Residents mixed and flipped at Max Ordman Deaf Association (MODA) on October 9, rolling up their sleeves for a special Pancake Friday.
Kirsten Rodrigues, a volunteer at MODA, arranged the event, which is part of Thembalami Care Centre.
The residents joined Kirsten, occupational therapy assistant Peggy Kupa, and Thembalami manager Esme van der Walt in the kitchen, where they helped mix the pancake batter, cook the pancakes, and choose their own toppings.
Esme says events specifically designed to include deaf residents are particularly meaningful. “It is wonderful to have activities where our deaf residents can be fully involved and enjoy themselves together. And, of course, food always goes down well – especially when you get to choose your own toppings!”
Kirsten volunteers at MODA every Friday while studying psychology. She says she has always had a passion for working with both older people and the deaf community.
“I joined both passions together,” she says. “Being able to advocate and form connections with the residents has been so fulfilling. I am continuously learning.”
As part of her commitment to the community, Kirsten is learning South African Sign Language and has done a few basic sessions with our staff.
Residents mixed and flipped at Max Ordman Deaf Association (MODA) on October 9, rolling up their sleeves for a special Pancake Friday.
Kirsten Rodrigues, a volunteer at MODA, arranged the event, which is part of Thembalami Care Centre.
The residents joined Kirsten, occupational therapy assistant Peggy Kupa, and Thembalami manager Esme van der Walt in the kitchen, where they helped mix the pancake batter, cook the pancakes, and choose their own toppings.
Esme says events specifically designed to include deaf residents are particularly meaningful. “It is wonderful to have activities where our deaf residents can be fully involved and enjoy themselves together. And, of course, food always goes down well – especially when you get to choose your own toppings!”
Kirsten volunteers at MODA every Friday while studying psychology. She says she has always had a passion for working with both older people and the deaf community.
“I joined both passions together,” she says. “Being able to advocate and form connections with the residents has been so fulfilling. I am continuously learning.”
As part of her commitment to the community, Kirsten is learning South African Sign Language and has done a few basic sessions with our staff.
