Something good that the team did manage to give these children during the past year, was beautiful memories. By the grace of God, we were fortunate enough to take the children for camps, for visits at the lion farm, Lion’s Rock, and also for a holiday at the sea during December 2016.
Beautiful memories at Tshepong Ya Rona Child and Youth Care Centre
The children of Tshepong Ya Rona Child and Youth Care Centre (a.k.a. shelter) have given me grey hair, but have also paved their ways right into the middle of my heart. Each and every child has their own different and unfortunately, sad story. Although they will not admit it, it is evident from their behaviour that they find it difficult to cope with the rocks that life has, and still is throwing at them. It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the challenges these children face when you are working with them, but somehow one tries to give their dark clouds a bit of a silver lining, even if just for a moment. When this happens, the happiness on their faces will tell you how desperately they actually do need something good in their lives to hold onto.
Something good that the team did manage to give these children during the past year, was beautiful memories. By the grace of God, we were fortunate enough to take the children for camps, for visits at the lion farm, Lion’s Rock, and also for a holiday at the sea during December 2016. We were also able to present holiday programs to them where they enjoyed mingling with other children. By doing this our children had opportunities to create their own wonderful and unique memories. They enjoyed these trips, outings, etc. and always returned with huge smiles on their faces and an increased sense of belonging. But it wasn’t only the big things that created these beautiful memories, it was also the smaller things, like kicking a ball with them, or transporting them somewhere (with the music way too loud, but their faces bright and happy while they sing along), or just being there and “being present” with them, acknowledging another human being’s existence and worth.
As social worker, I feel honored and privileged that I was part of these children’s lives and their special memories. I truly hope and believe that Bethlehem Child and Family Welfare will continue to give these children opportunities to create such memories, because memories are something that cannot easily be taken from us. It is also something that gives meaning to our lives. I know that for a fact, because the beautiful memories I have with these children definitely gives meaning to my life.
We acknowledge and thank the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) for their financial assistance that made all the visits and holiday programs possible. The NLC changes lives!
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