If we are lucky enough to have a mother next to us as we travel on our path, we know that mom often carries as many burdens as she does joys. And, if any of those involve a child with special needs, mom’s challenges are likely to feel more intense.

So are her rewards and to testify to this is Durban born, Fiona Hanif. The down-to-earth mother of two says she enjoys challenging herself and holds a Baccalaureus Curationis (BCur) Degree in Nursing Management and Education, amongst other various qualifications and has recently completed a diploma in Advanced Psychiatric Nursing.

Fiona and her family relocated to Estcourt when she was young. She started her primary education here but completed her secondary education in Durban. At the time there weren’t many options to choose from and she decided to take up nursing as she was always interested in the field.

In East London at the Frere Hospital, Fiona studied nursing and after two years, qualified as a staff nurse. She returned to Estcourt to marry and has borne two sons, Wasim and Ismail. 30 years since then, Fiona is an Operational Manager of the male medical unit at Estcourt Provincial Hospital.

When asked what drives your passion for nursing after 30 years, she answered: “You got to have understanding, patience and tolerance, as well as love for what you do. “I watch youngsters walk into the field of nursing without the passion, with annoyance and frustration because their career of choice did not work out.

“This makes me appreciate the fact that I am blessed to do what I love,” said Fiona. A colleague and now close friend, Desiree Moonsamy, continuously shared her dream of opening up an educational facility for the therapeutic and rehabilitation needs of children who suffer from learning disorders or physical disabilities and Fiona pleasantly recalls always encouraging her to pursue the dream she had.

She never once thought of brushing Desiree off, most importantly because this dream would work in her favour and that of many other moms too. With her experience as a nurse, Fiona noticed that her son Ismail, at 14-months-old, was not developing normally.

It was a devastating period in her family life and after a number of medical examinations, Ismail was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.
This is a condition, which affects body movement, muscle control, muscle co-ordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance.

Two years ago Desiree Moonsamy opened Project Life, at which the now 16-year-old Ismail, as well as other special needs learners, attends school. Fiona is the Chairperson and gets to oversee the planning of school events and other administrative decisions.
Fiona would like to advise parents with special needs children as well as community members not to limit special needs children.

“Do not let them be a part of the hidden society, do not label them, love them unconditionally as you would a ‘normal child’ and allow them to develop so that they may realise their potential.

“Coming to terms with your child’s condition takes time and can be extremely difficult but it is vital to understand that neither you or the child asked to be that way, and seek help if needed,” added Fiona.

Fiona’s mantra is: “Live each day to its fullest and always be kind, you never know when your life may end, and it’s not worth making assumptions about people without getting to know them, be kind.” she elaborated.

Greatest accomplishments yet:
“To be a part of the Project Life family, from the foundation of having just three students to a current enrolment of 35, shows that we are doing something of benefit to the community. Witnessing the pure smiles of joy on the faces of our learners proves they no longer feel isolated and have a haven for education and development in a positive, nurturing environment and the ability to grow in the nursing field.”

Toughest obstacles:
“Juggling work, while in the pursuit of furthering my education, whilst being a wife and mother to my two boys.”

This New Year I look forward to:
“Seeing our community accept special needs children as equal.
“I will continue to strive for this as it would be of great significance to me. It surely has turned into a lifelong aspiration to motivate and create awareness on community support for special needs individuals.

” I am also hoping to see a growth in support groups for people with mental health issues, especially the youth.”
If you are interested to see how special needs children go about at school every day, and interact with one another or activities, which involve exercising amongst the many others contact either Fiona on 078 630 7826 or Desiree on 073 960 2738 to arrange a visit.