Milinda de Klerk, Child Welfare Centre Germiston receptionist, has recently been awarded a long-service award after serving for 25 years since 1996.
De Klerk had a lot to reflect on from when she started at the organisation.
She said when she joined the welfare, she had no idea what the organisation was about but was excited to join them regardless.
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“When I joined the centre, I got to train as an auxiliary worker. I am now a qualified auxiliary worker. Thinking of those days just brings up memories,” said de Klerk.
“This centre was different 25 years ago, we had no computers and gate remote controls. Back then we had the type of machine to use.
“There are just so many faces that came and left over the years. The good thing is that I can connect and bond with everyone.”
She enjoyed the first 15 years of her time with the organisation the most.
“I was the youngster who had just joined a team of wiser women who were here before me, and they had a passion and love for what they did,” she said.
Though de Klerk agrees the journey has been fun and exciting, she also highlighted there were times of sadness.
Over the years she moved from being an auxiliary worker to being the receptionist as there were a lot of heartbreaking moments in the field.
“I have been the receptionist for more than 10 years now. The reason I left the auxiliary position was that it was heartbreaking to see parents abandon their children,” she said.
“I still find it hard to believe.”
The mother of two added that she has learnt a lot over the years from both her directors and enjoyed most of the staff trips they had.
You can offer your support towards the organisation by contacting them on 011 825 3655 or at info@childwelfaregermiston.co.za
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za
