Come rain or shine, the aim is to build a stronger, more connected community together. This is a cornerstone of the University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) School of Nursing. Staff and students embark on regular and much-needed community outreach efforts in the Western Cape.
Their latest destination was Langa on the Cape Flats. Residents greeted the UWC team with wide smiles of gratitude for the breakfast, exercises and even foot massages to the tune of traditional African drumming.
It set the stage for some serious business: looking after the elderly’s general health in the community. It offered an opportunity for staff and students to ask critical questions about medication side effects and conduct general screenings, including blood pressure and other free medical services to the community’s senior citizens.
Staff member Mbalenhle Shange-Goba said the Nursing Department combined efforts with the local branch of Project Playground, a non-profit international organisation that facilitates child development and learning through play and music.
“Our students are directly involved with the community in events such as the elderly appreciation day held in Langa township. This event celebrated and honoured the elderly for the essential role they play in nurturing the future of our children. Our services were offered to forty elderly patients. We have found that many seniors had questions about conditions such as blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose testing,” said Shange-Goba.
“We wanted to provide and improve knowledge around resources which will aid in making positive lifestyle changes that will benefit their physical, mental and emotional well-being.”
The day was held in collaboration with various entities, including the UWC Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health, Legal Aid and Kuhle Beauty Spa.
