A love for children and a big dream
BEAULIEU - "Botshabelo was a response to a bigger dream, where we see orphans placed and teachers trained."
These were the words of Botshabelo’s chairperson, Danie van Tonder, that echoed in the Urban Life Church hall during the orphanage’s AGM.
He said the Beaulieu orphanage, which was celebrating its 13th year, had – over the last financial year – seen 25 new children pass through its doors. “Thirteen of these children were new additions. Two children were reunited with their families while nine children were adopted,” he said.
The home currently has 15 babies in its care.
Van Tonder said if it were not for the dedicated team of caregivers, the home would not be where it is today. “These ladies are the heroes of the baby home,” he said. Van Tonder said that although the staff at the orphanage were the most important aspect of the home, they were the hardest to raise funds for.
During the AGM, which was structured around the Urban Kids school play, Van Tonder said the teaching training program that was set up was able to train and give equipment to 10 teachers. “We are working on the matric pass rate for 12 years’ time,” he said.
Van Tonder said events such as Mandela Day and Carols by Candlelight played a vital role in helping Botshabelo with their funding and He urged residents to support the initiatives.
Details: 011-702-2141 or www.botshabelo.co.za
