The Centre's Sub-centre in Phoenix has been in existence since the early 1970's and has been operating from a local
temple. Over these many years there is ample evidence of a significant increase in many social and
welfare problems in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. These being unemployment, domestic violence,
health related problems and a general erosion of the moral fabric of society. The construction of
various buildings under the project have already started and are nearing completion. Apart from its
spiritual component, the upcoming project will address these issues in a practical way through skills
training, nutrition and medical outreach programmes.
The Shrine
The Shrine which will be open daily will provide an atmosphere of peace and tranquility for spiritual
upliftment. It will seat 200 people and will provide a place of worship and meditation for all,
irrespective of race, religion, gender or creed. Worship will include weekly satsang (prayer service)
and celebration of all Hindu religious festivals.
Jayrambati Home
One of the rooms in the Jayrambati Home
Swami Vivekananda said, 'there is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved.' 'A bird cannot fly with one wing'. Over the years the Centre has embarked on several social welfare, educational and empowerment programmes, many of which responded to the needs of women in various communities.
Our experience of working in Mt Edgecombe, Phoenix, Inanda, Kwa Mashu & Ntuzuma over the past 35 years has shown a significant increase in domestic violence and abuse against women in particular.
The establishment of the Jayrambati Home intends to address such problems in a holistic and practical way. The Jayrambati Home - named after the birthplace of Sri Sarada Devi, will serve as a temporary relief shelter for women. Sri Sarada Devi was one of the greatest women saints of modern times, and her rural home in Jayrambati is legendary as a place that provided comfort, shelter and solace to thousands of people, when he lived there in the 19th century - and continues to do so till this day.
The Jayrambati Home comprises 6 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a lounge, dining area and kitchen. This is a self-contained home with all the facilities, security and support for women to rebuild their confidence, self-esteem and self-respect in cases of abuse. It will serve as a temporary relief shelter and will be managed by the Ramakrishna Clinic of South Africa, with its doctors, social workers, clinical counsellors, caregivers and housemothers. Admissions into this facility will be done strictly by the Ramakrishna Clinic. All meals and personal comforts, as well as medical services will be provided free of charge.
Clinic / Adminstration Block
Endoscopy services at Forest Haven Clinic
Having worked in the greater Inanda / Ntuzuma /Kwa-Mashu and Phoenix areas for many years, we have noticed an increase in medical, social and welfare problems including unemployment, domestic violence, health-related problems, suicide and HIV/AIDS. These challenges have been a major concern for many years which prompted the initiation of this project.
The Ramakrishna Clinic, Foresthaven, will conduct specialist medical clinics, counselling services, nutritional and medical education programmes. Skills training will be provided for medical and nursing personnel. Medical services will include consultative clinics in the field of Medicine including Gasto-enterology, Cardiology, Rheumatology, Geriatric and Renal Medicine. The surgical disciplines include General Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, Urology, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Paediatric and Psychiatric services will also be provided. The diagnostic services offered will include an endoscopic service, ultrasonography, lung function testing and pathology services. We hope to expand these services to include echocardiography and stress ECG testing.
Ancilliary services include Physiotherapy, Speech and Hearing Therapy, Dietetics, Counselling, Social Support Services and Complementary Medicine.
All patients will be treated strictly on a referral basis from the Public Sector.
The Clinic is the first phase of the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, Phoenix. This was possible through the goodwill of many donors from the community and the health industry.
Ramakrishna Feeding Scheme
The Centre has established a number of Family Welfare Centres at many of its Sub-Centres. The intention is to address the needs of the impoverished communities in a holistic manner and provide services relevant to each community. This Family Welfare Centre in Phoenix is established to meets the nutrition, skills development, and social needs of the communities from Phoenix, Inanda, Kwa Mashu, Ntuzuma and surrounding areas.
The Building comprises a large Dining Hall to seat 200 people where regular feeding will be undertaken, a kitchen for the preparation of meals and an area for storage of provisions and skills development.
In addition to providing cooked meals, monthly groceries and provisions will be provided to families on our Welfare Programme. Regular programmes will also be held for senior citizens that will cover medical, healthy living, spiritual guidance, DVD presentations, etc.
Appeal
We appeal to sympathetic donors to contribute generously to this project. Please note that our
authorised fundraisers are issued with official letters bearing their names and identity numbers.
Donations may also be made out in favour of 'The Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa' and handed in to
our Headquarters at 8 Montreal Road, Glen Anil, Durban.
TOP
To the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa's Website
Vice President Maharaj's Visit
