Domestic worker beats odds, soars at short course
Gugu Shabane who works as a domestic worker, was afforded the opportunity to live her dream to go back to school when her employer, Dr Lydia Dekker enrolled her into a short course earlier this year.
A LIVING inspiration and a testament that one can achieve their dreams despite the odds, is Gugu Shabane.
The Umlazi resident who works as a domestic worker, was afforded the opportunity to live her dream to go back to school when her employer, Dr Lydia Dekker enrolled her into a short course earlier this year.
An overjoyed Gugu could not believe her eyes and ears when she was announced top of her class and handed her certificate in caregiving and counselling from Sacred Heart Caregivers and Counselling in Montclair. She is also one of four who passed this course out of a class of 30.
“I enjoyed the course very much, my teacher was so helpful and was very approachable if I had questions or needed clarity on anything. Being around other students was also really nice especially having left school so many years ago. The experience was so refreshing. I made sure to study every chance I got, oftentimes until very late at night. Being back at school was very exciting for. I also I have a daughter who is in Grade 11 who was very supportive,” shared Gugu who added that she didn’t have trouble juggling her work and her studies.
She enrolled in March and due to the implementation of lockdown, the school decided to halt academic programmes until October. Nevertheless, a determined Gugu continued to study and successfully graduated this month.
“Working for Lydia has been so nice and I appreciate her for welcoming me into her home and family as she has. She is just like my sister. She has motivated me so much and gave me time off work to focus on my studies, especially during exams. Her passion for education has rubbed off on me throughout the years and I’m so happy she gave me this chance to also empower myself. I didn’t expect to do so well. Words can’t express how happy I am.”
She is currently volunteering until she can secure a permanent job as a caregiver. The 53-year-old mother of one, plans to also do a first aid course next year.
Her employer, Lydia shared: “Gugu has worked for me for 11 years now. We first met when I was still studying full time and needed someone to help me around the house because I just couldn’t manage to do it alone at the time. She’s been with me and supporting for the longest time. Without her, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve all that I have in my studies up to PHD level. She is more of a friend and a sister to me. Although it will be difficult to let her go because I’m going to miss her, Gugu deserves a better outcome in life. I’m a sociologist and from my experience, it is so important for women to be educated, regardless of the background or age,” shared a proud Lydia.
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