Tshepo Care Center, where I currently volunteer, is a special place for many reasons. It is a beacon of hope for children in one of Bloem’s poorest townships. It provides 155 children with 2 meals every day and a safe environment to learn and play. The children of Tshepo Care Center also have a unique chance to be seen by a general practitioner doctor, something many have never been able to do in their lives.
A few years ago, the University of the Free State sent its first medical students to Tshepo Care Center to volunteer and conduct a project. At UFS, third year medical students are required to volunteer with a local NGO and help raise funds and awareness for the organization. Students then present their work to the department, and the project is a major part of their overall grade. Well, a few years back a third year student named Rowan Nichol was assigned to Tshepo Care Center. And now, several years later, Dr. Rowan Nichol is still making weekly trips to Tshepo.
In March of this year, Tshepo celebrated their 10th anniversary as a Foundation and Care Center. The anniversary also saw the opening of a wellness center, which provides unprecedented medical attention to the children attending Tshepo, as well as the surrounding community. The wellness center is complete with a bed, examination table, desk, scale, sink, and a cabinet full of medical supplies. Dr. Rowan has been coming to Tshepo weekly for two years now, each time seeing at least 8 children. She gives the children a basic check-up physical exam, which has proved life saving in some cases.
Many children living in the Freedom Square township have never seen a doctor. The clinics available to the general public in South Africa are commonly crowded and under staffed. So the opportunity to see a doctor is something many of the people in Freedom Square never have the chance to do.
Dr. Rowan coming to Tshepo once a week during her busy schedule is no little matter. She has discovered many ailments, some which are of a serious matter. She has discovered HIV in some children, TB in others. Just earlier this week she discovered a tick in the inner year of a child, something that could have ended up terribly if it wasn’t for her early intervention.
When Dr. Rowan diagnoses something, she then refers the children to see specialists, something that again would be impossible otherwise. When the illness is serious enough, Tshepo will even help with the prescription medicine. It is so beautiful to witness her selfless work each and every week.
The acts of Dr. Rowan are truly inspiring. She does this for no money, just out of the love and kindness in her heart. She is the true epitome of a Christian, acting as a Christian. Tshepo is blessed to have her services, and the many children whose lives she has saved or improved will be a lasting testament to her loving commitment to equality in healthcare.
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