SADAG Launches Free Online Support Group for Educators to Share, Learn, and Cope with Stress and Burnout. Image: SADAG.
(The Post News)– Educators across South Africa are facing growing emotional challenges as their responsibilities in schools continue to increase. To offer support, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is introducing a free online group where educators, learner support agents, and others in the education field can come together to talk about stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Educators Facing Unique Challenges Nationwide
Nirvana, a teacher with over a decade of experience, will lead the group. She understands the pressure many educators face and hopes this space will allow people to share openly and feel supported. Moreover, since many educators are dealing with emotional strain from work and personal life, this group aims to provide a safe place to connect and heal.
In addition, Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha, who manages education projects at SADAG, believes that when educators feel mentally well, the entire school benefits. A supported teacher is better able to uplift and guide learners, and creating healthier schools starts with caring for those who teach.
Cassey Chambers, SADAG’s Operations Director, emphasized that rural educators often face unique challenges such as limited access to healthcare and mental health professionals, lack of resources in schools, high learner-to-teacher ratios, and limited opportunities for training or debriefing.
“Many educators also carry the additional burden of being the first point of support for learners experiencing trauma, abuse, or mental health issues, without always having the tools to cope themselves,” she explained.
Furthermore, recent research from Stellenbosch University highlights the emotional toll on teachers. Half of those surveyed said they might leave the profession within the next decade, pointing to stress, too much paperwork, and not enough support as key reasons.
Chambers added that through the new Educators’ Support Group, SADAG aims to create a safe space where both rural and urban educators can share experiences, receive guidance, and learn practical coping strategies.
“By offering an accessible online platform, we can connect rural educators to ongoing support, psychoeducation, and resources they might not otherwise have,” she said.
Therefore, this new support group offers a private and welcoming space for educators to share their stories and learn ways to cope. It is open to anyone in the education sector, no matter their role or experience level. The goal is to build a sense of community and offer peer-to-peer encouragement.
To ensure safety and confidentiality, SADAG stressed that what is shared in these meetings will not be discussed outside of the group. “Support groups are safe and confidential,” said Chambers.
“Through our Educators Workshops and School Outreach Programme, we also collect anonymous feedback to better understand the pressing issues educators face, what additional support they need, and which resources would make the most difference in their classrooms.” She explained that this data will not only shape the future of the Support Group but also guide SADAG’s wider advocacy and outreach efforts to ensure schools get the right mental health resources.
Peer Support and Resources for Educators
The group will be primarily peer-support driven, as research shows the power of shared lived experiences in creating understanding and reducing stigma. However, SADAG’s model often integrates professional input where valuable.
Over time, guest speakers such as psychologists, trauma counsellors, and experienced educators will be invited to provide additional skills and insights. This hybrid approach ensures the group remains practical, supportive, and enriched with expert tools.
The first online session will be held on Wednesday, 1 October 2025, at 7 p.m. After that, meetings will take place monthly on the first Wednesday. To join, contact Nirvana at 081 591 0084.
Chambers also highlighted the vital role of Learner Support Agents (LSAs). “They often deal directly with children facing issues like abuse, neglect, or self-harm, sometimes without formal mental health training. This places enormous emotional and psychological pressure on them,” she said.
SADAG is committed to including LSAs in school talks, training, and educator-focused support groups by equipping them with debriefing skills, referral pathways, and peer support.
SADAG has longstanding partnerships with schools across provinces and works closely with Departments of Education, school districts, and NGOs to provide talks, resources, and crisis intervention. Currently, SADAG is working with the Gauteng Department of Education and the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership through a School Outreach Programme in Gauteng, offering talks to learners, teachers, and parents. Chambers noted,
“The Educators’ Support Group is just one step in a broader plan to expand mental health support to schools nationwide. We want to ensure educators, LSAs, and learners have access to sustainable mental health resources both inside and outside the classroom.”
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