About Nakekela Christian Community Centre
Nakekela's facilities can accommodate 20 patients at a time, and patients are given 24-hour care. This includes a balanced diet, medication regimen, daily baths, medical assessment and counseling.
The Nakekela team comprises a medical doctor, staff nurse, care workers, counselor, physiotherapist, pastor, gardener, cooks, cleaners, manager and administrative staff. All employees work together to provide for the needs of individuals who cannot receive proper care at home. Most of our patients are referred to Nakekela by relatives, neighbours and/or the Nakekela home-based care team. |
Nakekela has admitted 1600 patients to date, of which more than 600 patients improved so much that they were able to be discharged to their homes. |
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The Nakekela StoryThe Nakekela Step Down Facility was established in 2005 as one of the projects of Mukhanyo Community Development Centre. The need for such a facility had been born out of the lack of proper care facilities for people with full blown AIDS in the KwaMhlanga area. In 2010, Nakekela was registered as a separate NPO when Mukhanyo Community Development Center closed down. Nakekela has since operated as an independent association with its own board and donors.
The 24-hour care facility started with 6 beds, but because of the need for in-patient care, another 6 beds were added in 2007. Another extension of two rooms which can each provide 4 beds was added in 2013 in order to temporarily accommodate HIV+ people who have to be relocated either to an old age home or other care facilities because of lack of care at home. This took the patient capacity to 20 beds. In 2008 Nakekela extended its services to the staff and patients with weekly debriefing and counselling sessions for staff members and occupational therapy, physiotherapy and counselling for in-patients. A home based care team was appointed in 2012 to facilitate better follow-ups of discharged patients and home care for sick HIV+ people who cannot be admitted at the center because of a lack of space. In 2014 we celebrated another extension to Nakekela with two rooms for patient therapies and a third room which is a lounge that patients can use for social interaction and enjoy each others' company during the day. The work of Nakekela continues, with additional outreaches to improve community health and education, support families through counselling and practically, Dignity days for teenage girls, ongoing training and education of staff, collaboration between local clinics, government and leadership, and more! We are grateful for the support of organisations like Verre Naasten and the church (from many nations) who partner with us to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in our community. |
How is Nakekela funded?
FINANCIAL DONATIONS
We rely on donations to meet the needs of our patients and keep our facility available to the community. If you would like to support the work of Nakekela, know that every cent is tracked and invested carefully. All gifts can be EFT'd to NAKEKELA CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CENTRE ASSOCIATION, Standard Bank Acc. 3481 2302 7 Bronkhorstspruit Branch Code 2850 Swift Code SBZAZAJJ Please drop us an email to let us know about your gift so we can thank you! |
PRACTICAL DONATIONS
Nakekela constantly needs the following items for our in- and out-patients: Food, clothes (pyjamas and sleepers), medication, wheelchairs, walking frames, toiletries (wash cloth, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene items), blankets and Bibles. Please use our email our office to find out more or arrange a time to visit. |
INCOME-GENERATING PROJECTS
Nakekela has been investigating several income-generating projects to meet funding shortfalls. These projects include laundry services, administration services, vegetable gardens and more. Please email our office to find out more or arrange a time to visit. |