Bianca Van der Schyff

Finding belonging through language : breaking barriers and building bridges

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Language and Communication Language is more than words; it is belonging. Without it, self-expression becomes a struggle and identity feels incomplete. For centuries, many South Africans were denied their full voice. Until July 2023, South African Sign Language (SASL) was not officially recognised as one of the country’s languages. That delay sent a silent but… Continue Reading Finding belonging through language : breaking barriers and building bridges

From scarcity to strength : rethinking the legacy we’re leaving

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Legacy and Scarcity Legacy is not just wealth or inheritance. It is the imprint we leave behind through the choices we make, the beliefs we live by, and the opportunities we either pass on or withhold. When scarcity exists—whether in resources, education, or dignity—it reshapes that imprint. In South Africa, for example, the education system… Continue Reading From scarcity to strength : rethinking the legacy we’re leaving

The cycle of lack to belonging

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Week 4: From Scarcity to Strength – Building on the Lessons We began this month with the guide dog, a symbol of trust, loyalty, and guidance. Just like a guide dog helps its handler navigate obstacles, we learned that we, too, can rely on guidance — whether through faith, inner wisdom, or supportive communities —… Continue Reading The cycle of lack to belonging

You were born into belonging

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WEEK 3: DIGNITY, WORTH & EMERGENCE Theme: Healing self-worth and rediscovering what it means to thrive “What if you stopped proving your worth — and simply believed it?” This week, we reflect on what it means to hold dignity in a world shaped by trauma, poverty, and generations of survival. So often, we tie our… Continue Reading You were born into belonging

Hear the Woman’s roar

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BEYOND SCARCITY PROJECT WEEK 1: When a Woman’s Heart Roars Like a Lion Theme: Poverty Trauma & the Courage to Lead “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” – Nelson Mandela WHAT IS POVERTY TRAUMA? Poverty trauma is what happens to a person — and often an… Continue Reading Hear the Woman’s roar

Woman’s Month : Beyond Scarcity Project

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BEYOND SCARCITY: INTRODUCING A NEW CONVERSATION “It is not the lack of love, but the lack of trust that makes relationships fragile.” – African Proverb How does poverty trauma affect our most intimate relationships? This Women’s Month, DBSA invites you into a new conversation. One we’ve carried in silence for generations — but never named.… Continue Reading Woman’s Month : Beyond Scarcity Project

Women’s Voices RISE

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🟠 Week 5: Women’s Voices Rise – Preparing for August Riddle: What starts quietly, grows stronger when shared, and has the power to change families, communities, and nations? Answer: Women’s voices. As July draws to a close, we look forward to August — South Africa’s Women’s Month. This week’s theme, Women’s Voices Rise, is about… Continue Reading Women’s Voices RISE

We can’t defend what we don’t know

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🟠 Week 4: Our Rights – Advocacy & Justice Riddle:What belongs to everyone, is written into law, but must be known and defended to be real? Answer: Rights. After reflecting on Mandela’s fight for justice, it’s the perfect time to focus on Our Rights. Knowing and claiming our rights is the next step to turning… Continue Reading We can’t defend what we don’t know

Dreams break barriers

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🟠 Week 3: Mandela’s Legacy – Breaking Barriers & Building Dreams Riddle What starts with hope, grows with courage, and can knock down even the tallest wall? (Answer: Dreams empowered by action.) Key Observance This week, we celebrate International Mandela Day on 18 July, a day dedicated to continuing Nelson Mandela’s fight for freedom, justice,… Continue Reading Dreams break barriers