Khulisa Social Solutions has released a research report, detailing the outcomes of dialogue circles hosted in the community of Alexandra in Gauteng from January to May 2024. Partnering with eight local grassroots NGOs, these entities facilitated 368 dialogue circles, providing evidence on how the lives of 3,995 participants have been positively impacted.  The purpose of their dialogue circles is to create a safe space for experience sharing, storytelling and collective engagement on challenging social issues such as gender-based violence (GBV) bullying, substance abuse and coping with toxic stress.

Key statistics based on the data gathered, highlight the critical benefits of the dialogue circles:

• 95% developed lasting relationships from their participation.
• 85% of participants reported a decrease in stress levels.
• 60% noted moderate improvements in coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety.
• 31% experienced significant advancements in coping.

“These results showcase our dialogue circles’ tangible impact on mental health, particularly in helping community members cope with toxic stress, anxiety and peer pressure amid challenging socio-economic conditions in Alexandra,” shares Lesley Ann van Selm, founder and managing director of Khulisa “Practical techniques such as deep breathing exercises and proactive communication were learned and effectively applied.”

Research has shown that programs addressing only the symptoms of social issues often generate no measurable outcomes. For instance, a previous intervention in a nearby community, which focused solely on providing temporary relief from substance abuse without addressing underlying causes, failed to produce lasting changes in participants’ behaviour or well-being. This often led to the participant relapsing and resorting to troublesome behaviour. This underscores the importance of Khulisa’s comprehensive approach, which tackles the root causes of dysfunction through dialogue and community engagement.

“By creating safe spaces for experience sharing, storytelling, and collective engagement on challenging social issues like gender-based violence (GBV), bullying, and substance abuse, participants develop a sense of empathy and mutual understanding. This approach fosters social cohesion and helps break the cycle of violence prevalent in Alexandra,” adds van Selm.

The Khulisa trained NGOs conducting these dialogue circles have been instrumental in achieving these positive outcomes. Their expertise and dedication have ensured that the circles are effective, culturally relevant, and impactful. The NGOs’ deep understanding of the local context and their ability to facilitate meaningful conversations have been crucial in gathering valuable feedback and driving the success of the program.

Having the opportunity to express their feelings and seek support in a non-judgmental environment often forms new friendships and bonds, creating avenues for support. Some participants reported overcoming suicidal thoughts.