is a strong team. A number of them have been there for many years, and three have recently joined to run the new Delft office. Sitting round the table in a classroom bright with posters, they all nod when one member responds to my question about how to build good teams, saying immediately that communication, respect and trust are the essential ingredients for a good team. That you have to work hard to get to know each other and feel that you can rely on one another.

There are more nods of agreement when someone else suggests that, “It’s important to have one voice, to have unity in the vision and mission, and to connect to that vision – which for us, is to see youth transformed and communities empowered.”

There is honesty here too: “It doesn’t come easy, we have moments of difference. But we’re all here to change lives, to guide and put the kids on the right path.” And, “Each of us has our place and our strengths, some of us are good at staying calm, other are great problem-solvers.” But, “We also have our weaknesses, and we are tolerant of one another.”

There’s very strong agreement that this is a space to learn and grow. A recent graduate who’s joined the team explains that, “Even though you may not have the experience on how to lead, they let you. They encourage you to step into something new, and they stretch you, but it’s stretching with support.” Everyone is involved with managing resources too, so everyone knows what is available and where it comes from.

Being FAT and human

There is also the expectation that you will adapt. In fact, ‘You must be FAT – Flexible, Adaptable and Teachable’ – is a mantra that is shared by the team and instilled in the young people on Equilibrium programmes.

 And as a newer member of the team reflects, a phrase often repeated by Yolanda in reference to their case load is that, “This file is not a file, it’s a human being.” This is the cornerstone of their approach and supports the phrase that guided founder Elroy Duckett: “Reaching one person at a time.”  

“It’s definitely not an 8-to-5 job,” one team member shares, “But I sleep well at night knowing I am helping people. Many doors were closed to me, so now I get to open doors for others. It’s good.”

Why Simply cover?

The team got cover with Simply in 2021. As Mrs Groep explains: “The team are always going way beyond what they are paid for. Many of our people have been with us a long time. They’re professional people. We don’t pay that much, and we can’t pay a thirteenth cheque.  I wanted to offer something in terms of benefits that would be an incentive, but that they could also take with them. I looked for a long time, then found Simply on Facebook.”

Want to get involved?

As an NPO, Equilibrium is always in need of funding. But many other things would be useful too, from vehicles to office supplies and equipment, to jobs, apprenticeships and learning opportunities for local young people.

They run a WhatsApp group to share opportunities and are engaging with the Epping business community to help do this.

They also offer training programmes in administration and bookkeeping, if you want to develop skills in your teams. To find out more, you can visit the Equilibrium website.

 Thank you to Mrs Yolanda Groep and the Equilibrium team for taking the time to share your experiences and your work.