SA Guide-Dogs Orientation and Mobility Services Department turns 50 years on graduation day
SA Guide-Dogs Association in Paulshof killed two birds with one stone when they celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Orientation and Mobility Services Department and the graduation ceremony of students.
The SA Guide-Dogs Association in Paulshof has recently observed a significant occasion when they joyously commemorated 50 years of devoted service by their Orientation and Mobility Services Department during which time they have provided guide dogs and support to visually impaired individuals and others in need.
The event was made even more special as it included a graduation ceremony for new students.
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“It is very exciting to be in charge as head of the department which has grown and developed so much in the last nine years since I joined the team,” said Elizabeth Louw.
“ It is also based on the success of others who have joined the team over the years and have helped to build that foundation for us to work with.”
Louw added that the obstacles they have faced as a new team has become a driving force and propelled them to strive for excellence and reach new heights.
“We had to find new ways of doing new things and we did exactly that. We were hit by Covid and had to do distance learning at the drop of a hat and learn how to change our ways of how we teach our students and it also had an impact even on the size of this course. We had six graduates and one passed away. We are celebrating the five today and remember the one we lost.
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“The next class that we are having is only 10 students. So we can see that Covid had a huge impact on us but we embraced the storm together as a team.”
She said she was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude on this momentous day. Seeing the outpouring of support from various organisations, all united in their quest to make a difference, has filled her heart with pride and satisfaction.
“Because in the blindness sector, we don’t just work alone. They are other organisations that we are friends with and we support each other and they came to celebrate us and with us.”
Mpilonhle Buthelezi was inspired to enrol in the orientation and mobility practitioners course by her mother’s experiences with vision loss, motivating her to support others navigating similar challenges.
“I am happy today that I have graduated. I had to do it for my mom because when she was losing her sight I did not know what was the cause until I researched and found this course from the association.”
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