Wellness hub opens at Athwood Primary School

25 March 2025

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has launched a groundbreaking wellness hub at Athwood Primary School, boosting the way we support our learners' mental health and well-being.

This innovative hub offers a safe, inclusive space where learners can access counseling services, mental health support and social skills development programmes. By providing this holistic support, learners are empowered to build resilience, manage life's challenges and ultimately thrive academically.

And this is just the beginning! The WCED plans to replicate this successful model in schools across the Western Cape, ensuring more learners have access to these essential services.

Two wellness hubs will be established in each district as part of a broader initiative to help learners deal with daily challenges of gang violence, substance abuse, poverty, child abuse and unemployment in their communities and help break the cycle of violence and trauma.

The hub at Athwood Primary School was made possible through generous donations and collaborations with different government departments and non-profit organisations like the Department of Social Development and Khululeka Grief Support.

Athwood Primary School Principal, Evan Petersen, acknowledged the efforts and hard work of the team and said he was proud of what they achieved. “By addressing mental health needs early, the wellness hubs aim to improve overall well-being, strengthen community support and foster a positive, inclusive environment for learners and their families. The establishment of the wellness hubs in schools will benefit the school community for years to come and ultimately improve learning outcomes.”