Farewell Madiba, thanks for touching our home

The Avril Elizabeth Home for the Mentally Handicapped was very lucky to have experienced some of the “Madiba Magic”, when he graced the home with a visit as President.

“Our residents, though intellectually challenged, knew who he was and were elated by the love and compassion he showed them,” said Kathy Jooste, chief executive officer of the home.

“The staff were completely struck by his overwhelming presence.

“We are continuously reminded of his quote ‘Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished’ when we receive donations from the public, whether it is money, goods or time.”

And it is this quote that inspired the home to use the annual Mandela Day to educate the public about the intellectually challenged.

“So many people are scared of those who are different, who are challenged in some way,” said Jooste.

“We use Madiba’s example to debunk this myth”.

Jooste said that it has been extremely rewarding to see how people’s perceptions of the home’s amazing residents are changed when they spend time playing soccer, competing in egg and spoon races or when they sing or dance with them.

“Thank you Madiba for touching our home in so many ways.

“He truly was a man of honour and love, and we join the nation and the world in mourning our icon,” she said.

To find out more about the Avril Elizabeth Home go to www.avril.org.za, or call 011 822-2233.