A total of 18 volunteers in Mlungisi completed a basic health education programme by Phelophepha Edu-Clinic and were awarded with certificates of attendance.
Nandipha Madikwa from Qiqa Uphile Healthcare Centre facilitated the training and said the course which ran from February4 to 8 was based on educating volunteers from different non-governmental organisations in Mlungisi about basic healthcare matters.
“The volunteers were taught different aspects of health education. They were taught about environmental and personal hygiene and family health which covered infectious diseases such as HIV/Aids, TB and STIs,” Madikwa said. “They needed to know what was expected of them and were trained on how to take care of ill people and how to serve them. We had to create a positive attitude to allow a flow of conversation and engagement. I believe this course has added to their skills and now they are empowered and will produce better results.” Madikwa said they were also taught about social aspects, nutrition and basic first aid. She added that the volunteers were receptive during the course and showed eagerness to learn.
One of the beneficiaries Elias Magwayi appreciated the programme. “I am already practising what I have learnt at home before going out and practising it. Most importantly, personal hygiene and a healthy environment.”
Phelophepha health care clinic nurse Malitsatsi Phahla said this was an ongoing programme which mainly focused on unemployed people in communities. “This is one of the areas where Phelophepha is contributing towards development in every community that the train visits. We have outreach programmes and health education is an integral part of these programmes. The volunteers receive certificates and handbooks to motivate potential entrepreneurs to start their own businesses so that when job opportunities come they are able to present their certificates to prove that they were not just sitting and waiting for jobs to come. As some form of inspiration we give attendees seeds as gifts to encourage involvement and gardening projects.” said Phahla
