SHAWCO is calling for humanitarian assistance from the UCT community. Donations of any old or new educational toys, clothes, sturdy books, food and medication would be appreciated by the organisation, which is supporting an orphanage and crèche for disabled children in Langa.

The Golden Girls orphanage caters for 50 children between the ages of five and 10 years of age, most of whom are cerebral palsy sufferers. Nicola Heslop, SHAWCO health student co-chair, says that the orphanage is a building with two rooms filled with rows of beds and a few mats on the floor. "There are few toys and no physiotherapy equipment," Heslop points out.

"And though the staff is very nurturing, without the proper training they cannot offer the children the therapy, schooling and medical care they need," she explains.

"The last time the children saw a doctor was a year ago, when a SHAWCO clinic came to them," she adds.

Donations can be made to 021 694 7980 or Tony Sylvester at 021 650 4464.

SHAWCO clinics official CPD sites

SHAWCO's fleet of mobile clinics have been accredited as official Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sites, and volunteer doctors can now earn themselves two valuable CPD points for every hour served with the clinics.

The mobile clinics, providing essential health care services in underprivileged areas of Cape Town, need qualified doctors to supervise the sessions.

Doctors who wish to volunteer can contact Allison Sauls, SHAWCO health administrative assistant, on 021 406 6740.

---

---