Elvira puts children before all else
Elvira Davis is dedicated to caring for the children at East Rand Children’s Haven.
Elvira Davis has been a childcare worker at the East Rand Children’s Haven (ERCH) for five years as a qualified care worker in social services.
Davis (56) hopes to continue working at the home for another five years.
“I love the direct impact I have where you can see the smile on the child’s face. It puts peace in my heart,” she told the Brakpan Herald.
Before ERCH, Davis volunteered around town at the SAPS Victim Empowerment Centre, RATA Social Services and other NPOs. She loves children and decided to get her qualifications and start working with ERCH.
She is busy with her master’s degree in theology and is qualified for faith-based counselling and emotional support.
The hardest part of her job is when she can’t help a child who really needs it.
“It’s difficult when they go through a hard time, and you can’t help them because you want to do more. If mommy promises to come visit but doesn’t show up week after week, there is only so much you can do,” she explained.
“You can support them, explain what is happening and manage expectations, but at the end of the day, you can’t help when the child cries quietly in their bed at night.”
She believes part of her job is to have a plan for every kid in her care. You have to know what they want and help them achieve it.
“When there isn’t anything to be done you still make it happen,” she said.
If she could, and no obstacles prevented it, she would happily take the kids on a trip to the sea or a camping trip.
“I would treat them with a holiday they don’t get like other kids and take them all home,” she said.
Elvira is one of four childcare workers at the home, but her dedication to and love for the children stands out. She even hopped in the pool with them after school on Wednesday afternoon.
