Dressed in crisp white dresses and collared shirts, 13 fresh-faced youths took their seats in the Hospice East Rand hall on July 12 as family and friends erupted in ululation.
After 11 months and 450 hours of learning, the group of 19 became the organisation’s first graduates to complete the QCTO-accredited occupational certificate in home-based care.
“This is a joyous day,” said Sr Sindisiwe Mdlalose, patient care and training manager at Hospice East Rand.
“You were identified to complete this course, generously funded by Federated Employers Mutual Assurance (FEM), you remained dedicated to your studies and today you are qualified caregivers.
“Under the guidance of Sr Priscilla Chaba and Sr Maria Eland, the graduates are not only the organisation’s first class to complete this training they also attained the highest marks nationally.”
As cheers echoed Mdlalose said that six members of the group could not attend the celebration as they had successfully secured employment. Mdlalose congratulated her ‘children’ for putting the care of others above their own.
“When I met the students, they were nervous and shy but the classroom was soon filled with song and praise as they grew into confident carers,” she said.
“Your commitment to becoming quality palliative caregivers shone through and I am confident that with your newly acquired skills, you will become leaders in this field.”
Speaking on behalf of FEM, Zandile Gcabashe said as a longstanding supporter of Hospice, the company is proud of the graduates’ success.
“I know you will make a positive impact on the lives of others,” said Gcabashe.
Looking at her classmates with a radiant smile, Penny Mahlangu thanked FEM, Hospice East Rand and the course facilitators for their support throughout the course.
“Generations will sing your praises for years to come. You have not only granted us the opportunity to grow but equipped us with the knowledge to ease the burdens of others,” said Mahlangu.
“Life rewards the fearless. When we felt overwhelmed or thought we could not do it, mentorship and care from within our group gave us the strength to continue.
“My fellow alumni, thank you for your determination. We conquered fear and doubt. Now we reap the fruits of our effort by being of service to those who need us.”
