Bathandeni Special Needs Care Centre needs your help

Born and bred in KwaThema, the young woman was touched a year ago after seeing children living with disabilities being kept at home behind closed doors, while some were being kicked out of school at a certain age.

Her love and passion for working with those with disabilities grew from there.

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“After seeing this I trained as a care worker and then worked for six years with people living with disabilities.

“A bit later I then came across Julie Makaleng (53) and Joyce Mkhonza (54) at a project for orphans and we enjoyed working together.

“But after the lady of that centre disappeared, these two ladies encouraged me to register and open the Bathandeni Special Needs Care Centre,” she says.

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Kgomare opened her own centre last year January working with Makaleng and Mkhonza at a site on Lebogang Street in Barcelona.

Then in June last year they were forced to find a new spot.

Their next stop was at the school in the area. However, two months later they were kicked out after the staff on those premises said they needed the space.

“We finally made our way to this space in KwaThema Extention Three, on Sebolai Street, though it has been loaned to us till we can get our own proper space.

“I am very grateful to the team I work with. In addition to these two ladies there are another two, Sibongile Mofokeng and Ntombifuthi Zwane, who help to relieve these women when the need arises,” she says.

“I enjoy everything about this job and don’t feel that our beneficiaries are disabled, as I believe that we all have our own disabilities.

“For instance, if you are easily moved to anger, and even after seeking help it doesn’t change, then that is your disability. You may not be aware of it but others are.”

Kgomare says they started out with 14 beneficiaries. Two died and another two were taken to homes.

There are now 10 beneficiaries who attend the centre Monday to Friday, from 9am till 4pm.

During the day the caregivers provide the beneficiaries with meals, exercises, reading and writing lessons and skills development.

“Our vision is to help these people living with disabilities so that at some point they are able to get jobs.

“We help them with skills development such as loom knitting. However, it would be nice if they could have other skills,” she says.

Kgomare says one of the challenges they face is that even though there is a small monthly fee, it is not enough, which means in the middle of the month they have to fund the centre from their own pockets.

But thankfully there is a car-towing business in Brakpan that is helping them with ready-made meals daily, which helps take the load off their shoulders.

“What we need the most is food, clothing and space to build as the towing company is willing to help us with fund-raising to get our own centre.

“We would also like people to help with teaching more skills, educational toys, diapers for young and old, toiletries, stationery and furniture.

“People who also wish to come and volunteer their services or time are welcome, but they must know that it is out or love that we do this and we don’t get paid,” Kgomare says.

She adds that they would also appreciate it if someone could donate a wheelchair for one of their beneficiaries who is 28 years old.

For more information on the centre contact Kgomare on 060 344 9260 or 084 281 1199.