About Us

Bringing Families Together

The Zimkhitha Family Programme (ZFP) was developed to help strengthen families – to bring them closer together. You have chosen to facilitate this process for the families in your community. This is an important role. During this programme, you will gain more insight with the different aspects of family life such as family identity, communication, connectedness and how to work together to achieve your goals.

The Zimkhitha Family Programme is a four-part programme created to increase important processes in family resilience.

“We hope you find enrichment so that you can enrich others.”

Why focus on the family?

A family shares belief, values, often live together and communicates with one another. Being part of a family is such an important job! Why? Not only because all of its members are dependent on one another What happens in the community is often reflected in what is happening and the family and vice versa.

The family can be defined as a system.
Why? When one piece of the system changes, it affects the whole system.

Serena Isaacs

Registered Research Psychologist (HPCSA)
Head of Department

Serena Isaacs is an Associate Professor and registered Research Psychologist in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Western Cape. She currently serves as the Head of Department. Her research interests lie primarily in child, family and community resilience studies, student wellbeing, intervention development and evaluation research, as well as substance use. She teaches at both an undergraduate and postgraduate level as well as supervises honours, master’s and PhD students.

Ms Claudia Raats

B.Psych and MA in Research Psychology
Lecturer

Claudia Raats is a dedicated lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). She completed her B.Psych and MA in Research Psychology at UWC, driven by her passion for enhancing psychology curricula and measuring learning achievement. With years of experience in the curriculum field, she inspires students through her teaching, mentoring, and supervision. Currently, Claudia engages with both undergraduate and postgraduate students, guiding Honours and Master’s candidates on their research journeys in the Psychology department.

Dr Heidi Witten

Registered Research Psychologist (HPCSA)
Lecturer

Heidi Witten is a lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). She is registered as a Research Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Her research interests lie primarily in child and adolescent well-being and flourishing. She also has a keen interest in threat and risk assessment, domestic violence and sexual misconduct awareness. She teaches at undergraduate and postgraduate levels whilst also engaging in the research supervision of both Honours and Masters students.

 

The Team

Our Values

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Community

Strong families build strong communities. By fostering meaningful connections, we create a supportive environment where families can thrive together.
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Commitment

We are dedicated to walking alongside families on their journey, offering consistent support and guidance every step of the way.
collaboration

Team Work

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We empower families to work together, strengthening their bonds and achieving shared goals.
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Growth

We inspire families to embrace positive change, encouraging personal and collective growth for a healthier, brighter future.

Our Process

Join the Zimkhitha Programme

The Zimkhitha Family Programme helps families strengthen connection, communication, and resilience through guided sessions and practical home activities. Whether joining online or in person, families learn to grow together, build shared goals, and create lasting positive change.

Step 1

Connect with the Programme

Families can be referred through a community facilitator, local organisation, or register online via the Zimkhitha Family Programme website. You’ll receive an introduction to how the programme works, whether you’re joining online or through an in-person group.

Step 2

Start with Module 1 – “About Family”

Each family reflects on who they are, their strengths, challenges, and goals.

Families commit to the 4-part journey that focuses on identity, communication, sharing, and working together.

Step 3

Learn and Practice Together

Families now move through the four modules. Each module introduces a new theme that builds on the last, helping families strengthen communication, deepen connection, and improve daily routines. Sessions can be guided online or in person, with home activities and weekly reflections.

Step 4

Review, Share, and Celebrate Your Progress

At the end of the programme, families reflect on what they’ve learned and what has changed. Facilitators (or the online system) will help you record your new goals and provide next steps or community resources to continue your growth.

Join the Zimkhitha Family Programme Learn more about what we do and how we can help your family today. Our Programme