Emelda is a voice for the voiceless
A Lulekani-based social worker and community builder, Emelda Ralph, says she is passionate about giving back to the underprivileged.
Her love for people stems from her mother who she witnessed from a young age giving to the less fortunate. By the age of 18, she had already joined organisations helping people. She says growing up in an abusive home, led her to study social work. “
At the age of 16, I tried to commit suicide, because of the situation at home.” She was admitted to Maphuta Malatji Hospital for three days, and according to her, the social worker sided with her father. “That is when I decided I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless, I wanted to be that person I needed when I was younger,” she explains.
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In 2020 she adopted Horisani Inclusive Learning Centre in Lulekani which takes care of children living with disabilities from birth to 18 years. Last year she helped secure a donation from Ackermans worth R20 000 which went towards a school building project. She also hosted a Christmas party sending learners home with food parcels for the entire household.
“It brings me so much joy to be able to put a smile on the faces of the children, considering that their disabilities have subjected them to seclusion,” she concludes. Ralph is appealing to businesses to help with sponsorship to improve the standard at the centre. Contact her at 081 097 0412.
