As part of this year’s Global Caring Month, the Ford South Africa Policy Team swapped their desks for a day of hands-on volunteering at the Botho Botjha Training Centre in the Vaal.
The centre provides skills development for people with disabilities. It gives its beneficiaries the tools, confidence and opportunities to build a better future. The support from Ford South Africa came as the centre celebrated its 11th anniversary, which made the visit even more special. For the Policy Team, it was an easy choice for a Global Caring Month project.
The team went out in numbers and spent most of the day at the centre. They helped with the centre’s sick bay and tackled a range of infrastructural issues. They also did some gardening to tidy and improve the outdoor spaces. The team also donated wheelchairs and first aid kits to the beneficiaries.
The time the team spent with the people at the centre was just as important as the work. They engaged with the staff and the beneficiaries, listened to their stories and learned more about the daily impact of the centre’s work.
For the team, Botho Botjha stands for what we should be doing for South Africa and our communities. By equipping people with skills and opportunities, the centre helps its beneficiaries to participate fully in society and shows the value of community care. Eleven years on, its work continues to change lives in the Vaal.
“Ford is about people, and this is an opportunity to bring the people around, hence we are part of the community. Let’s do what we do best!” said Esther Buthelezi, Government Affairs & Transformation Director, Ford South Africa.
This project is near and dear to the team’s hearts. Watch the video to hear them talk about their day, what the centre means to them and the work it does for the community.
Global Caring Month reminds us that small acts of care add up to lasting change. Stay tuned this week for more stories from our projects across Ford South Africa.