Work Experience for Mako

Work Experience for Mako

by Mako Machakaire

A student gives an account of her experience shadowing CAPS’ Pastoral Support Worker, Abigail Chakanyuka.

Hello, my name is Mako Machakaire. In July, I had the opportunity to work-shadow Abigail Chakanyuka, the Pastoral Support Worker at PositiveFaith. PositiveFaith is an organisation that focuses on running social and faith-based support groups, providing a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to share their experiences, seek support, and foster personal growth. This report outlines my observations and key learnings from this enriching experience.

PositiveFaith’s mission is to offer support through faith-based principles while addressing the social needs of its members. They cater to diverse groups. The organisation’s approach integrates spiritual guidance with practical support, aiming to holistically improve the well-being of its participants.

Our job was to send emails and messages to keep members of the group informed about what is happening and what will be going on. We held meetings for members to choose activities and decide what they will be doing throughout the course of the year. We also called members to check in on them. When working from home, we updated members’ records, attended Zoom meetings, and compiled monthly reports. These reports involved tracking the number of attendees and their demographics.

In conclusion, work shadowing at PositiveFaith has provided me with valuable insights into the operation of faith-based support groups and the critical role they play in fostering community and personal growth. The experience has highlighted the importance of empathy, effective facilitation, and a holistic approach to support. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from Abigail and look forward to applying these learnings in future endeavours.