Latest news with #Westmead-based
The Citizen
19-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Education seminar fills gap of character cultivation
THE Westmead-based Tzu Chi Foundation – South Africa held an education seminar last week which aimed to fill a gap in the schooling curriculum, which is the cultivation of character. Themed 'Igniting Hope, Cultivating Character', the foundation's education project manager, Siyabonga Alex Qwabe, said the seminar was also about imparting the Tzu Chi humanistic spirit and education philosophy, character education and holistic learning strategies, and different education systems and practical teaching experiences. The seminar was attended by the foundation's volunteers and educators from Malawi, Zambia, Eswatini and Durban who had the opportunity to engage with different industry experts and guest speakers who delved into the seminar's aimed exploration into new approaches in inclusive education, character development, and skill-based learning. Also read: WATCH: Foundation donates reusable diapers One of the guest speakers was Ursula Collings, a former school principal whose talk on Thursday also encouraged teachers and parents to expose children to nature, especially in light of findings that more of them are spending almost seven hours glued to devices such as cellphones or tablets. Qwabe, a former educator himself, said the foundation seeks to 'plant a seed in learners and educators of certain principles and values which will make them better people'. 'Ours is to better shape society by changing the characters of people,' said Qwabe, who added that the knowledge gained by their volunteers from the seminar will be sown into the minds of the children they provide caregiving services to across different countries, including South Africa. The local branch of the foundation provides care-giving assistance to schools such as Addington Primary, SM Jhavary Primay and Nqayizivele in uMlazi. Among the lessons Qwabe said were presented to volunteers were inclusion and learning barriers, with strategies suggested on how to identify the latter and help children deal with it, in order to ensure the former manifests in a classroom. 'A lot of the experts were showing a practical and fun part of learning and also how to help learners forget about whatever burdens and troubles they may be dealing with in their personal lives,' said Qwabe, who added that it was also about cultivating the teacher's mental health. Qwabe said the foundation's central tenets are building compassion; respect; being responsible; courage; perseverance; contentment; emotional management; thankfulness; tolerance; filial piety; and giving. 'We go to schools and conduct fun yet informative lessons that are based on these central themes, and the aim is to change the characters of learners by reminding them of these principles,' said Qwabe. The seminar, which Qwabe said aimed to transform learners and teachers as a way of ultimately positively impacting communities, ran from July 9 to 13 at the foundation's Westmead centre. For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
15-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
WATCH: Foundation donates reusable diapers
A LOCAL foundation focused on upskilling individuals and making a difference in communities last week donated hand-sewn reusable diapers to the elderly. The Westmead-based Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation had an outreach programme on May 26, which entailed its volunteers, who have been learning sewing as a skill at its centre, donating the diapers to elderly persons in Newlands. These volunteers had spent months creating the reusable adult diapers after a need was identified in communities where elderly individuals have limited access to proper facilities. #highwaymail ♬ original sound – caxtonlocalmedia @caxtonlocalmedia Volunteers from the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation in Westmead are turning their sewing skills into acts of love ❤️, creating reusable adult diapers for elderly community members in need. These aren't just diapers, they're hand-sewn with dignity, compassion, and care 🙌🏽. Each one represents hours of work, heartfelt dedication, and a commitment to restoring comfort and hope to the elderly and their caregivers. #caxtondurban The hand-sewn adult fabric diapers were made during weekly sewing classes held at the Tzu Chi centre. The foundation's Kerry Ann Richardson said this programme is a reflection of how care, creativity, and community spirit can combine to meet a pressing need. 'These reusable cotton diapers, breathable and thoughtfully designed, were created specifically for elderly or bedridden individuals who often struggle with limited mobility and access to hygiene products. 'Each diaper comes with removable cotton linings – washable, soft, and sustainable – providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for recipients and caregivers. More than just a practical item, each one represents hours of dedication, intention, and love sewn into every seam by volunteers who believe deeply in the dignity of every human being,' said Richardson. The foundation's first visit on the day was at a home of a man living with a disability in Newlands East. 'Despite his limited mobility and speech difficulties, his expression visibly brightened as we entered the home singing, bringing with us a bag of rice, blessing cards, and adult diapers. In a touching moment, he selflessly requested that the supplies be given instead to his elderly mother, who was bedridden in the next room,' said Richardson. Also read: Meet your local home care specialist She said upon visiting the mother, it was learnt that she is an octogenarian who is cared for by a granddaughter. 'These home visits aim to provide more than material support; they offer connection, compassion, and dignity through simple acts like feeding a patient, helping with hygiene, or offering a moment of company,' said Richardson. The foundation then visited another home in Newlands where a son is the sole caregiver for his mother and two aunts – one of whom has Down Syndrome. 'His mother, bedridden following a stroke, requires fulltime care. The living area had been converted into a sleeping space with two beds and minimal room to move, highlighting the urgent need for supplies like diapers. In homes like these, it becomes clear that our presence alone – a visit, a conversation, a moment of attention – can offer a powerful sense of hope and recognition,' said Richardson. For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
