GALLERY: Behind the scenes at The Lighthouse

THE Lighthouse was established in 2003 by Louisa Nazareth as a stimulation centre for the underprivileged with the objective of stimulating and educating them towards a better quality of life.

When Lousia passed away after battling cancer, her wish was that The Lighthouse would carry on and help those who were in need. Before she died she asked Lucilia Jacinto, whose daughter Ana attended The Lighthouse, if she would be willing to take over and run the centre. “I always told her, I wouldn’t be able to cope as she did, but I have, and I still feel her around the centre all the time, helping behind the scenes,” Lucilia said. “Louisa fought for The Lighthouse to stay open and I’m proud to say that we are still going strong, although we do face many challenges in the day-to-day running of the centre.”

The Lighthouse offers all sorts of activities, involving many types of therapies in the form of a workshop in which children are taught life skills. Arts and crafts classes are frequently held, which allow the children to stimulate their imaginations. Despite the children’s individual disabilities, they emerge with a sense of self-pride, worthiness and respect for themselves.

Other social activities offered to the children include visiting the zoo, public parks, shopping centres and picnic spots where the children thoroughly enjoy themselves. These activities are carefully monitored by dedicated, professional and loving staff members. Active Kids comes in once a week to provide an extramural activity and the children have pottery classes as well.

Parents pay what they can for their children to be cared for here and the Lions assist with the feeding scheme as well as other special needs. A monthly jumble sale is held at the premises to raise much-needed money to assist with groceries and toiletries.

She began to run The Lighthouse in 2011 as the principal and “jack of all trades” working along with the other staff members to care for the babies, children and adults in their care. She is married to Manuel and they have one daughter Ana (35) and a son Daniel (37). “Whatever needs doing, I’m here to help, from changing nappies to cleaning and cooking and I oversee all the administration.”

Sylvia began at the Lighthouse in 2008 as a teacher. “It’s not always easy to teach the children but I think I do quite well with them and as well as this I stimulate and help them. It’s a very rewarding job.”

Nomboniso is a therapist at The Lighthouse. For the children who can’t walk, she massages their legs and really tries to help them take a few steps. No day is the same for her and although the children are mostly immobile she has such patience with them.

Beginning working here in 2017, Ashle is a teacher who goes way beyond her call of duty. “I teach computer lessons to those who can understand a little, as well as crafts and literacy. We have a daily programme which we stick to and it helps to keep the children in a routine.”

Portia began working here in 2017 and is a caregiver. This includes making sure the children and young adults are kept clean and if they wear nappies, they are changed regularly. ‘

A teacher at the Lighthouse, Phumeza is responsible for teaching fine motor skills. “We learn to build with blocks and story time, is enjoyed by them all.”

Although Constance isn’t directly involved in teaching and caring for the children, her job is extremely important as she makes The Lighthouse spotless, as the cleaner. “Some of the younger ones tear up paper and pick at the old couches, which makes quite a mess,” she added. Constance never leaves until everything is super clean!

Head cook and bottle washer, Constance is on duty every day from 6.30am cooking up a storm. She makes breakfast and always a cooked lunch, including dessert, often jelly and custard, a firm favourite. Then during the afternoon she prepares a snack. With 16 children living-in, she makes dinner before she leaves, which is always something tasty.

The Lighthouse is always looking for assistance, whether in the way of groceries, educational toys and clothing, which they can sell at the jumble sales, or for voluntary helpers who will be available once or twice a week. “If you would like to come and visit us, you’ll find The Lighthouse in Risi Avenue, Linmeyer. Please phone me on 072 342 9161 and I’ll be able to give you any information you may require,” added Lucilia.

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