Busy,
busy, busy! That is how the last few weeks at ThembaCare can be described. Full
of interaction between our growing & developing children, the mothers of
some of our children, the carers, music therapist, our 2 new volunteers and weekly visits from
the UCT Speech & Language therapists and medical students.
As everyone has gotten back into the swing of a ‘normal’
routine, recovering from the busy festive season, here at ThembaCare it is
wonderful to hear what would be considered a ‘Joyful’ noise…no one can deny
that the sound of a happy, laughing child brings a smile to one’s face in an
instant and as pictured above, on a daily basis, what looks like a room full of
individuals (big and small) and lots of toys all over the place is the
environment created to provide support & stimulation for our little ones to
grow strong in all forms, physically, mentally & developmentally. This has included having the moms of 6 of our
children involved in the daily activities, bonding with their babies and also
assisting in the care taking of the other little ones, with everyone being kept
busy and involved with each other.
While our little ones have been developing in all spheres, ThembaCare
has discharged 5 children during the month of February. What wonderful news!
That these children whom we have come to know and have made their way into our
hearts are able to make a new start, happier & healthier. One little girl
who has been a part of the ThembaCare family for a long time was discharged
into the care of her mother after being really ill, where weight gain and
health progress was poor, but left ThembaCare smiling, playing and interacting,
giving us hope that she continue to grow and be well. Then there were our two
beautiful sisters who came to ThembaCare together, and with the hard work of
the TCA team, especially our social worker, they were transferred to a place of
safety together as well. These two girls did everything together, from playing
together, attending crèche together to even helping our carers take care of the
smaller babies together. It is visible to see that their bond was developing
and we hope and pray it is a sisterly bond that will never be broken.The other
two girls who were discharged were placed in an emergency place of safety and
discharged into the care of her family, respectively. Girl power all around here!
Having discharged these girls, we have also welcomed a 3 month old
little boy and 2 girls who are 8 months and 1year, 10 months old respectively and is clear to see that
their different personalities bring their own elements to the ThembaCare
family.
ThembaCare had an official visit from the Provincial
Department of Health (DOH), a group of 5 ladies inspecting the facility,
speaking to various members of staff regarding their role, services provided
within the facility and beyond, reviewing budgets and policies & procedures
being implemented and adhered too, looking at aspects such as hygiene,
administration and note taking/file keeping. Feedback given from Nomakula was
nothing but positive & filled with praise. These ladies were so impressed
with the facility as a whole it was said that they were learning from us, taking
away with them systems & procedures that they never expected from us and
that they can use to implement in their work, as well as other facilities. Teamwork,
fulfilling your specific role and having good management brings success and
this is what “sets ThembaCare above and beyond, apart from the rest” as quoted
by Nomakula in our feedback meeting. A
huge thank you goes out to all the staff
of ThembaCare for playing their part in making our facility one of such
high standard and recommendation.
With so much good news all round, one cannot help but smile,
have a song in your heart and know that with such passion in caring for our
sick and recovering little ones, this is the place we are meant to be!
