The Greater Alexandra Chamber of Commerce (Galxcoc) partnered with the Gauteng chapter of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies to deliver a wellness programme for the vulnerable children of this iconic township.
Aptly named the Alex Human Rights Wellness Event, it was held on Human Rights Day at the headquarters of the chamber in Wynberg. More than 600 children had their height, sugar levels, weight and hearing checked and were vaccinated against measles. The girls were given non-disposable sanitary pads and hygiene packs.
The wellness programme’s other partners included Clover, Workforce, Fingertips of Africa, and the South African Association of Audiologists.
Sheri Hanson, a volunteer for the Gauteng Jewish board, said the programme aimed to make healthcare accessible to every community and that the board had partnered with the chamber and other organisations to make the dream a reality.
“The Jewish community is a stone’s throw away neighbour of Alexandra and it was natural that the two communities help each other in times of need. If anything is detected in the children, they get a referral letter to a clinic,” Hanson said.
Nick Selamolela, a member of the Gauteng Jewish board, said they had invited all the schools in Alex, both primary and high, to inform their learners of the event. “This wellness screening programme is but one of the many community projects being undertaken by the Jewish community in Alexandra,” Selamolela added.
Related Article:
Alex community and businesses urged to ‘adopt and protect’ City Power infrastructure network
Aspiring Alex photojournalists urged to apply for the programme
