Personal loss inspires public gain
JOHANNESBURG – Local resident uses her work, and past experiences, to change children's lives.
A personal loss became the inspiration and driving force for local resident Linda Madhoyo to achieve her dream of becoming a social worker.
“I have always loved touching people’s lives and making a difference,” said Madhoyo.
“An experience that hit home for me was losing my mother and having to take the parenting role to my siblings. [This is what] made me want to be a social worker even more because I understood what children who have no one to love and look after them go through.”
Madhoyo is a social worker at the Johannesburg Children’s Home. She said life was not always easy, losing a mother at the age of 20 she had to step up and be a parent and sister. “It was a challenge for me because, at that age, I had no parenting experience and had to make grown-up decisions. I told myself I wanted a better life for my brother and sister, and we’ve made it,” the social worker said proudly.
“The three of us got our education and that made me happy because it was important to me for them to get a better life. I wanted to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and I achieved my dream.
“I was pleased when the time came for me to train and gain experience. I spent three years in Bethlehem in the Free State. I learnt a lot about the profession and got to understand better what was expected of me.”
Her journey as a social worker started in 2014 when she started working at Johannesburg Children’s Home where her mindset changed about homes. “I always thought homes were institutions that the government sent children to who needed a roof over their heads. It only provided food and shelter. But when I got here it was in line with what I believed in.
“When helping a person, giving them love and hope [is important]. That is what the home is about. It’s a special place for the children to belong and receive love and courage.”
She said being a social worker is not easy as it comes with challenges but she always takes it on with a positive attitude. “You find children that are difficult, who get so angry and won’t allow anyone in. You need to be patient because you want to reach out to them.
“You have a session with a child and they don’t even talk to you because they are so traumatised. The environment they come from was not loving. You have to find a way to make them trust you and build a relationship. You need to ask them to give you permission to walk with them and come into their lives.”
She said her work is emotionally draining but the rewards are worth it. “The moment when you feel you not making progress and a child comes into your office and just gives you a smile. Those are the little things that show you there is progress.”
She said there are a number of children who might not be well taken care of in the community and encouraged them, or adults aware of the situation, to go to a police station and report the matter.
“The social crime unit would intervene and investigate. Some children don’t know where to go or what to do. We urge people who are aware of any abuse of children to report it – and also the children if they feel they are being abused. They must talk to someone they trust.”
Details: #YourStory
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