Not only does the Germiston branch of the South African Red Cross Society care for the community, it also trains others to do the same.<\/p>\n
There are a number of training courses available to the community, and they are instructed and assessed by three qualified and expert instructors, Supuni Stanslas, Christobel Mulenga and Zodwa Nkambule.<\/p>
The moderator, who ensures everything runs smoothly, is Sister Wendy Hahne, from the Elandsvallei Home for the Aged.<\/p>\n
The Red Cross also offers a six-month home-based care training course to the community.<\/p>
In this course, students complete their theory and portfolio work at the Germiston Red Cross offices, in Campbell Street, Driehoek.<\/p>\n
After passing their examination, they are placed in institutions (old age homes and children’s homes, for example) to complete their practical work.The course covers a number of topics, including care of the elderly and frail; stimulation and care of infants and toddlers; care of the physically and mentally challenged; care of HIV and Aids patients, TB care and a Level One first aid course.<\/p>\n
Other important modules covered are infectious diseases and disaster management.<\/p>\n
Upon successful completion of the course, students are issued with internationally recognised certificates.<\/p>\n
Since January, this year, the Germiston Red Cross has trained 139 students in home-based care.<\/p>\n
Manager of the Germiston Red Cross Barbara Jensen told the GCN that she encourages companies who want to do CSI projects to make monetary donations to the Red Cross.<\/p>\n
“People in the community can then be identified and these donations can pay for their training, thus giving a disadvantaged person a skill,” Jensen said.<\/p>\n
“It could also work well if they want to help their employee’s families – they could sponsor a course for a family member.”<\/p>\n
The Red Cross also offers first aid training.<\/p>\n
So far, this year, they have taught 153 students in Level One first aid, 20 in Level Two and 11 in Level Three.<\/p>\n
“A recent survey has found that about 80 per cent of our past pupils are either employed full time or on short-term contracts,” Jensen said.<\/p>\n
Many of the students have used the training as a foundation for further learning and many work in hospitals, institutions, homes, care centres or private homes.<\/p>\n
In future, the Germiston Red Cross is hoping to partner with specialists in the wound care, diabetes and nutrition fields.<\/p>\n
For more information about the training offered, call 011 873-9009.<\/p>\n