Cheers and jubilation rang out across the grounds of Kids Haven on July 30 as the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), a subsidiary of Eskom, delivered an R800 000 resource investment to the child care facility.

The partnership between the organisation and the power utility started in October, as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable community development.

“This handover marks an important milestone for this partnership, which is focused on creating a brighter future for vulnerable children and young people,” said NTCSA’s Phindile Dlamini.

“Delivering a comprehensive package of resources, guided by a thorough needs assessment, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to addressing priority community needs and creating sustainable impact.”

Two blue customised training containers adorned with ribbons were filled to the brim with resources including educational and residential care equipment, water security infrastructure and vocational training facilities that will strengthen Kids Haven’s residential care services and support its community development programmes across Ekurhuleni.

Other items included smart boards, laptops, school uniforms and shoes, mattresses, water tanks, commercial washing machines, kitchen equipment and gazebos.

Barely containing her excitement, Ilka Stein, Pathways Programme coordinator, said that NTCSA contribution included the key to the establishment of Kids Haven Hustling Academy, which is scheduled to launch in September.

“The academy will provide approximately 40 young people, annually, with practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills, including woodworking, sewing, textile upcycling, digital literacy and basic business management,” she said.

“Our vision is to expand on the hugely successful Pathways Programme. Furniture items donated to the organisation will make their way to the containers, where, through the assistance and tutelage of skilled artisans, they will be transformed and upcycled for resale.

“Through practical training, our youths are not only upskilled but will be taught to make their hustle work for them, by further teaching them to market and sell their goods. Partnerships like these heal hearts and restore hope.”

Kids Haven CEO Sam Mokgopha thanked NTCSA for their commitment not only to the organisation but to every child that benefits from its care.

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