Excitement filled the room when the residents realised that I was taking photographs for the local newspaper and for a gallery to be posted on the newspaper's website. Please do yourself a favour and visit the centre, it makes no difference whether you have an appointment or not; the joy of your interaction with those less fortunate than us will be rewarded with smiles that will be imprinted in your heart forever.
While there enquire about the needlework, educational toys, clothes hangers, knitted blankets, greeting cards and a lot more, and if need be buy an item if you want to. For your convenience there will be a bazaar and Christmas market on Saturday 30 November from 09:00 till 14:00, but who wants to wait that long? Why not go now?
In 1977 the Southern Cape Mental Health Society established 'Emmaüs' – a multi-diagnostic workshop for mentally and/or physically disabled adults who were unable to work in the open labour market. In 1981 the permanent workshop buildings were erected and the hostel was built. The centre consists of 48 residents housed in single rooms and an additional 90 day-workers who get therapeutic stimulation and learn new skills during the day.
Gustaf Muller, a resident, was previously a day-worker at Emmaüs from 2006 after his mother died. Last year, after his father passed away, he moved into the hostel. Muller is deaf and has a speech impediment. He attended a school for pupils with special needs and has recently received a hearing aid from the George Hospital, which means that he can now follow a conversation.
As a young man he did an apprenticeship in woodwork at Brown & Sons in Knysna. When his parents moved to George he couldn't find employment so he aimlessly roamed the streets of George on his bicycle from morning till night. Now at Emmaüs he has regained his confidence and self-esteem and can, with a little guidance, make products on his own. Gustaf has added value to the woodwork section at Emmaüs as his attention to detail makes it a pleasure to work with him.
Elsabé Badenhorst, director of Emmaüs, says that visitors find knick-knacks and bric-a-brac that they love and then ask the centre to make it for them as a gift that they can give to others. "The joy of giving someone a 'not made in China' handcrafted gift that has contributed to the welfare of those less fortunate definitely brings tears to the giver and the receiver alike."
Badenhorst wishes to remind the tripe brigade that the last delicious tripe evening will be on 3 December. Please contact them on 044 873 4196.
View more photos here.
Gretha Smith
ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ
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