From a Bus of Hope to a Home of Dignity

Isabelle Tschugmall
Nov 30
2 min read

More than six years ago, the sisters Melanie Tschugmall and Isabelle Tschugmall began a journey with The Small Village Botswana that none of us fully understood at the time. What they created was more than a project — it was a new way of providing support, built on equality, shared responsibility, and dignity.

Their work became especially vital when we learned about the situation at Polokong Elderly Care Center during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many elderly people had suddenly lost access to food. No one visited. No one checked on them. They were left alone in a way no human being should ever be.

We could not look away. And so, we acted.

Polokong set out with a small bus filled with food and essential supplies, driven by the belief that no person should be forgotten.

Expanding Care When It Was Needed Most

Very soon, it became clear that providing food alone was not enough. People needed more support — practical, emotional, and human.

From that realization, the initiative expanded into a community-based Spitex service, offering:

support with hygiene
washing clothes
cleaning homes
regular visits
conversation and companionship

It was a system built not only to assist, but to restore dignity during a time of deep uncertainty.

From a Spontaneous Response to a Sustainable Home

What began as a spontaneous act of kindness grew into something lasting. Throughout this journey, we have been fortunate to work with the Rütli Foundation, a partner who believed in the mission from the very beginning.

Today — six years later — Polokong Elderly Home stands as a place of dignity, care, and hope. It is a home for people who may have no voice, yet deserve every measure of support.