Fiki’s Story: A Voice for Children with Disabilities

Fikelephi Ngeleka, known as Fiki, is a 29-year-old therapy assistant and Siyasiza at Siyakwazi, making significant strides in the communities of KwaNzimakwe and KwaXolo. With an Early Childhood Development Level 4 qualification, Fiki’s journey has not only been about her professional growth but also about personal resilience and acceptance.

Fiki’s introduction to Siyakwazi came during a challenging period of unemployment in her life. Through a chance encounter at the local clinic, a Community Health Worker reached out, expressing a desire to connect with her for a potential job opportunity. Fast forward through interviews and training, and today, Fiki is a full-time employee at Siyakwazi, and an invaluable member of the team.

Reflecting on the scope of her role, Fiki says, “I help with communication between therapists, parents, and children, manage referrals, and create therapy programmes for children with disabilities. I’m also part of the School Readiness Programme, supporting two schools in KwaXolo and six children with disabilities or learning difficulties.” Her dedication to her work reflects her passion for supporting children who face similar challenges to those she once experienced.

Looking back on her journey so far, Fiki shares how working at Siyakwazi has transformed her life. “Siyakwazi has helped me accept myself the way I am. Before, I was afraid of meeting new people because I’d been bullied a lot in school. 

“In grade 1, other children refused to sit with me, except to be mean. Teachers didn’t care, and older kids would hit me on my way home. When my family moved, I hoped for a fresh start, but things only got worse. I was beaten, my lunch money was taken, and no one stood up for me. By grade 4, I learned to fight back, but bullying got worse when I told teachers, and I was called names.”

This painful journey led Fiki to find her voice. At Siyakwazi, she gained the confidence to discuss her disability openly and no longer hides from others. “I’ve learned that accepting myself is the first step to being accepted by others,” she explains. Fiki now uses her experiences to advocate for the children she works with, ensuring they receive the understanding and support she lacked during her childhood.

“My greatest achievement has been learning to accept myself just the way I am. I’m proud to be the voice for children with disabilities, standing up for them so they don’t have to go through what I did. Siyakwazi has shown me that there’s a place for people with disabilities in this world, and that’s something I want to pass on to the children I work with.”

Fiki’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of acceptance. She has transformed her struggles into a source of strength, becoming an advocate for children with disabilities and helping them navigate their own journeys. Through her work at Siyakwazi, Fiki is making a meaningful difference, ensuring that no child is excluded.