Scores of senior citizens from Site C in Khayelitsha gathered at Moses Mabhida Library in the area for the closing ceremony of a Wise Programme hosted by the library on Friday 7 August. The five-day event, which started on Monday the 3rd, aimed to empower the elders and build their self-esteem.

Speaking on behalf of the library, librarian Sisanda Wanga described the programme as educational and informative. She said, as part of the programme, the library had invited various stakeholders to equip the elders.

Library upskills elders through Wise Programme

“Today we are closing our programme. We were trying to upskill them. We are also embracing and appreciating them for the role they have played in building a better society. We wanted to tell them they are not alone. We see them.”

Wanga pointed out that most women face challenges but do not come forward. She said they wanted them to speak out and share their problems to avoid falling ill.

Programme tackles gender-based violence and family burdens

“Instead of enjoying their time and having fun, most of them carry the burden of looking after grandchildren because some of their parents have died while others roam the streets. As part of the programme, we educate them about where to go when they encounter problems such as rape, gender-based violence, domestic violence and others.”

Wanga said the library also offers yoga and aerobics classes for senior citizens every Thursday and Friday.

One of the elders, Elizabeth Makhalinyani (68), said the workshop was informative. She said the people attending it were encouraged to speak out.

Elders encouraged to speak out

“We were encouraged to speak openly about our problems. They said if we have a problem we can talk to our pastors or someone we trust in the community. They emphasised that it is wrong to keep quiet when one is dealing with something that doesn’t sit well.”

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