#YourStory – Nomasiko a mother to many

“I have always wanted to be a positive influence in people’s lives, especial the youth,” said social worker, Ms Nomasiko Moyo from Uitkoms Home for Girls.

Nomasiko, a mother of two girls, said growing up was never easy but through the support of the community she was able to strive in life and achieve her goals.

“I received support from the community and the people who became family to me and the love they gave me made me to work hard and achieve my goals,” said Nomasiko.

Uitkoms home provides residential accommodation and care for pregnant teenage girls.

The home provides non-discriminatory care to vulnerable teenage girls who have been referred by the courts.

Nomasiko said working with the girls had taught her a number of things.

“Working with the girls has taught me to learn to develop trust and a good family system. It’s important to have a support system – it can be ‘family’ that is not blood but people you associate with in your life. Family is important,” said Nomasiko.

She lives with the girls at the home and she is the residential therapist. Her duties include providing guidance to the girls.

She said being a social worker has its challenges.

“It’s not easy, especially as a mother. You take the challenges these girls face home with you because you carry the girls in your heart.

“You get home and still think about them – like a 12-year-old who has been through so much at such a young age. You get emotional but you have to find a way not to take work home with you,” said Nomasiko.

She said working there has made her understand and realise that most of the girls living at the home come from backgrounds that were unfavourable.

“Girls come in with different cases but all of them come here in need of support and love and a place where they can be themselves and better. You see the girls transforming when they are here.

“That gives me joy – to see them change and knowing that I had contributed to her life in a positive way,” said Nomasiko.

Nomasiko said social ills play a major role, leaving these girls in a position where they make wrong choices.

“Some girls come in here and receive help, but forget where they come from and make wrong choices. Education is important and the youth need to utilise opportunities and break the circle of poverty.

“If such issues are not addressed they will always produce girls who take the option of dating an older man for money and the circle will continue repeating itself,” said Nomasiko.

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