Fulfilling their dreams of becoming caregivers
With the help of a local organisation, 32 students have finished their studies to become home-based caregivers.
Thirty-two people recently had the opportunity to graduate as home-based caregivers with the help of the non-profit organisation, Angels Home Based Care.
Moleboge Mathabe from the organisation said that 32 of the 42 students enrolled in the program graduated recently after starting their studies in 2019.
Angels Home Based Care is an organisation that, with the help of the Department of Social Development, assists young people who have a passion for taking care of the elderly to become certified as home-based caregivers.
The organisation was established on August 19, 2013, when the founder Emily Lekaowa saw a need in the community for passionate and compassionate people to look after the elderly.
“We saw our elderly people suffering. Some were homeless and did not have anyone to take care of them while others have even defaulted from the clinics,” Moleboge said.
Adding that these people are chronically ill and do not take their treatment. The organisation noticed fewer caregivers at old age homes and realised there was an opportunity for young dedicated people to go to school and learn how to look after the elderly. For this reason, they partnered with Gem-Med to help these youngsters accomplish their dreams.
“Some of our elderly people are being physically abused and sexually harassed. Most of them are being emotionally abused and neglected by members of their own community.”
Since the start of the organisation they have seen four groups, graduate. The latest group started their studies in 2019 when they completed their Health Promotions Officer studies and started in 2020 to become chronic home-based caregivers.
The organisation has seen its graduates go on to become caregivers at among others the Luipaardsvlei old age home, hospices, and clinics. The next group will start their studies on April 12.
