In a heart-warming ceremony that resonated with the spirit of inclusivity and progress, the Kenilworth Utility Company proudly inaugurated the Sam Goldblatt Complex at Yonder.
IN A HEART-warming ceremony that resonated with the spirit of inclusivity and progress, the Kenilworth Utility Company proudly inaugurated the Sam Goldblatt Complex yesterday.
The new complex, comprising a state-of-the-art kitchen and dining facility, is set to serve as a crucial hub for Yonder, a skills development centre in Kimberley for adults with intellectual disabilities located on the Kenilworth Estate.
The Kenilworth Utility Company constructed the impressive facility and handed it over to the residents of Yonder, where up to 350 individuals will have the opportunity to enjoy their daily meals.
The complex’s strategic location, nestled behind the residential units, ensures accessibility for every Yonder resident, making it convenient for them to access the dining hall.
Yonder, established in 1966 by the Northern Cape Mental Health Association, has been instrumental in training 260 individuals with disabilities daily across 17 different programmes.
Their goal is to equip these individuals with the skills they need to eventually enter the open job market and earn a livelihood. Currently, 30 Yonder residents are gainfully employed in the open job market, earning their own incomes.
The Kenilworth Utility Company, founded in 1968, has a long-standing commitment to providing and procuring facilities for the training, aftercare, employment and leisure of individuals with disabilities. Over the years, the organisation has made significant improvements to the Kenilworth Estate, all for the betterment of those living with disabilities. Some key milestones include:
June 19, 1982: The new Trudie van de Wall building was put into operation as a practical workspace and therapeutic centre.
June 17, 1985: The new residential units were opened.
July 1, 2006: “Ruimte”, the first independent residence for adults with disabilities, was established.
September 14, 2023: The Sam Goldblatt Complex was inaugurated and handed over to Yonder’s management.
The complex has been named in honour of Sam Goldblatt, who has been closely involved with Yonder since its inception in 1966.
As an architect, both individually and through his firm, Goldblatt contributed to the design of all the buildings constructed on the estate. Even in retirement, at the age of 97, Goldblatt continues to serve on the board of directors.
Establishing such a complex on the Kenilworth Estate was his dream, and it has now become a reality.
The Kenilworth Estate is indeed fortunate to receive this complex, which will serve not only as a kitchen and dining facility but also as a hub for sports, cultural activities and training classes. Moreover, the complex can be rented out for events, allowing for fund-generation to support its noble mission.
In a world where inclusivity and equal opportunities matter more than ever, the Sam Goldblatt Complex stands as a testament to the power of determination, vision and the unwavering commitment to better the lives of those with intellectual disabilities.
This new addition to the Kenilworth Estate promises to be a beacon of hope and progress for many years to come.
