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30 September 2020 | Story Nitha Ramnath | Photo Supplied
SWSA represented by Mariné du Toit (left) and Lyshea Mapaike(right) at the handover of the funds raised

Sunflower Children’s Hospice, situated on the ground floor of the National District Hospital, is a non-profit organisation that provides care and compassion for all children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. As far as possible, the hospice aims to keep children within their families and communities, with relevant supervision and support.  However, the hospice is also a permanent residence to many children.

At Sunflower Children’s Hospice, children and their families are provided with:
• palliative care, including pain and symptom management;
• quality of life;
• relief of suffering;
• support for child and family/guardians;
• developmental stimulation;
• support during the bereavement period;
• dignity in death;
• community participation; and
• relevant training.

Due to limited funds, the hospice experiences many financial challenges, which motivated the Social Work Student Association (SWSA) to become involved. Their involvement led to the establishment of the ‘#Adoptaflower’ project by raising funds for the organisation and getting more Social Work students to spend time with the children, as they do not have enough caregivers at the house to give them the special personal attention that they need.  This project was spearheaded by Mariné du Toit, Portfolio Head: Community Upliftment of the SWSA. 

The fundraising initiative collected R1 300 from selling raffle tickets to the university community.  Due to COVID-19 and the lockdown period, it became impossible to proceed with the intention of the Social Work students to spend more time with the children.  

Besides Social Work students not being able to proceed with their intention of interacting more closely with the children concerned, the lockdown unfortunately also affected it negatively in other areas.  The hospice needs assistance with clothes, toiletries, and groceries. Sunflower House therefore needs funds and sponsors to continue providing services to so many children in need of care and support. For more information regarding public involvement, 051 448 3813 is the number to call. 

News Archive

Rolene Strauss: a beauty with a passion
2017-12-08


 Description: Rolene Read more Tags: Rolene Strauss, Miss World, Faculty of Health Sciences, MB ChB 

Rolene Strauss and Prof Gert van Zyl, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, after
receiving her MB CHB degree during the Summer Graduation on the
Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State
on 7 December.
Photo: Charl Devenish

Spotlight photo: Johan Roux

It was definitely a moment to remember when former Miss World 2014, Rolene Strauss, was among the 107 students in the Faculty of Health Sciences walking across the stage in the Callie Human Center on 7 December 2017. 

Rolene, now Dr Rolene Strauss, received her MB ChB degree during the Summer Graduations at the University of the Free State (UFS). She also recited the Vow of the Graduands in Medicine during the ceremony. She resumed her studies at the UFS in 2016 after putting it on hold in 2014 when she was crowned as Miss World.  

Passion for health and education
“My love for health and medicine is what got me back to studying. There were so many opportunities to be explored after my year as Miss World, but I wouldn’t have been ‘Rolene’ if I didn’t finish my medical studies. I have absolutely no regrets,” Rolene said in a statement.
 
“I’m a test-tube baby and I believe my passion for health was born with me,” Rolene said. This is what fostered her deep set passion for health, women, and education.

Together with her sister-in-law, Dr Ledivia Strauss, she will be launching a holistic women’s health practice in Paarl next year. Rolene will not be commencing her medical internship in 2018, as she plans on doing more public speaking engagements, finishing her book, and focusing on the medical practice. 

Photo gallery:  

7 December Morning session

Video:

7 December Morning session

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