The last few months overwhelmed us with quarantine and health science jargon. Social distancing changed our lives in ways we never imagined, so we rejoiced once the president announced level 1 restrictions.
As we prepared to step out into a new world, the Islamic Medical Association (IMA), Ladysmith Branch, was eagerly waiting to step back into community outreach work. The IMA, in conjunction with the Al-Imdaad Foundation and Operation Sukuma Sakhe, revived their Medical Screening Outreach Programme on Saturday, October 10.
Keeping it local and in adherence with Covid-19 regulations, the IMA arranged a special outreach for the children at Thubelihle Special Needs School in Ladysmith. The IMA team consisted of Medical Doctors, Dentists, Optometrists, Audiologists, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Speech Therapists and Occupational Therapists…
All of whom conducted free specialised screening and follow-up treatments for the children. The founder and principal of Thubelihle Special Needs School, Mrs Sibongile Shabalala, was extremely grateful for the services provided to the learners.
The medical services provided by the IMA exceeded the expectations of the parents and teachers, and they provided welcome relief in these uncertain times. The virtues of selflessly serving humanity and a sense of community reverberated through the school.
The Al-Imdaad Foundation promoted the importance of health and nourishment as they distributed wholesome fruit parcels to the children. In keeping with that theme, the IMA donated gardening and sporting equipment to the school for their Life Skills and development.
IMA Ladysmith chairperson Dr Mohamed Mulla said that providing a service to one person makes a world of difference. When you impact on a child, then you impact on the future and this was evident in various dynamics on the day, with volunteer learners from the Islamic Educational Centre (IEC) seeing the beauty in service by the grace of the Almighty.
Thanks to the individuals and organisations that contributed to the outreach programme.
Thanks also to the healthcare workers who served within the community, as well as on the front line.
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