Neftaly Equips SACAP Interns to Facilitate Resilience-Building Community Events
Cape Town, South Africa — As part of its commitment to community empowerment and youth development, the South African Youth Project (Neftaly) has partnered with SACAP (The South African College of Applied Psychology) to provide real-world experience for psychology interns. This partnership is now bearing fruit as Neftaly equips SACAP interns with the tools, training, and support to lead resilience-building community events in underserved areas.
Through structured mentoring, practical workshops, and hands-on facilitation, interns gain vital experience in areas such as trauma-informed practice, community psychology, and group facilitation. The programme focuses on helping communities—especially youth—develop resilience in the face of social, emotional, and economic challenges.
“Our partnership with SACAP allows us to blend academic knowledge with community needs,” says a Neftaly programme coordinator. “Interns walk away with more than just credit—they develop purpose, empathy, and leadership.”
Intern-led resilience events focus on themes such as:
- Emotional regulation and mental wellness
- Conflict resolution and peer support
- Positive identity and self-esteem
- Coping strategies for stress and adversity
These events are co-designed with community stakeholders to ensure cultural relevance and long-term impact. Participants—often local youth—report increased confidence, better communication skills, and a sense of belonging.
By creating a space where interns and communities learn from each other, Neftaly and SACAP are shaping the next generation of mental health practitioners while building stronger, more resilient communities.