14 November 2007
The Ethembeni Clinic in partnership with Love Life launched a programme
called Gogo getters. This programme entails grannies advising teenagers on
lifestyle issues especially issues pertaining to HIV and AIDS, sexually
transmitted infections, abstinence, etc. The grannies also act as role models
to the youth.
This initiative was taken by Ethembeni Community Clinic in an endeavour to
ensure that their communitiesâ needs and problems are met at all spheres.
The MEC in her words of support sent through the Acting
SuperintendentâGeneral Nandi Diliza, recognised this initiative as the first of
its kind in the Eastern Cape province. The MEC encouraged grannies to be more
vigilant in dealing with their children and grandchildren especially at this
hardship era of their lives. "Ours is to embrace our kids by educating, loving
and allowing them to talk to us freely, in that way we will be able to solve
problems such as HIV and AIDS," she said.
Nteyi, Amahlathi Local Service Area Manager reflected on the stunning work
done by the clinic. The clinic has all the necessary healthcare equipment and
is the place where everyone would love to be.
Ethembeni Clinic is an establishment identified by the department as one of
the Centres of Excellence.
Love Life is a national governmental youth initiative aimed at combating
problems facing young people. The clinic has passed an assessment of becoming a
National Adolescence Friendly Clinic known as National Adolescent Friendly
Clinic Initiative (NAFCI).
The clinic staff has made it probable that the centre is indeed a 'youth
friendly centre' where the young people in particular are assisted with
academic, socially and health related problems.
Bongani Khankqu, a Love Life area co-ordinator said he is very delighted to
work with Ethembeni community and the cordial co-operation they received is
splendid.
"We conduct chill sessions every day, Monday to Friday, from 15h30 to 16h30
with young people tackling various problems from the scourge of dreadful
diseases to issues affecting their well being generally," he said. He also
added that they were utilising those sessions as platforms for youth to feel
free to raise and discuss any issues related to their progress in life.
The centre is also taking care of orphans who live in the area by cooking
vegetables for them. Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela also visited the
place a while back and donated blankets to the orphans.
Ethembeni community was appreciative of the manner in which the department
of health has intervened in ensuring that their youth was being guided on the
right path.
Nteyi acknowledged that there were some challenges that the clinic was
facing. She said that they were planning to organise a vehicle that would be
responsible for visiting those who could not walk to the clinic.
Zukiswa Mbuwana who is the nurse in charge said that the huge work was made
easy by their five professional nurses, two assistant nurses, four general
assistants and five volunteers who worked tirelessly in bringing the centre
close to the people.
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
14 November 2007
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecdoh.gov.za)
