by Olwetu Mafutha
Vice President, Programs and Policy at World Vision Canada, Jamie McIntosh has described his first meeting with Kewarona (his sponsored child) as a “special moment”. McIntosh who was in SA a few days ago visited a few of the WV Canada funded projects in Thaba Nchu and Khauhelo, both based in the FreeState province.
The rain is pouring as we negotiate the long gravel road to Kewa’s home in Thaba Nchu. We finally arrive after driving for close to an hour from the ThabaNchu ADP office. “Kewarona is surely a blessed child, it always rains when something significant happens to him. It was pouring like this when he was born,” exclaimed Kewa’s grandmother.
Kewarona’s shy face lightens up the dark sitting room when Jamie gives him some toys and pictures he brought with. However it would seem the most special gift of them all was a colourful bangle made of rubber bands, which Isabella (Jamie’s daughter) made especially for Kewarona. Amaizingly the bangle was the exact size of Kewa’s little wrist.
Whilsts Jamie was still playing with Kewarona and showing him how the new toys work, his teenage mother walks in from school. After taking off the wet school uniform she joins us. Although she knew Kewa’s sponsor was coming to visit today, she looks amaized and with a shy smile says “I didn’t think you’ll make it through in this heavy rain.”
Kewa’s mother didn’t expect such an honourable visit so soon after his son has joined WV sponsorship program. “Kewa only joined few months ago so I really did not expect anything so soon, but we are grateful for the visit and the gifts – he loves these racing cars,” she says pointing at some of the toys brought by Jamie.
Back in Khauhelo ADP, Jamie accompanied by James Pothirajulu, WV Canada Director, International Programs, Elly Vandenberg, Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy and HEA Advisor, Brat ??, got a personal feel of the Community Voice and Action (CVA) at work. Trained and empowered by World Vision to address issues affecting them through a united voice, these change agents have turned the situation of their primary health care around.
“It has not been an easy journey, but today we are proud to say we no longer fear to express our concerns and as a result many things have changed at our clinics. Attitudes and level of dedication of the health care workers have changed for better”, boasted clinic committee member, Martha Tau. Adding that patients at the local clinics complete a patient satisfaction survey, something they never though was possible.
Poor health care system is one of the major challenges facing the country, and this problem has been amplified by the poor performance and carelessness of health care workers. However with citizen based action, clearly this can be changed nationwide.
“It has been a real honour for me to get a better sense of our work on the ground. The CVA member’s passion and dedication speaks volumes. With this kind of attitude, great strides will be made in this area through CVA even after WV has moved out, ” said Jamie.