After closure, Chance Children’s Home in Dunnottar reopens under new management
Closed in 2023, Chance Children's Home in Dunnottar has reopened under new management, calling on the community for their support.
Chance Children’s Home in Dunnottar has reopened its doors under new management.
This follows the closure of the home in 2023 due to financial constraints. It is now managed by Esmeralda MacDonald, who took over on June 1.
“Since I took over, we’ve been fortunate to secure many sponsors. Some of our long-standing supporters, including Alstom and Gold One, have continued to assist us even when the home was non-operational,” MacDonald said.
Despite the positive progress, the home still faces challenges.
“Our biggest struggle at the moment is covering electricity and daily running costs. Everyone working here, myself included, is a volunteer and receives no salary. We are still in the process of finalising funding with the Department of Social Development, which we hope will be resolved soon,” she explained.
To help cover expenses, the home is launching a recycling drive this month, calling on community members from Dunnottar, John Dube, Springs, Nigel, and surrounding areas to donate recyclable items.
MacDonald also spoke about the children’s situation during the closure.
“When the facility shut down, the children were placed in different homes, while some were adopted. Even now, some of them still visit weekly when we host a soup kitchen.”
Looking ahead, MacDonald hopes to create opportunities for children leaving the home at 18, who are no longer considered part of the foster system.
“We want to open a woodworking centre for the boys and partner with hair salons for the girls. The aim is to teach them skills that will carry them into adulthood,” she said.
MacDonald reiterated the importance of community support: “Giving back is vital because the children we serve did not choose these circumstances. I believe it takes a village to raise a child. Adoption is also an incredible gift because you’re giving a child a new life and leaving a lasting footprint in their future.”
Anyone willing to support or donate to Chance Children’s Home can visit their social media pages or contact them on 074 756 5956.
