By Ian Corbett | Project Leader
This week saw us reach a milestone - construction of the new Lonwabo Special Care Day Centre got underway. So we owe our Community Liaison Officer, our Community Security Patroller, the Security Company and all of the community members who have kept the land free of invasion a big thank you. It is a job well done as we move on to the next part of the project.
Talking to principal Thandeka this morning, Thandi said when she visited the site yesterday:
"I wept. I don't know why I was crying, but I just couldn't stop. The whole of yesterday all I could see was that site with all the equipment working on it. I still think I'm in a dream!"
Its a dream that has taken Thandeka 12 years to realise testament to her absolute faith that it would one day happen. We too have been on the journey with her for the last 5 years.
The timing is good. Reviews by the Department of Social Development and Health are due in May. Finally, perhaps, they will see for themselves that Thandeka is to move to a new, specially designed centre. Finally, perhaps, this will bring to an end all threats of closure as we look forward to working together to help the Lonwabo team and the children they serve transition into their new centre.
It will be a big change, but Starting Chance is hard at work preparing the team. Our OT and Physio specialists are already back at Lonwabo now that Covid-19 lockdown restrictions have eased to work on upskilling the carers. Our education team is back working with the team 3 Fridays a month to help to create a stimulating learning environment by introducing different activities for the children who have already returned to Lonwabo.
An inventory has been created for essential equipment required for the new centre to operate - and over the next few weeks items will begin arriving.
Looking out of the window of the site office this morning was one of those special, emotional moments that come when you feel for the first time the real magnitude of the change that Starting Chance is delivering. And you know deep in your heart that these are the times that make what we do so worthwhile! It was a truly "Lonwabo (happiness) moment!"
The opportunity that is being created is enormous, not just for the Lonwabo team but also for the children who will attend.
According to the work shedule we should complete the main construction work in early June. All being well I hope that the next report will have pictures of the finished facility.
So we invite you to stay on this journey with us, tell your friends and keep the support coming. We need to ensure these children have the right equipment like wheel chairs, side lyers, foam shapes, appropriate educational games. Your contribution is making this dream come alive!
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