Meet the nuturers that keep the heartbeat of care alive at Kids Haven

The heart is responsible for not only circulating blood but oxygenating it in order to ensure that the body, nervous system and organs are working effectively.

Just as the pulsating heart is the life grain of every human being, Kids Haven has a tender loving heart, caring and nurturing the children within its care.
Slipping through the doors and into the kitchen, one is immediately met by the aroma of spinach and onions simmering on the stove. It is 10:00 in the morning and soon there will be hungry mouths to feed.

With about 30 years of combined service and expertise, Thule Sibonyoni, Bibilhe Mau and Celisiwe Mncubo peel, chop and spice food as they prepare for lunch.
“I love children and cooking,” said Thule.
“I am fortunate that I can express and grow these two passions. For some, I might only be a cook but to these blessed souls I am a ‘mama’ and making them delicious food.”
Through ongoing training, the trio’s skillset is continuously expanded and their knowledge of optimal nutrition is supplemented, however, they confess that in celebration of special occasions, they pull out all the stops to treat the kids to special dishes.

“We are moms and although we want our kids to be well-fed, the kitchen comes alive when we are able to treat them with off-the-menu dishes, like pancakes on a rainy day or vetkoek on cold winter afternoons,” said Sibonyoni.
“The kitchen is the heartbeat of any home and seeing our children enjoying their food and growing strong is a ray of sunshine.”
With their tummies filled, the 36 learners of the Kids Haven Pre-school spend their days learning as they play with dedicated teachers, teaching in sing-song voices.

Nompumelelo
At the age of nine Nompumelelo Phiri, a level four foundation phase teacher, became a resident of Kids Haven.
“During my three-year stay here, I was not happy. I was too young to understand why I was taken away from my mother,” she said.
“Despite my feelings, I settled in and formed strong bonds with the other children and our house mothers.”

Watching as her learners play, Nompumelolo said that she jumped at the opportunity to further her studies at the organisation because she could finally appreciate the integral role it plays in the well-being of the children.

“I feel like I am truly making a difference in my kids’ lives,” she said.
“I want to give them the space to learn not only about the world around them but also about who they are and the amazing potential within their souls.”

Tebogo
After attaining a degree in human resources, Tebogo Mocketsi, a senior social worker at Kids Haven, took the time to thank her foster parents for all the opportunities they created for her. She is thankful to her 14 foster siblings.

“My parents raised us with tremendous love and no matter what, there was always space for another child needing warmth and safety,” she said.
“With a degree in my hand, I realised that I had no desire to work within the corporate sphere, I wanted to use everything my parents instilled in me and pay it forward.

So I hit the books again and pursued a life as a social worker.
“This is a labour of love and a calling only some would consider. Making a positive impact on the life of a child is rewarded with smiles and the most incredible hugs.”
Tebogo explained that one of the greatest challenges facing the NPO’s 50 social and care workers is the high volume of pre-care cases.

“Our aim is to keep families together and equip parents with the necessary tools and resources to adequately care for their children. Removing children from their homes, families and support system is only done when all other avenues have been exhausted,” she said.
“The dwindling economy has led to an increase in child abuse and neglect with parents suffering mentally, emotionally and financially which in turn leads to stress and agitation.
“We believe that by remaining true to our ethos and offering a guiding hand to families in our care, we can assist in building strong family bonds and care.”

Khethiwe
As with all things in life, money does not grow on trees and an NPO such as Kids Haven requires R17 per day to feed a child
Khethiwe Zwane-Mnyanda, the fundraiser for the organisation, joined Kids Haven in 2022 but started her journey with the facility during her youth.
“Having nothing better to do, I volunteered at Kids Haven but it did not take long to realise that within this place there is a heartbeat and it beats for the children,” she said.

“I went on to work at other NPOs but found my way back here, where my heart beats.”
Khethiwe said that it has become increasingly difficult to raise funds for the NPO due to the economic pressures facing business, but says through grace the organisation is still staying afloat.

“Thanks to continued support from the community, local business and corporates, our finances tick over every month,” she said.
“I believe that due to the manner in which we operate, our dedicated staff and the variety of programmes we offer, we have established ourselves as a beacon of hope for the community and credible NPO.”
For more information, contact Kids Haven on 011 421 4222.

Also Read: Kids Haven’s Terri the cornerstone of its educational programmes