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Meet Yula Maqoko, our senior of the month!
Yula Maqoko, an 81-year-old woman from Khayelitsha, has been part of GAPA (Grandmothers Against Poverty and AIDS) for over a decade. Her life was once filled with profound sadness and hardship after losing her children to HIV. The immense burden of raising her grandchildren without her own children to lean on made her feel lost and overwhelmed. The pain of her losses often left her upset, especially when caring for her grandchildren alone. But Yula's story didn’t end in despair.
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She first learned about GAPA through another elder in her community who saw Yula's struggles and invited her to join. The elder assured her that GAPA could help her find support and solace in her difficult situation. Yula decided to attend, and from that moment, her life began to change. At GAPA, Yula was given the chance to share her story, which brought a tremendous sense of relief. She no longer carried her burdens alone. Not only did GAPA provide a place for her to speak and be heard, but they also prayed for her during her darkest times. It was through these moments of prayer and connection that Yula found the strength she had been missing.
 Before GAPA, Yula’s life had become a mess. After losing her children, she was consumed with grief. However, through GAPA, she discovered a community that not only helped her heal but empowered her to find happiness again. Now, her life is easier and more peaceful, supported by the love and prayers of her new GAPA family. Since joining GAPA, Yula's life has transformed. Surrounded by other grandmothers who support and uplift her, she feels as though she has found a new family—brothers and sisters who stand by her. GAPA has filled her life with companionship, faith, and joy. The once overwhelming sadness has lifted, replaced by laughter, hope, and a sense of belonging.Â
Yula looks forward to every Tuesday, the day of GAPA’s weekly meet-ups. It has become a beacon in her life, a time when she knows she can share her thoughts, joys, and sorrows with those who understand her. She eagerly anticipates these gatherings, where she feels fully alive, laughing, learning, and living in the moment with her fellow GAPA members. Her message to others is one of hope: "If you are going through something similar in your life, GAPA is here to help. I have found love, strength, and a new family in GAPA, and I encourage anyone facing hardship to join. At GAPA, we laugh, we cry, we pray, and together, we heal."
