Since its registration as a non-profit organisation in 1999, Auksano has been assisting victims across the spectrum of destructive subcultures in Bloemfontein and the Free State.
Johan de Beer, director of the Auksano Trauma Therapy Centre in Pellissier, says that addiction, amongst other destructive activities, is on the increase among the youth.
“It affects children as young as seven and eight years old,” he says.
De Beer confirms this is a problem that can be found in all schools in Bloemfontein and surrounds.
“Substance abuse is a huge social problem, affecting even children in some of the top schools.”
Gangsterism is also rife in and around the city. This is linked to the substance abuse issue and is becoming progressively worse.
According to him, the gangs in Bloemfontein operate very differently from those in the Western Cape.
“The Cape gangs are driven by money. In Bloemfontein, they are driven by the occult and are much more fanatic.”
He says the magnitude of the intervention required is difficult to determine, as not all children are receiving the help they need.
“Children are often scared to speak out about their involvement in gangs and drugs. Some are being drawn in because they feel in this way they belong somewhere and they feel empowered by being part of something.”
Auksano believes in a holistic approach, and this includes assisting the child, the parents and the family as a whole. This is also true for helping children that are caught up in gangs and drugs. Part of the assistance is offered through the out-patient programme.
The holistic approach includes help provided by a team af therapists, consisting of social workers, a functional therapist, a pastoral councillor, physician and others.
