ELDERS KNOW THEIR RIGHTS Author: Jeffrey Khohlokoane Picture by: Jeffrey Khohlokoane Educating the aged about their rights, so as to protect themselves against abuse, is one of the aims of Nonkululeko Aged Service Centre. The centre is situated in ZwelethembaTownship near Worcester. Most residents of Zwelethemba specifically the aged bear the brunt of poverty and abuse, and Nonkululeko Aged Service Centre which celebrated its 21th anniversary in February this year, offers the most needed services and support for the elderly. Mrs N.E. Matroos, (well known in the community as “Mam”) an eighty six year old retired teacher with 35 years’ experience in the teaching sector, is the founder member and co-ordinator of the centre. She says, caring for the elderly and ensuring that services for them are easily accessible has always been her passion. The centre started operating in 1992 at the community hall. They decided to get their own offices as the community hall was used by many local organisations. The J.G. Murray Trust” funded them on condition that they contribute fifty percent of the total costs. In a short space of time they raised the needed amount. The new building comprise of a small office, a hall, day care section, and a fully equipped kitchen which they use to cook their daily meals. Mrs. Matroos is also grateful to Reverend J.Urengeng, social services Department and Pick n Pay supermarket for supporting the centre by donating food and blankets. The Korean Priest comes in once a week for moral support and prayers. During the day, the elders participate in a variety of activities such as knitting, sewing, cooking, gardening and mind games. The co-ordinator of the centre narrated boldly, “due to literacy classes most of gogos are now able to write their names”. She further says that community benefit from the centre, for example, “we rent out the hall to the community at an affordable fee”. Nonkululeko Aged Centre also supports families that are affected by poverty and death by providing food parcels and assist people to apply for grants. The elders believe that the aged, more specifically women are the most oppressed people in the society; they believe women’s month should be celebrated to intensify the fight against women abuse.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 12:53:05 +0000
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