HealingLeaves

HealingLeaves is a South African nonprofit organisation focused on youth development and support for people affected by childhood trauma. Founded in 1997 by André and Dienie Kotze, it began as a way to support vulnerable people in the community of Cornelia in the Free State. Today, HealingLeaves works to restore dignity among those who have experienced trauma, adversity and shame through community-based relational intervention programmes.

The organisation provides education and empowerment for children who have experienced childhood trauma, as well as for the adults who care for them. Its work includes the H.E.L.P Programme, which addresses the impact of trauma, and self-soothing toolkits designed to support coping and emotional wellbeing. HealingLeaves also shares information and perspectives through its blog, covering subjects such as mental health, child protection and recovery from trauma.

Over the years, the organisation has worked with government bodies, NGOs, and national and international partners to support people in need.