Sekusile Ekhaya Labantwana makes an impact in the lives of children

What started as a small act of kindness has, over the years, blossomed into a vital lifeline for vulnerable children and families in Daveyton and Etwatwa.

With the simple goal of helping those in need, especially young children, the late Busisiwe Sibeko, the founder of Sekusile Ekhaya Labantwana NPO, established the organisation in 2010.

Today, it stands as a beacon of hope, impacting lives through daily meals, counselling and educational assistance.

Operating from Katlego Primary in Daveyton, the NPO serves 90 children who are identified as vulnerable orphans, abused children and those living in child-headed households.

The organisation’s reach also extends far beyond these numbers, assisting not only children but also struggling families in the broader community.

Thanks to partnerships with donors like Buyani House All Souls in Benoni, Vivian Mahlnagu and the 100% Foundation, the NPO can distribute food parcels to families in dire need and offer daily meals to children by providing them with lunchboxes before they head home.

According to Peter Sebelebele, a qualified psychologist who joined the organisation in 2022, many of these children come from single-parent homes and poverty-stricken backgrounds.

“We also offer psychosocial support and counselling. We assist the children with homework through our after-school programme, running from 13:00 to 15:00, daily. Our weekly and holiday programmes allow the children to play and be kids, despite the challenges they face.”

Children’s rights
Sebelebele said some of their beneficiaries grapple with severe psychosocial issues, including emotional trauma.

“Many are emotionally disturbed when they arrive here, but through counselling and support, we’ve seen remarkable improvements in their well-being. We also have camps twice a year, in June and December, in partnership with the Influencing Children and Youth (ICY) organisation, to provide further emotional and social support to these children. The organisation also runs campaigns in schools to raise awareness about children’s rights and HIV and Aids,” he said.

Despite its commendable work, Sekusile Ekhaya Labantwana receives no funding from the Department of Social Development (DSD).

Ira Ndebele, the operational manager who joined the organisation in 2018 said their application for support has been declined numerous times, leaving them to rely heavily on donations.

“We have 16 volunteers who work without stipends. Transportation is a constant issue as we have to walk long distances to go to our client’s homes for visits because we don’t have a vehicle. Our counselling room is not conducive to therapy sessions. When it rains, we can’t use the room. Our kitchen lacks a proper running water system as we rely on buckets,” said Ndebele.

Despite these challenges, the organisation has remained committed to its mission of providing love, care, and hope to its beneficiaries. Many of the children they have supported over the years have gone on to pursue higher education, with some now working as professionals.

Sebelebele said they aim to grow the organisation into an influential organisation that will serve more communities.

Their immediate needs include acquiring their own dedicated space for their operations, as well as essential resources such as laptops, printers, stationery, and transportation for home visits.

Anyone interested in contributing to the sustainability of Sekusile Ekhaya Labantwana and its activities may contact Ndebele on 073 907 4776 or Sebelebele on 068 265 7800.

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