People of Japan lend a helping hand to Little Eden Society

Little Eden Society welcomed His Excellency, Ushio Shigeru Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People of Japan to the Republic of South Africa, to the official opening and unveiling of their newly renovated and upgraded residential section at Elvira Rota Village in Bapsfontein on April 2.

This milestone event marked the culmination of a generous donation from the People of Japan, through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme.

Little Eden’s public relations and communications coordinator, Gaahele Mokgoro, said through the programme, the ambassador highlighted that the Embassy of Japan to South Africa has supported over 600 projects within South Africa, prioritising initiatives that enhance basic human needs and promote human security at the grassroots level.

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“The grant provided by the people of Japan has facilitated the renovation of infrastructure at Little Eden Society, particularly the Acacia section, which is for the society’s residents with dual diagnoses,” said Mokgoro.

“These enhancements include expanded communal spaces, improved outdoor areas and multipurpose rooms designed to foster a nurturing environment for the 36 residents who occupy the section.”

Additionally, Mokgoro said the completed upgrades to the ablution and bathing facilities will help staff further cater to residents’ evolving and unique needs and enhance the overall quality of care provided.

Speaking at the event, Shigeru, who has been the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People of Japan to the Republic of South Africa for the past year, expressed his gratitude for the invitation to such a special occasion and conveyed his honour to witness the unveiling of the two renovated buildings.

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He highlighted the longstanding partnership between the Embassy of Japan to South Africa and the Little Eden Society, dating back to 2013 when the Embassy funded the extension of two residential day rooms.

Shigeru extended his appreciation to the organisation’s CEO Xelda Rohrbeck and her team for overseeing the completion of the project and the impact of the work carried out by the Society for people with profound intellectual disability.

Xelda Rohrbeck said she was grateful for the support received from the Japanese Embassy to South Africa, highlighting it as a testament to the value placed on the services provided by the organisation for people living with profound intellectual disability.

“The partnership between Little Eden Society and the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of South Africa has been instrumental in ensuring the continuity of our mission and the preservation of our founders’ legacy,” said Rohrbeck.

“Today’s ceremony not only commemorates the opening of upgraded facilities but also signifies the ongoing commitment to the well-being and dignity of our residents.

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“The upgrades to the Acacia Section signify more than just physical improvements; they represent a commitment to providing our residents with a comfortable and nurturing environment,” said Rohrbeck.

Little Eden Society is home to 300, mostly previously abandoned and/or indigent, children and adults living with profound intellectual disability.
For more information about Little Eden contact 011 609 7246 or email pro@littleeden.org.za or visit www.littleeden.org.za

Kempton Express News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaFCgQQ4NViqzTKFGb31