Seniors were celebrated in the Living Library exhibition unveiled by the Neighbourhood Old Age Home (Noah) last Thursday.
The exhibition, which opened at the non-profit organisation’s newly renovated premises in Woodstock, features black-and-white portraits of seniors taken by photographer Noortje van Wulfen.
“This is to give recognition of the role that the elderly played in building our society,” said Noah director Jane Mills.
The new premises will be called The Corner Shop and will replaces Noah’s Jou ma se Kos takeaways. There will be tables for visitors to sit for tea and coffee, and the shop will store donations for Noah’s Selling Seconds charity shop.
Noah started renovating the premises, on the corner of Regent and Essex streets, in November last year (“Good Samaritan gives Noah a boost,” Southern Suburbs Tatler, March 23).
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis visited the exhibition and thanked the seniors he met there. “Thank you so much for the contribution that you made in the course of your lives. I hope that you get many years of joy, warmth and love from this restored Corner Shop.”
Lucas Dubisiko, 74, from the Khayelitsha Noah home, had his picture displayed in the exhibition.
“I am honoured and have no words to describe the good work that the organisation did,” he said.
My Dubisiko is originally from Langa and he worked as a driver for a bakery for more than 30 years. He joined the Noah home two years ago. “I am enjoying it there, and I even assist with the gardening,” he said.
Veronica Ho Chung, 69, who has been living at Noah since last year, also had her portrait taken. She will be the manager of The Corner Shop when it opens.
“I love Noah because they do a lot for us,” she said.
Ms Mills said final touches were being done to The Corner Shop, including installing a new roof above the courtyard and a more secure gate.
Visit noah.org.za, email jane@noah.org.za or call 021 447 6334 to find out more about Noah.