Dedicated to educating senior citizens in Humansdorp about their rights, and equipping them with the necessary tools to protect themselves, the Nation Builders’ Prophetic Apostolic Movement (NBPAM), a service centre for the elderly, invited Child Welfare South Africa to educate their members about how they can access assistance from the organisation as grandparents.
Founder of NBPAM, Pastor Ashwell Goliath, said their organisation offers a special programme titled “Hope and Healing Programme” where they conduct counselling and home visits with the elderly in their organisation.
He said through this programme they identified many issues and challenges that the elderly face.
Goliath said that grandparents are frequently forced into caregiving situations, placing them at risk of abuse and significant stress.
Despite facing these challenges, he said many of the elderly people stay silent.
“Children manipulate the elderly, which results in many broken elderly people in our community. The children often disrespect their parents, and since the grandchildren see this, they too become disrespectful towards their grandparents. We have a big problem in our society,” said Goliath.
He said that many elderly individuals mistakenly accept abuse as a normal part of life, which is why education on their rights is crucial to empower them to recognise when they are being abused.
Earlier this year, the NBPAM invited the South African Police Services to educate them about gender-based violence, abuse, and their rights, which was a great success.
To provide them with additional resources and assistance, on July 23 the organisation invited the Child Welfare South Africa.
“Child Welfare spoke about the challenges it faced and the limitations they experienced. They also spoke about the role of Child Welfare and how they can support grandparents,” said Goliath.
On a more positive note, he said 11 of their members had participated in their first Golden Games Tournament on July 19, hosted by the Department of Social Development at Hoërskool McLachlan in Joubertina.
Goliath said the Golden Games Tournament is an annual event that encourages the elderly to stay active and follow a healthy lifestyle.
He further said the tournament offers the elderly the opportunity to meet other people, travel, and enjoy life.
“It unites communities and breaks the boundaries of crime, violence, fears, beliefs, and limitations in communities,” said Goliath.
He said their members participated in various age groups, which included 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and 80+.
The participants were Dorothy Potgieter (captain), Elizabeth Prinsloo, Ellen Petersen, Eva Coenraad, Fransiena Perils, Johanna Jantjies, Lettie Minaar, Magritha Klotz, Sally Williams, Sheila Micheals and Spaas Lena Kapank.
To their surprise, Goliath said Kapank came first in goal shooting, Potgieter second in 100m, 200m, and 400m track running, Prinsloo second in 100m and 200m track running, Coenraad first in duck walk, and Petersen third in duck walk.
In addition, a group of eight was first in ball passing, and a group of five gained second place when they participated in ring the stick.
“We are proud to say for the first time at the games our elderly members were outstanding, and it serves as a reminder to other old age clubs that they too can participate and win,” said Goliath.
“After attending the tournament, we realised that we need to make it a priority to participate each year.”
Goliath said they wanted to thank all shareholders, supporters, and sponsors of the NBPAM who have continued to make a difference in the lives of their elderly members.
Some of their sponsors include Engen, Woolworths Humansdorp, Berry Transport, and Big Show Shop.
Goliath also expressed gratitude for the support they have received from the staff at NBPAM.
To continue with their knitting and crafts, he said they also hope to receive donations of recyclable materials, plastic bags, worn t-shirts, and wool.
For more information, or to contribute to the Nation Builders’ Prophetic Apostolic Movement (NBPAM), contact Pastor Ashwell Goliath (founder and director) at 072 208 4230 or Nicolette Goliath (chairperson) at 078 746 6486.
