They are still human – Thusong Centre about the disabled
Thusong Centre allows people with a disability to have a sense of purpose. The News recently met some residents to talk about life and living with a disability.
It is always important as individuals to be considerate and understanding when dealing with one another.
The Thusong Centre is thus leading by example where everyone, from the patients to the workers and visitors, always ensures that putting a smile on someone’s face is perhaps the best medicine.
The patients and staff pride themselves on having a sense of community to ensure that everyone is happy despite their differences. The non-profit organisation provides therapeutic treatment, care and protection for the physically and mentally disabled. The centre also strives to inspire and create a safe space for people with disabilities. The organisation has a strong religious culture with all their programmes based on strong Christian values.
The Krugersdorp News recently had an opportunity to meet with some of the patients where they explained how the centre has helped them and how they live in society despite their differences.
Lethlogonolo Banda does not see herself as being any different from ‘a normal person’.
• Also read: Thusong Centre proud of Disability Pride Month
“I am still human despite being in a wheelchair. I can still speak and communicate with everyone around me, I am just unique.”
Bheki Thebini who is the general manager at the centre has been working with disabled patients for over 10 years and described their environment as a blessing.
“Dealing with these children can be very challenging. We have over 118 children in various programmes who we nurture and take care of daily. Despite their physical and mental challenges, we treat them as our own. said Thebini.
Tshidiso Mpiti who was born with Down syndrome describes the centre as a safe haven because of being able to feel human.
“Everyone in this centre is a friend. I truly feel at home each day.”
The centre also teaches people from outside their walls to have empathy for their patients.
Nthabiseng Moralo, who is the assistant manager, further emphasised the importance for all, including staff members and families, to understand their patients.
“It is so they can cope with the challenges of the world. Many parents come to this centre and leave their children to be taken care of, but they do not understand them. It is our responsibility to ensure they don’t take our services for granted. We have to ensure that our centre is not just a place but here for a purpose.”
The centre also has many activities and programmes that the patients can take part in to develop themselves. These daily programmes include gardening, visual arts, sewing, literacy, numeracy and life skills training while other programmes involve sport and recreation.
However, the most important activity is allowing patients to be in a good environment that allows them to feel safe. Moralo added that people without disabilities need to view people with disabilities as humans to gain an understanding of who they are.
“We want to ensure they (our patients) are happy. I think the most important aspect of dealing with the disabled is empathy and care. We love our patients because they have allowed us to learn more about them – this makes us enjoy our jobs even more and is worth it. The abled can do the same and at least show more compassion.”
