No matter how old you become, you are never old to be educated. Jerome Ndlovu, a 62-year-old male nurse at Dundee Emphathe Clinic, has recently obtained a Diploma in nursing and is currently studying towards a Degree in Theology at Good Shepard Theological College. Mr Ndlovu has 40 years service in nursing.
A thanksgiving ceremony was held on March 4 at the Civic Hall, commemorating all graduates. The main speaker was Doctor SS Khumalo from Vryheid, who advised the crowd that “each and everyone needs to work hard in order to achieve an education”.
Mr Ndlovu is a family man, happily married with two kids, God-fearing and loves working with people especially children.
Coming from a previously disadvantaged childhood, Mr Ndlovu started working as a temporary gardener in his younger years. He would work at restaurants during school holidays just to feed his family.
“There were times when I would do my homework at school, just so that I could go to work at night,” he said. During the apartheid era, he was once captured by the police for loitering in the streets, and he found himself in the boot of a car.
This was the most traumatising incident that ever happened to him as a young child, he added.
Initially, he wanted to be a teacher, but because of financial constraints he couldn’t study teaching. Mr Ndlovu found a job in the nursing field which he has grown to love. “I have always believed in bettering myself through education, I am very eager to know more and that is why I’m furthering my studies,” Jerome said.
He studied for two years and persevered; even enduring a setback when his textbooks were stolen in a house robbery. He persisted and pushed through until he acquired his certificate.
Health education and immunisation is also part of the programme, however, referrals to the clinic are given to scholars if required.
Currently, he is involved in a School-End Programme of which Mr Ndlovu is a team leader. They visit schools and carry out health inspections (assessing children head-to-toe) then prescribe medication if it’s something minor like skin conditions. Health education and immunisation is also part of the programme, however, referrals to the clinic are given to scholars if required.
Mr Ndlovu sends his gratitude to everyone who has supported him, especially his wife, Ntombi and his children, Nqobile and Simpiwe. He concluded by saying the aim of the thanksgiving ceremony was to thank God for his success through education. “Praise the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me, praise his holy name” Psalms 103 v1
