St Joseph''s Home for chronically ill children celebrates 75 years of working with some of our most deserving citizens. Portfolio spoke to on-site physiotherapist, Ebrahim Fraser, about his life in Cape Town and what inspires him to work with ill children.
10 questions for Ebrahim
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- What place (in SA) do you call home, and why?
Cape Town, I was born in Cape Town and all my friends and family live in Cape Town. I consider Cape Town the city of dreamers as it only takes a lift of the head, to be inspired by the majesty of Table Mountain, and the beauty of the ocean that surround us.
- Favourite place to have breakfast near(ish) where you live?
Any coffee shop that serves a good cheese omelet and a well made cup of coffee.
- Tell us about a day in the life of Ebrahim
I spend most of my day working. At St. Joseph’s Home I work with children who suffer from chronic illnesses. It is rewarding seeing the determination on the faces of the children who suffer from cancer and other handicapped conditions still smiling.
I believe that physiotherapy for a child must be fun, and in the process of having fun, they improve their motor skills. I also do extra-curricular activities with the older children after school.
In the evenings and on week-ends I have a private practice treating adults with neuromuscular-skeletal conditions. The change of pace, between the two jobs keeps my life interesting.
- What made you decide to become involved with St Joseph’s?
Well, first things first, I needed a job, second to that, it is my life calling to take a child that cannot walk and work with him or her, till they realize that yes, they can and will walk. The reward of seeing young children achieve so much inspires me in my own life.
- What are the hardest, and what are the most rewarding, aspects of your work with the children at St Josephs?
Hardest: From time to time you run into a person or a colleague who likes to work independently not realizing that a child will not be successful, unless we all work as a team.
Rewarding: Making a positive difference in the children’s lives. Each and every day, I do not see failure, I see success and determination. These are my hero’s.
- What inspires you? (In your work, every day, in life)
To be the best person I can be and to help those less fortunate than myself.
- Tell us, briefly, about your best ever South African holiday or travelling experience.
I went to see the waterfalls at Hoggsback in the Eastern Cape. It was a steep hike to get to the waterfalls but the scenery was well worth the strenuous hike and it makes one appreciate nature much more. This is a picture of one of the waterfalls.
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- Who is / are your South African hero/es, and why?
I admire anyone who, after persevering, made a success of their lives.
- If you have travelled abroad, what do you miss the most about SA? If you have not, where in the world would you like to go?
I would like to go to Switzerland and see the Swiss Alps. As you may have already guessed, I like a good adventure!
- How can members of the public help or contribute towards the work at St Josephs?
We have a web site that provides information about St. Josephs’ Home, and we have a current events blog and a Facebook page. Anyone interested can visit us at:
I know the home needs money, and I know we are also trying to raise funds to do some badly needed repairs. For me personally, we need volunteers that can work on week-ends and during the evening hours. This is most important for our older children, who may be sick, but never cease to be children. Volunteers can keep them busy so they don’t get up to mischief.
More about St Joseph''s
- St. Joseph''s Home is a South African convalescent medical facility for 145 children who suffer from chronic illnesses.
- They have 4 medical wards and a specialized infant HIV/AIDS ward. Learn more by visiting their web site: www.stjosephshome.org.za
- Donate funds or become a volunteer.
- Connect on Facebook