A pilot programme for the support of vulnerable women and children has been launched on Friday 15 September in Botshabelo, the second largest township after Soweto. The objective of the Thari programme is to enable schools and communities to provide a safe environment that is inclusive, free from violence, is academically effective, gender sensitive and promotes health and well-being. It will feature a state of the art “Safe Park” that offers support for the most vulnerable. The programme aims to ensure that basic psychosocial support services are provided to women and children through the Isibindi Ezikoleni Model, empower women and children by educating them on how to protect themselves against abuse and exploitation, facilitate programmes that will engage boy children and men to address social issues which include masculinity, violence, inclusivity and gender sensitivity, develop effective, sustainable and replicable models for prevention of violence at schools and communities especially against women and children.