The Tree of Life Project: Using narrative ideas in work with vulnerable children in Southern Africa by Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo

In honour of the 20th anniversary of the Tree of Life narrative metaphor, we are sharing this reading of a significant paper by Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo from the archives of International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work. It is read by Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo. The paper describes the use of narrative ideas in work with vulnerable children in Southern Africa. How can the lives of children who have experienced significant losses be responded to in ways that are not retraumatising and that bring to light children’s own skills and knowledge? What sorts of exercises can be used in camps for vulnerable children? How can children be provided with significant experiences that do not separate them from their families, values and cultural norms? This paper describes a creative adaptation of the “Tree of Life” exercise informed by narrative therapy principles and practices. Original paper: Ncube, N. (2006). The Tree of Life Project: Using narrative ideas in work with vulnerable children in Southern Africa. International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (1), 3–16. This recording: Ncube-Mlilo, N. (2026). The Tree of Life Project: Using narrative ideas in work with vulnerable children in Southern Africa (N. Ncube-Mlilo, Narr.) [Audio recording]. International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (1). https://doi.org/10.4320/FGIA3542 (Original work published 2006) Further information and downloads available at https://dulwichcentre.com.au/the-tree-of-life-project-using-narrative-ideas-in-work-with-vulnerable-children-in-southern-africa-audio-from-the-archive-nczelo-ncube-read-by-nczelo-ncube/  *** International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work is published by Dulwich Centre Foundation. More about this recording, and a treasure trove of articles, videos, and multimedia works, is available from https://narrativetherapyjournal.org  It’s all free to access and share with no log-in required. Dulwich Centre is located on the land of the Kaurna people. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country and pay respect to Elders past and present. https://narrativetherapyjournal.org  Chapters (00:00:12) - The Tree of Life Project Using Narrative Ideas in Work with V(00:07:15) - Masiye Camp(00:15:55) - The Tree of Life at Masiye Camp(00:24:21) - Tree of Life Exercise(00:30:39) - The revised Tree of Life Exercise(00:34:55) - Tree of Life and Forest of Life(00:39:34) - Children share their hopes and dreams for their life(00:45:04) - trees in a forest(00:47:24) - When the Storms Come(00:49:55) - The hazards faced by children(00:52:27) - How Children Respond to Storms of Life(00:56:02) - Tree of Life Certificate Giving(00:57:29) - Tree of Life Writing a letter to caregivers(01:02:28) - The Revised Tree of Life Exercise