A transformative home-based care course run by the WMC Bread of Life Trust has changed the lives of 17 women from Gqeberha’s Walmer Township, who graduated with enhanced skills on Friday, 28 November.
The course, which commenced on 20 October, welcomed women from diverse backgrounds, many with little formal education and some pursuing their first-ever qualification.
“Several arrived with little formal education, and for some, this would be their first qualification,” said Robyn Myburgh, Logistics and Operations Manager of the WMC Bread of Life Trust. “A number of the ladies were sponsored by their employers, where they serve as domestic workers; others made payment arrangements, and several were blessed through generous donors who believe deeply in community upliftment.”
Determination despite challenges
From the outset, the participants’ resolve was evident, Myburgh added.
“Each woman carried a look in her eyes that never faded, even when the work felt overwhelming or completely new,” she observed. “Their resilience became the backbone of the entire course.”
The programme was expertly guided by Nonceba Mdaka from Sonwabise Projects, a retired nurse whose experience proved invaluable.
“Nonceba brought not only expertise but compassion, patience and heart, walking alongside the ladies every step of the way,” Myburgh shared.
The intensive training comprised two weeks of theoretical instruction followed by two weeks of practical experience at respected facilities across Gqeberha, including Somerson Retirement Village, Maranatha, Cheshire Homes and CP Bradfield.
On Friday, 28 November, 17 women celebrated their graduation in an emotional ceremony.
“It was a deeply moving moment — tears of joy, pride and gratitude flowed freely as many shared just how life-changing this opportunity has been,” Myburgh reflected.
Personal transformations
For 39-year-old mother-of-three, Ntombizanele Williams, the course fulfilled a long-held calling.
“If something happened in my location, such as someone being sick or getting stabbed or hurt, I was always the one they called for help,” she explained.
“Someone asked me one day why I don’t do a course, but I never had an opportunity before. By the Grace of God, I got this opportunity from the Methodist Church.”
Having previously cared for an elderly couple for six months, Williams found the structured training invaluable.
“It helped me a lot; it is something I wanted to do for a long time.”
Breaking the cycle of unemployment
Nolusindiso Faku, a 33-year-old unemployed mother, discovered the course whilst registering for a food parcel. “The Methodist Church told me about the course and then I decided to do it because of the way they supported me and gave me hope,” she shared.
For Faku, the training revealed the deeper aspects of care work. “What I’ve learnt is not to just assist someone. You are connected to the person to emotionally support them, not just physically. Some are old and some are not staying with families, and we have to play that role for them.”
