By Kgomotso Sethusha
SAIGA PUTS SMILES ON KIDS’ FACES
BIG smiles, fun and laughter were undoubtedly the order of the day when SAIGA visited Mohau Child Care Centre.
Led by the Institute’s CEO, Russel Morena, the SAIGA staff members spent the afternoon with children at the orphanage home as part of the Nelson Mandela Month initiative.
The Centre, which accommodates roughly 45 children, is nicely tucked inside Kalafong Hospital in Atteridgeville.
The initiative was part of the Institute’s effort to improve the lives of the less fortunate in the month the nation and the rest of the world reflected on Nelson Mandela’s greatness and rich legacy.
To this end, they gave out clothing, provided groceries, and engaged in interactive play with the children.
In addition to thanking the personnel for their contributions, Morena expressed her appreciation to the Mohau Centre for welcoming SAIGA within its facilities.
Giving, helping, and making a difference is at the heart of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, according to Morena.
“It is crucial for us to make a difference in their lives because some of us have experienced similar circumstances as the kids here,” he said.
Glory Dube, a social worker at Mohau Centre, received the presents and gave the SAIGA members a tour of the facilities.
According to Dube, “this children’s home was established due to the apparent need for care of the orphaned, the neglected, the abused, and the children who were abandoned because they were HIV positive.”
“The need was primarily felt at Kalafong and Steve Biko Academic Hospitals, where babies were frequently left by their mothers due to their HIV status and the families’ reluctance to get engaged due to the stigma.
“However, due to the ARV treatment, we no longer accept many infected children. We are now more of a residential care centre for kids who require care and protection, in accordance with the Children’s Act.
“We wish to thank everyone for their contributions and our appreciation for this visit.”
The Centre is not only an orphanage but also provides community-based social services, such as food parcels and clothing for destitute patients.
