Tell me a little bit about yourself.
My name is Evelyn Handiseni. I am originally from Zimbabwe and I have been in Cape Town for about nine years now. I am married and I’ve got a beautiful daughter who is about to turn 4 in a few weeks time. (You can call me Eve.)
Why did you want to work at Scalabrini?
I wanted to work at Scalabrini because I am so passionate about working in the community, for the community, with the community. The mission and vision of Scalabrini is practically being achieved daily. I feel a fulfillment in helping fellow human beings and getting a job here was like a dream come true to me. I find this special joy inside of me beyond just having a day to day job that puts bread on my table. I have always wanted to help people but never had resources or facilities to do so. Knowing the challenges of life as a refugee personally made Scalabrini the perfect spot for me to work. This is where I can give a hand, give hope, encourage, support, advise, share.
What do you enjoy about working here?
What I enjoy at Scalabrini is the diversity of cultures, integration; the team spirit at this place is amazing. Going to work is the best thing I look forward to every morning. Everyone is so kind, very passionate about what they do and hard working. I have been in several places where a change for the better and respect for the human rights have been TALKED ABOUT. Now I am in the right place where change is happening. Things are being done and always for the better.
What are the challenges you experience at Scalabrini?
Seeing and hearing some really bad situations that some of our clients face has been a challenge to me on a personal level. I looked at how much I complain about things not being right or not being enough, well I have now seen people have got some real issues out there. This has just made me so thankful, grateful and I have learnt that no matter how little I think I have, I can share and make a great difference to someone who does not have that little that I have. The other tough one on me is when we can’t help a client in any way that they need due to limitations. Its tough to see the client walking out with a desperate face, they get to the reception on their way out; again try to explain to me their problems hoping that I could help. It’s so sad to say “sorry… I can’t help you.”
Getting attached to the volunteers and interns is the other one, I get to switch on and off all the times as they come and go. Especially when they are contributing a great deal, I miss them and I sometimes get to compare them. On the other hand, its okay, I get to learn a lot of different things… good for me as I work with people.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I take some quality time with my daughter playing and bonding. She is the most important thing in my life and I make sure I don’t miss any new stage in her life. I also do some research on different things, projects, organizations that are relevant to my work. I volunteer some of my time in my community working with abused women or survivors of domestic violence. Well, I do not know if I am left with some spare time but I get some moments to take care of myself… relaxing, just doing nothing, trying to break away and gain energy… reading some fashion tips magazines, checking out any new shoes in stores. Lastly I do try once in a while to socialize with my hommies just finding out how they are doing and catching up on some news from home.
-Interview by Ruth Byukusenge
