Sr Dorothy Khawula (former ward 32 Operations Manager) was initially appointed as an Operational Coordinator by Surgeons for Little Lives, to oversee the caretaking, maintenance and cleaning of the facility as well as the wellbeing of the moms in the Sleepover facility. She was later introduced to the Burns awareness program. She started going to the radio station (Kasi FM & Eldos FM) to teach listeners about the burns awareness, then to the hospitals (Thelle Mogoerane). The role grew and she now often give lecturers to Doctors, Senior Managers and nursing staff. There was a demand to outreach to more community clinics and hospitals which lead to the appointment of a former Burns unit Operational Manager, Sr Deborah Churu.
Both Sr Khawula and Sr Churu embarked on Health Promotion in Burns awareness by continuing to do what Sr Khawula was doing, going to more radio stations, visiting different hospitals, clinics and teaching moms in our lodging facilities. SFLL donated TV’s and memory sticks loaded with burns promotion content. We also donated digital thermometers to ensure more effective readings.
A champion in each area is appointed to ensure that they play the correct content & to let us know of challenges & outcomes to ensure an effective program. Our team also visits the hospitals time and again to teach and to make sure that everything runs smooth in their absence. Our awareness pamphlets & videos were translated in English and Zulu, recently the health promoters together with Dr Patel recorded in 2 more languages (Sotho and Tsonga). Our awareness is now proudly available in 4 different languages. Thank you to nursing Auxiliary Audrey for helping us with the Tsonga translation.
During the health promotion lectures, we offer kiddies some sweets, this helps the moms not to be disturbed during the teachings. We try to reach a wider audience as much as possible. This year we booked a stand at the Rand Easter show to raise more awareness. During the stand, it appeared that most people are not informed about burns prevention and so it was good to speak and teach about it. We got involved in the CHBAH National Burns Awareness week & put a stand next to the SFLL clothing Booth as well. This was all a beautiful success!
