An Experience Using the Pillars of Life

This case study illustrates how the Pillars of Life activity — a technique from the Play of Life — was used within a confidence and self-esteem programme for unemployed and refugee students at TAFE. By helping participants reconnect with positive memories, relationships and sources of strength, the activity supported resilience, hope and personal growth, contributing to improved wellbeing and employability.

When I returned to teaching at TAFE, I saw an opportunity to use the Pillars of Life activity with unemployed and refugee students. I developed a confidence and self-esteem programme called Shine, which has achieved wonderful results.

Many of the students had experienced significant trauma. Within the programme, I used the Pillars of Life activity to help students focus on experiences and memories that had been encouraging, meaningful, and hopeful. These memories often became sources of inspiration, faith, and resilience. No matter how difficult a student's background had been, each person was able to identify positive memories in which they felt understood, loved, valued, or recognised.

Writing these memories down and sharing them with the group helped students gradually shift their focus. Rather than being defined by trauma and adversity, they were able to reconnect with strengths, supportive relationships, and moments of encouragement. This process helped strengthen their confidence and provided a more solid foundation from which to move forward.

I particularly recall one student, Pete. Pete came from an extremely dysfunctional family environment that was largely devoid of love and emotional support. He was separated from his siblings and moved through a series of foster homes before eventually being raised by his grandmother. The Pillars of Life activity helped Pete focus on the positive relationship he shared with his grandmother. He also recognised the loyalty and companionship of her dog, who became a constant source of comfort and stability in his life.

Not long after participating in the Shine programme and completing the Pillars of Life activity, Pete successfully secured employment after a long period of unemployment. Witnessing this transformation was deeply rewarding.

I highly recommend the Pillars of Life activity for vulnerable students. It helps participants develop positive emotional anchors that provide stability, hope, and resilience — emotional resources that can support people as they seek employment, rebuild confidence, and establish positive and meaningful lives.