Caregivers awarded certificates

A Khayelitsha-based non-profit organisation (NGO) has made a call to township communities to pull their weight in caring for children.

Ikhaya Elitsha Foundation (IEF) made the call on Saturday February 1 when it awarded certificates to 15 caregivers who underwent training.

IEF health practitioners and caregivers support and work with autistic children, the homeless, drug users, ex-convicts, school drop-outs, the disabled, and victims of sexual violence.

Founder Thembisa Skaap said the foundation focuses on human development and the training taught caregivers about the organisation’s aims and interventions.

“This is a big day for all of us. This is the beginning of good things in Khayelitsha. But we need to make a call to the community to also pull their weight in caring for their children. They will have to work with us so that we can be on the same level,” said Ms Skaap.

She said the mandate was to reach out to children with autism but also the vulnerable and abused children in Khayelitsha.

“We have noticed, with concern, that most children with autism have no one to look after them, are not in school or are cared for far from their homes. I experienced the same problem with my grandson. I had to take him to Umtata, in the Eastern Cape. Imagine families who can not afford that. That is why I started the Ikhaya Elitsha Foundation. It is crucial that we have a place like this where we render services tailored for them,” she said.

She added that the caregivers will also look for the many orphans and vulnerable children in the communities.

“We will teach them skills like baking, sewing, gardening, bead-making and many others. We will encourage them to be pro-active and use their hands to do things that are beneficial to them,” she said.

Caregivers were happy to have been trained to work with children with autism and disabilities, saying it was a rare opportunity.

Ntombodidi Nthombeni, one of the caregivers said; “Having a certificate is a sign of readiness to work with the children. I was not aware of autism until I underwent this training. To me it was just a disability like others. But I can differentiate now what autism is. I am truly grateful to be part of the people who will work with autistic children.”

Another caregiver Xolisa Gungqwa thanked the foundation for the training and opportunity to know more about autism.

“I am grateful to have acquired knowledge on autism. I was not aware of what exactly it was. The training has opened my eyes. I am now a better person and a more knowledgeable one. I know that an autistic person can do things for themselves. I encourage people to become informed about autism and disability. This foundation will relieve pain at so many households. Some people feel embarrassed to have autistic children. They shouldn’t hide them because they are just like us," he said.

Ikhaya Elitsha is situated at 27 Hostel Street, E Section, Khayelitsha. You can call them on 073 177 5160.