Woman of Excellence pledges her life to care for disabled
It takes a truly extraordinary person to dedicate their whole life for the care of others. Even more commendable is someone who cares for people with mental and physical disabilities which can be a challenging feat.
So it comes as no surprise that Ebenecia Tjiveta of Onyose Trust emerged victorious and was named as one of Standard Bank's Woman of Excellence in 2016 for her commitment to the trust that works with mentally and physically disabled people.
Standard Bank supports the development, empowerment and recognition of women in all sectors of society by contributing financially towards the Namibian Women of Excellence project through the Miss Namibia Pageant.
Formerly known as the Jurgen Wahn Trust, the Onyose Trust cares for over 45 children and young adults who either suffer from mental or physical disabilities. They provide a holistic service including day care and community based rehabilitation programmes for people with a range of disabilities, give people with disabilities skills to live independently as much as possible within their own communities and provide training for families, carers, community members and volunteers on how to care for and stimulate people with disabilities.
Tjiveta joined the trust in 2004 after she received a diploma in community work in Australia.
“Upliftment is defined as improvement of a person's moral and spiritual condition or making someone feel better . . . My life's journey has always been linked to helping other people. I had that passion since I was young. I now live to serve, and this brings me great fulfilment,” Tjiveta recently said of her drive to work for the Onyose Trust.
Tjiveta noted that she found joy in helping and supporting the disadvantaged. The experience has also helped her with personal growth because she has learned patience, humility and to appreciate people for whom they are. Being a religious woman, these experiences have also helped her embody the teachings of Matthew 5 verse 16, which states: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.”
Mothers
The role a woman plays in any community is an insurmountable one and that fact is not lost on Tjiveta who has assumed role of a mother. “Mothers have a unique and crucial role to play in community upliftment. Due to their strong characters women are in the position to bring changes in our communities. Women are faced with multiple challenges in our changing world, but one factor remains constant; the timeless importance of mothers and their invaluable contribution to raising the next generation. By rewarding their efforts and enhancing their living conditions, we can secure a better future for all,” she explained.
While her devotion to the cause has not wavered, her duties are not without their challenges. Tjiveta is often faced with having to stretch limited financial resources to fund the trust's activities; a shortage of staff, volunteers and health professionals; a bus to transport their clients to and from their homes and a shortage of food for their kitchen to feed their clients
“We have encountered various challenges but continued with determination and patience to do this much needed work in our community. It is important in this line of work to note that an act of kindness to others is an act of kindness to Christ. I encourage you to start today and lend a helping hand to others in need. We should not just limit helping people to just giving them money, food, and clothes. Sometimes people just need someone there to listen. Sometimes people just need words of wisdom. Think about the many different ways you can help the needy today,” Tjiveta explained.
Vowing to continue her efforts for many more years to come, Tjiveta urged others to join in on the cause as it is a reciprocal one, advising them that by giving to others people receive happiness, fulfilment and meaning in return.
So it comes as no surprise that Ebenecia Tjiveta of Onyose Trust emerged victorious and was named as one of Standard Bank's Woman of Excellence in 2016 for her commitment to the trust that works with mentally and physically disabled people.
Standard Bank supports the development, empowerment and recognition of women in all sectors of society by contributing financially towards the Namibian Women of Excellence project through the Miss Namibia Pageant.
Formerly known as the Jurgen Wahn Trust, the Onyose Trust cares for over 45 children and young adults who either suffer from mental or physical disabilities. They provide a holistic service including day care and community based rehabilitation programmes for people with a range of disabilities, give people with disabilities skills to live independently as much as possible within their own communities and provide training for families, carers, community members and volunteers on how to care for and stimulate people with disabilities.
Tjiveta joined the trust in 2004 after she received a diploma in community work in Australia.
“Upliftment is defined as improvement of a person's moral and spiritual condition or making someone feel better . . . My life's journey has always been linked to helping other people. I had that passion since I was young. I now live to serve, and this brings me great fulfilment,” Tjiveta recently said of her drive to work for the Onyose Trust.
Tjiveta noted that she found joy in helping and supporting the disadvantaged. The experience has also helped her with personal growth because she has learned patience, humility and to appreciate people for whom they are. Being a religious woman, these experiences have also helped her embody the teachings of Matthew 5 verse 16, which states: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.”
Mothers
The role a woman plays in any community is an insurmountable one and that fact is not lost on Tjiveta who has assumed role of a mother. “Mothers have a unique and crucial role to play in community upliftment. Due to their strong characters women are in the position to bring changes in our communities. Women are faced with multiple challenges in our changing world, but one factor remains constant; the timeless importance of mothers and their invaluable contribution to raising the next generation. By rewarding their efforts and enhancing their living conditions, we can secure a better future for all,” she explained.
While her devotion to the cause has not wavered, her duties are not without their challenges. Tjiveta is often faced with having to stretch limited financial resources to fund the trust's activities; a shortage of staff, volunteers and health professionals; a bus to transport their clients to and from their homes and a shortage of food for their kitchen to feed their clients
“We have encountered various challenges but continued with determination and patience to do this much needed work in our community. It is important in this line of work to note that an act of kindness to others is an act of kindness to Christ. I encourage you to start today and lend a helping hand to others in need. We should not just limit helping people to just giving them money, food, and clothes. Sometimes people just need someone there to listen. Sometimes people just need words of wisdom. Think about the many different ways you can help the needy today,” Tjiveta explained.
Vowing to continue her efforts for many more years to come, Tjiveta urged others to join in on the cause as it is a reciprocal one, advising them that by giving to others people receive happiness, fulfilment and meaning in return.
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