Reaching beyond borders

As a non-profit organisation, it has established the Khanya Satellite Workshop in Tembisa which cares for 10 young adults every week day from 8am to 4pm. The workshop helps to keep the adults off the streets and equips them with skills such as making handcrafts, drawing and planting a vegetable garden. The adults also exercise with fun games and activities.

Social worker for Cresset House Dipou Morake said the workshop was started out of a need to care for those with intellectual disabilities in the township and it is really a part of Cresset House’s extended family. Cresset House shares its food supplies with the adults at the centre and often the workshop’s adults will visit Cresset House for sporting activities.

Morake explained that the workshop also offers employment to two Tembisa community members, Welhemina Madiba and Rose Mofokeng. While Madiba cooks up tasty meals for the adults who get two tea breaks and lunch every day, Mofokeng teaches workshops and keeps the adults entertained and their minds working.

Their drawings are proudly displayed on the walls.

When Midrand Reporter visited the workshop, the adults were learning how to build a clay volcano and they relished the exciting craft activity.

Morake visits the workshop weekly to guide the adults and help to resolve any problems or challenges that they confront.

Morake said the long-term vision was to expand the workshop to help more community members with intellectual disabilities. She also hoped more sponsors would come onboard to help the workshop by sponsoring food as at the moment Cresset House supports the workshop by sharing their food supplies.

Cresset House also hoped skilled professionals would volunteer at the workshop such as therapists, nurses and psychologists. Companies can also support Cresset House and the Khanya Satellite Workshop as part of their Corporate Social Investment to help Cresset House expand and reach more young adults.

Details: Cresset House 011 314 1148.