Hands joined for renovation project to assist the needy
“My work as an Occupational Therapist involves working with people living with disabilities and I truly see first-hand how they are forgotten in our country."
Miss Soweto 2022 and Occupational Therapist who advocates for people living with disabilities and children with special needs, went on a quest four years ago to fight for the wellness of people living with disability after witnessing the saddening living condition of a home for disabled children.
Last week Thursday, Tsakane Sono in partnership with White Star and CTM unveiled the renovated Ellen Glen Home for Children with Special Needs in Doornkop, Soweto.
“My work as an Occupational Therapist involves working with people living with disabilities and I truly see first-hand how they are forgotten in our country.
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“There are so many things in our society that we overlook that people living with disability actually see as big obstacles and heddles,” said Sono.
According to Sono, this Home was her driving force for her to enter Miss Soweto in 2022. She knew how much White Star prides itself with being a brand that gives back to communities they serve.
“When we first came here, our hearts broke and for me, I understand how important it is for a child that is in a wheelchair to have a home that is conducive and constructive to their development,” she explained.
For her this was not only to advocate for Ellen Glen Home but to shine a light about what really happens to people living with disabilities in South Africa.
Because the Home was struggling to get funding from Social Development, Sono would give back through donating clothes, cleaning and often cooking for the children.
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“Our problem as the society we only consider disability when there is someone within our homes or us. But let us be advocates for those that are forgotten and less fortunate in our society,” said Miss Soweto 2022.
CTM came on board to this initiative and renovated the kitchen area and the bathroom for the children.
Wandile Nyundu, CTM Marketing Manager said, “As part of our CTM cares initiatives, we strongly believe in supporting the communities we are part of. We had to be part of the improvement of this facility and changing its state of condition.”
Pontso Madona (Mme Pontso) is the founder of the Ellen Glen Home for Children with Special Needs.
She first started the home as a day care centre, but overtime it grew to a magnitude as she saw the need that existed for these children to have a home. Most of the children do not have homes anymore and are neglected by families.
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Mme Pontso expressed her words of gratitude for the renovated home.
“I want thank Tsakane Sono for coming to our centre and helping us and fighting for our centre. Our centre was in an improper condition and dirty. We are grateful to White Star and CTM for our beautiful Home.”
It is essential for communities to remember that inclusion in our societies and constitution also involves people living with disabilities and children with special needs.
