Inner Values, Shared Purpose: VIHASA at FAMSA

VIHASA Values in Healthcare Series | FAMSA, Mpumalanga | 28 November 2025

On Thursday, 28 November 2025, VIHASA had the privilege of facilitating the Inner Values Module at FAMSA, bringing together a small and inspiring group of approximately eight participants. Among those attending were the Director of FAMSA and social workers representing various NGOs.

Although the group was small, the energy, openness and willingness to participate made the session deeply meaningful. Each participant brought their own experiences and insights, creating a supportive environment for reflection, learning and connection.

The Inner Values Module encourages participants to pause from the demands of their everyday work and reflect on the personal values that guide their lives and their service to others. For social workers and NGO professionals, this kind of reflection is particularly valuable. Their work often involves supporting individuals and families through challenging circumstances, requiring compassion, patience, resilience and empathy.

Throughout the session, everyone participated actively and engaged with the activities and discussions. The experience provided an opportunity to explore how our inner values can influence the way we communicate, respond to challenges, work with colleagues and support the people and communities we serve.

At the heart of the VIHASA approach is the understanding that those who care for others also need opportunities to nurture themselves. When caregivers are connected to their inner strengths and values, they are better equipped to bring compassion, understanding and positivity into their professional and personal lives.

A particularly encouraging moment was the enthusiasm expressed by the Director of FAMSA about the possibility of bringing VIHASA training to Mpumalanga. This excitement opens the door to further opportunities for values-based learning and development within the region.

The session at FAMSA was a wonderful reminder that meaningful transformation does not always begin with a large gathering. Sometimes, it begins with a small group of people coming together with open hearts and minds, ready to learn, reflect and grow.

As VIHASA continues its work in South Africa, we look forward to building more partnerships and creating opportunities for social workers, caregivers and community organisations to strengthen themselves from within.

When people come together with openness and purpose, the impact can reach far beyond the room, strengthening lives, workplaces and the communities they serve.