Participation in research programs and adopting a research-driven approach are pivotal aspects of our organization’s commitment to excellence in our mission. By actively engaging in research initiatives and integrating evidence-based strategies into our operations, we ensure that our programs and activities are both informed and impactful.
Participation in research programs 
Our involvement in research programs allows us to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in our field. Through collaboration with academic institutions, we gain valuable insights and stay abreast of the latest developments. This proactive engagement enables us to continuously refine our offerings to better serve our members.
The Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA)
Embrace Village participates in various programs and learnings offered by The Centre for Social Development (1) in Africa (CSDA) at the University of Johannesburg. CSDA is committed to understanding the complexities of persistent and new social development challenges, in South Africa and the Global South, innovatively designing and testing solutions to them, and training the next generation of development experts who will be able to assess evidence and innovate to solve crucial development challenges.
Embrace Village facilitates the connection between researchers and their target group, for instance organizing focus groups with members of our community. Additionally, Embrace Village acts as a think tank, providing researchers with knowledge and insights gained from experiences.
Learn more about The Centre for Social Development’s research program or read the study “Living on the Edge: Innovative Research on Leaving Care and Transitions to Adulthood,” a project collaborated on by Embrace Village.
Communities of Practice for Child Wellbeing
Embrace Village is part of Communities of Practice for Child Wellbeing (CoP). CoP(2) initiated in 2020, aims to alleviate childhood poverty and improve development outcomes for children by integrating various services beyond cash transfers. Targeting Child Support Grant beneficiaries in Grades R to 3, the project employs a multisystemic framework encompassing health, education, mental health, and welfare sectors. It examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child wellbeing and evaluates the feasibility of the CoP model in rural areas.
Embrace: The Movement for Motherhood
Embrace: The Movement for Mothers is a social movement that values and celebrates motherhood and mothers, and the critical role they have to play socially, economically and politically in South Africa. The movement, founded in 2019, is a close partner of Embrace Village.
For more information on this movement, visit their website.
Research-driven approach
Our programs, workshops, and activities are based on prominent research publications and models. This means that we take great care in studying and implementing findings from credible research sources. By doing so, we ensure that our approach is not only well-grounded in proven methodologies but also tailored to effectively meet the needs and goals of our members. This commitment to evidence-based practices enhances the quality and impact of our initiatives, providing our members with meaningful and beneficial experiences.
Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics
Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) is a groundbreaking approach to understanding and addressing the impact of trauma on brain development and functioning. This model recognizes that experiences, especially early in life, profoundly shape the structure and function of the brain. NMT emphasizes the importance of understanding brain development in a sequential manner, recognizing that different brain areas develop at different times and are therefore vulnerable to disruptions at specific stages. By mapping an individual’s developmental history and understanding their unique neurobiological profile, NMT provides a framework for tailoring interventions to meet their specific needs. Through a combination of therapeutic interventions, environmental modifications, and relational strategies, NMT aims to promote healing and resilience by supporting healthy brain development and integration. Read more about this model, here.
Conscious Discipline
Conscious Discipline is a comprehensive, brain-based approach to social-emotional learning that prioritizes self-regulation, empathy, and positive relationships. It emphasizes the integration of neuroscience principles with practical strategies to promote a safe, connected, and respectful learning environment. By teaching children skills such as emotional regulation, impulse control, and conflict resolution, Conscious Discipline equips them with the tools to manage their emotions and behavior effectively. Moreover, it fosters a sense of belonging and community within the classroom or any setting where it’s applied, enhancing overall well-being and academic success. Its value lies in its ability to empower both educators and students to cultivate resilience, empathy, and a growth mindset, ultimately promoting positive interactions and sustainable social-emotional growth. More information on this research you find here.
Additional research
Research and statistics on poverty and related socioeconomic challenges underscore the critical importance and need for our workshops. The data reveals high levels of unemployment, lack of education, and limited access to essential resources, illustrating the pervasive barriers many individuals face. These findings highlight the value of our workshops in providing crucial skills, knowledge, and support that empower participants to overcome these obstacles.
South African Early Childhood Review 2024
The Review, which tracks data on children under six, reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated conditions for young children in South Africa. They are now more likely to live in poverty, experience food insecurity and malnutrition, and face a higher risk of dying before their fifth birthday compared to before the pandemic. The Review offers a thorough examination of the critical Early Childhood Development (ECD) services, including data and analysis on the current status of these children and advancements in service delivery. Read the full report here.