A second chance at life has propelled Ikwezi Lokusa Rehabilitation and Development (ILRDS) manager, Sister Cecilia Ntsolo, to publish a booklet filled with the history and legacy of the institution.
She says the courage to put together the booklet was ignited after she survived a COVID-19 infection in 2020, which claimed the lives of six of her colleagues and fellow congregants of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood, a group of missionaries, who are also the founders of Ikwezi Lokusa.
She says, apart from documenting the rich legacy of the Ikwezi Lokusa, the book is also aimed at raising awareness about the institution, especially on how it helps people living with psychological and physical disabilities.
“Each time our social workers went out on awareness campaigns, I realised that many people were not aware of ILRDS and the work we do for people with disabilities. The book was inspired by the desire to change that and make people aware,” she said.
“I found time to put together the book during lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic because in my mind I kept asking myself who will be able to document the information I had about this institution should I die from COVID-19,” Sister Ntsolo added.
Sister Ntsolo, who is the current manager of ILRDS, said the information in the book was mostly passed on to her by those who came before her at Ikwezi Lokusa.
The booklet is also filled with photos of previous and current staff members of ILRDS, as well as some of the students with disabilities who spent time at the institution.
The publication is titled Celebrating Over Forty Years of Bringing Positive Change in People’s Lives, Empowering and Enabling the Physically and Mild Mentally Challenged.
Sister Ntsolo said the publishing of the booklet is also a fund-raising tool for ILRDS as a non-profit organisation (NPO).
The book is available directly from Ikwezi Lokusa Rehabilitation and Development Society at R150 per copy and orders can be placed by contacting Sikhanyiso Tonise on 073 949 8981.
