Celebrating spring was a joyful occasion at Rand Aid’s Thembalami Care Centre and the Max Ordman Deaf Association (MODA) on 2 September, when residents, staff and the ‘gogos’ from Alexandra dressed up brightly to welcome the new season.
Colourful tutus were the order of the day, as the care centre’s occupational therapist and other staff members led various activities to improve social interaction amongst residents and employees.
The Waya Waya dance challenge was an absolute hit!
South African musician and record producer Kgaogelo ‘Master KG’ Moagi has another smash hit that has gone viral just like Jerusalema, and people across the world are taking on the challenge.
“Our residents and staff thoroughly enjoyed our Waya Waya dance, and we challenge all Rand Aid villages to do their own Waya Waya dance,” says Thembalami and MODA manager Esme van der Walt.
Other activities included aerobics, led by occupational therapist Patricia Shihlomule; and the Trust a Friend Challenge, where a staff member and a resident navigated an obstacle course together.
“The staff member was blindfolded and the resident had to direct them through the obstacle course. One resident enjoyed it so much that she was literally crying from laughter,” says Elize Raath, Thembalami Care Centre’s deputy manager.
Residents also enjoyed a boiled egg spoon race, which Elize – who took part in the challenge – explains as being ‘easier said than done’; and a marshmallow on a string challenge, in which residents sat on a chair and had to eat a huge marshmallow off a string.
In between all of these fun activities, everyone enjoyed an ice cream!
“It was wonderful to have our ‘gogos’ from the Zamokuhle outreach programme join us on the day and take part in the activities,” says Esme.
The programme was launched by Rand Aid in 2009 to assist Elders in need in nearby Alexandra, River Park and East Bank. Run from Thembalami three mornings a week, the programme assists pensioners so that they can remain within their own community for as long as possible.
“The staff, residents and gogos thoroughly enjoyed our Spring Day celebrations, and even the weather played along,” says Esme.
The residents ended their day with a delicious boerewors roll, kindly braaied by staff members Solly Teke, Jacob Bahume and Jerry Mofokeng.
