Headway Open Day

HEADWAY MAKES HEAD WAY! 

Headway is a cause very close to our hearts, with Gareth and I (yours truly, Ntombi), being patrons of this organization that is dedicated to assisting people and families of people with that have sustained brain injuries. 

On Thursday 23 October 2008 we attended the opening ceremony to unveil its newly revamped centre, aptly named “Khomelela” to the community of Alexandra. “Khomelela” is a Shangaan word which means “hold together”.  

The logo of the Headway organisation is a lighthouse, thus making the organisation’s purpose like that of a beam of light, emitted by a lighthouse that leads to a refuge and a place of safety when in distress. The centre has been primarily established close to the community that it serves, that being the community of Alexandra and the surrounding areas.  

Introductions to the Alexandra Headway Centre were done by Jackie Fabian and Thembela Mbalukwa, who are the managers of the Centre. Thembela makes home visits and runs awareness workshops. Alex FM (the local community radio station) has generously given a slot for free to Thembela, to further spread the word about Headway and the services it offers. 

Another touching message, which deserves mention, was how Jackie Fabian explained Headways definition of the term community:

C – caring for the attendeed and their families

O – ownership of their recovery and lives

M – mutual respect amongst individuals and group/members of community

M - provide meaning to those we interact with

U – create a sense of understanding and reduction of stigma

N – creation of new ideas, skills and talent

I – identify those in Alex with disabilities and brain injuries

T – therapy – time to listen

Y – Yes attitude…we can achieve anything. 

Among the official proceeding was the unveiling of the  Memorial Garden that was blessed by Maria Nukeri, in honour of those that have passed on since the inception of Headway four years ago. 

Headway is growing from strength to strength giving hope and support to all those that affected and afflicted with head injuries.  To find out more about Headway and see how you can offer support, please go to www.headway-gauteng.org.