GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The Responsible Parenting School, conducted by Reverend Cecile Murray-Louw at Nomzamo Pre-school last week, was hailed as a great success by organisers and participants.
Murray-Louw, founder and trainer of the It Starts With Me® Responsible Parenting programme, has been running interactive sessions on personal development, family preservation and community transformation since 2003.
The programme has reached families and organisations worldwide and encourages individuals to take ownership of their personal roles, build strong values, and communicate effectively at home, school and work.
Speaking at the Nomzamo session, Murray-Louw emphasised that positive transformation begins with each individual.
“Allow yourself to experience change as an individual first before you share it with others,” she said.
“We all want the same for our children - to see them happy, healthy, and contributing positively to society.”
The reverend’s journey into the programme is deeply personal.
After losing her husband, when she had to raise their four children alone, she turned to the same principles she now teaches.
“I didn’t know how I would raise responsible children on my own,” she recalled. “That’s when I went back to It Starts With Me - and it truly changed my life.”
Murray-Louw’s late husband, also a reverend and researcher, originally developed the programme.
After his passing, she committed herself to sharing its life-changing lessons with parents across South Africa. Today, her sessions are described as empowering, uplifting and deeply practical.
The initiative in Nomzamo was hosted in partnership with the Camdeboo Development Forum (CDF), which works closely with the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality to promote community upliftment through education and social programmes.
CDF chairperson Johnny Swartz said the partnership with It Starts With Me aims to equip parents with practical skills to strengthen family relationships and improve children’s behaviour at home and at school.
“When parents are empowered, children thrive - and so do communities,” he said.
Murray-Louw expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community response, noting that the programme “speaks to the heart of the people”.
“Many parents shared that they have regained hope, passion, and the courage to rebuild their families,” she said.
“The most inspiring part is seeing individuals say, ‘Before I point fingers, I’ll take responsibility - it starts with me.’ That’s real transformation.”
After completing the certified programme, parents continue to be supported through peer-to-peer mentoring through parent support groups.
The next round of the programme will be offered in the first quarter of 2026. Be sure to sign up. Invitations to offer the programme in your community can be made through iswmconnect@gmail.com.
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