Publications
Partners
#ChildrensVoices is a ReaderLympics initiative, where children are invited to share their experiences of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.
To submit your own letter, or to find out more visit www.readerlympics.co.za
By Nonku Mbalula, 14 years old
My quarantine journey has been one of the most difficult things I have experienced in my life, from having to stay at home for 23 days to not being able to visit my friends and do the things that I was able to do before the virus entered the country.
The good thing though is being able to spend more time with my family instead of staying on my phone 24/7.
I’ve tried multiple things during this time from baking, cooking and exercising which have kept me very busy during this lockdown period.
My online schooling has been quite challenging because of how much work we have to cover and trying to manage assignment deadlines in-between the lessons.
Waking up at half past seven in the morning is pretty exhausting!
I have gained lots of knowledge during this lockdown period at home even though I have also made a lot of mistakes.
Life lessons I treasure the most is being grateful for the roof over my head and praying not only for myself but for others. I pray that not just our country but the whole world recovers from this pandemic.
Those who are fighting for their lives in hospitals must stay alive and we all end up returning to our normal healthy lifestyles.
If you are the parent of a teen struggling through the lockdown, the following resources are available to provide immediate support:
Suicide Crisis Line 0800 567 567 or SMS line 31393
South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Mental Health Line 011 234 4837
Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit (24 hours a day) 0861 435 787
Find a therapist near you on TherapyRoute.com
Chat back:
Share your story with us and we could publish it. Anonymous contributions are welcome.
WhatsApp: Send messages and voicenotes to 066 010 0325
Email: Share your story with us via email at chatback @ parent24.com
