Photos: Care centre receives much-needed help from community
It happens often that this care centre has to take care of more than 100 children at a time. Mama Esther barely has food or beds to accommodate everyone.
ROCKY DRIFT – The owner of an impoverished local orphanage, which houses about 90 children, is thankful for upgrades made to the centre’s kitchen.
A stove, two pots and two old fridges made up the totality of the cooking area until two weeks ago when residents of Mbombela decided to lend a helping hand.
Various companies pitched in to install a new kitchen.
“I cried the whole time the kitchen was being built. I was so happy and grateful,” said “Mama” Esther Nkosi.
International Slab Sales donated granite tops, Granite and Marble Expresso installed the stove, curtains and pipes and Laumar Electrical & Construction was responsible for the plumbing.
Mama Esther’s Care Centre, near White River, consists of two large sheds which contain a small number of beds and cupboards. The boys’ quarters can sleep about 15, although about 30 reside there.
The girls’ quarters can sleep somewhat 40, which is still short of that which is needed.
“The rest of the children have to sleep on the floor,” she told Lowvelder.
The number of kids in her care changes every day. “Every night I go to sleep and I don’t know how many children I will wake up with the next morning.
Most times I have to take care of more than 100 children.
A few of them were rescued from toilets when their mothers abandoned them as babies. Others were saved from the hands of witch doctors after their mothers sold them.
“Every day I see the children cry – every single day. They ask me where their parents are and why they did not love them.” Esther started the care centre in 2003 when a young woman dropped her unwanted daughter on her porch.
I have been a registered NGO ever since, but I still do not receive government grants. I have invited members of government to come and inspect the place so I can qualify for grants, but to this day I still have not received anything.
When asked how she fed so many mouths, she replied that she “lives by faith”.
“The Lord provides us with food through different churches. Pick n Pay I’langa Mall has also started to donate some old fruit and vegetables, but it is still not enough.”
Esther calls on members of the community to help her in her endeavour.
“Anyone is welcome to come and visit.” She can be contacted on 072-123-2171.
