Simunye, Sisonke - Together as One
Author: Waves For Change
At Waves for Change, a call of "Simunye!", is always met with a resounding "Sisonke!" It is a call for togetherness, and a reminder of a shared, safe space with a common purpose. Practically, it brings everyone in earshot to attention and focus.
More broadly, it is the ethos that drives our partnerships and collaborations. From advocating with others for accessible public mental health services, sharing what we learn with other surfing or sports communities, to you supporting Surf Therapy on the beach.
This year, we will be guided by this ethos as we build community-led mental health initiatives.
All eyes and ears are on the surf mentors, ready for instruction. The call of “Simunye” (meaning “we are one”) invites them to be in the moment together, moving forward as one. Their returning cry of “Sisonke” means “we are together” and shows their eagerness to participate. Today’s session is pair floating: together, the children will practice a fun and challenging new skill (floating), while also practising transferable behaviours such as empathy, communication, and teamwork. These are the positive behaviours they can use anywhere, anytime, to build strong and healthy social connections – a core ingredient of their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.