#YourStory – A garden of motivation

Nomsa Vuma and Ntuthuko Zwane from Wits University are studying social work and have been doing their practical training at Avalon Home for the disabled.

Nomsa and Ntuthuko said they want to leave residents motivated and filled with hope.

Nomsa said she started her practicals at the home and it has not been easy.

“I had to teach myself to have patience because I had to deal with different types of people. Some are naturally friendly and others need to know you first and then they open up to you. I had to find a way for us to understand each other,” said Nomsa.

Ntuthuko also shared his experience which was not so different from Nomsa.

“Engagement was a challenge. With some residents you have to be patient and also try to understand what challenges they are facing and find a way to motivate them,” said Ntuthuko.

Nomsa and Ntuthuko said they have taught themselves a lot and have also learnt a lot from the residents because they have so much knowledge to share.

“We notice there are a number of residents who are sitting around and wasting their day away while they could be doing something to keep busy. We came up with an idea to start a vegetable garden which will benefit the home because they can eat from that garden and also with the financial problems the home is facing it could help and be a source of food,” said Nomsa and Ntuthuko.

They both believe the residents can teach each other a lot because some residents are already hosting their own projects to keep busy and active.

“Some residents do not realise how capable they are but with the session we have been having with them, we were able to help them see that they can do more,” said Nomsa.

The vegetable garden will be open to all residents who are interested in being part of the team and will be wheelchair friendly as most residents are wheelchair-bound.

“We want all residents to be part of the garden. We want them to have a sense of ownership,” said Ntuthuko.

He said the residents are capable of doing great things even though they are physically challenged.

“People are not like objects, they change all the time. We can agree to start something like the garden but people need to commit themselves to it. We will have a task team that will continue with the garden even after we have gone.

“Being physically challenged does not mean you cannot achieve anything. There are a number of people who are physically challenged but have achieved great things,” said Ntuthuko.

The two said support is fundamental when caring for the physically challenged because society sometimes overlooks them and think they have nothing to contribute to society.

“The garden will be a way for us to leave residents with hope and remind them they are stronger than they think,” said Nomsa and Ntuthuko.

They are also planning a fundraising event for the home to help with the financial burden the home is faced with and residents will be helping a in putting together the event.

A date has not been finalised but it promises to be a day filled with family fun.

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