This is the homely setting of New Jerusalem Children’s Home for 80 abandoned and abused children in President Park.
Co-founder and CEO of the home Anna Mojapelo, along with secretary of the board of directors Raymond Madibogo and public relations officer Mpho Sechabela, took guests on a tour around the home during an open day and explained how the home is a model for sustainable development. Mojapelo introduced the exciting projects, but they are not possible without support.
“We have a lot of needs, help us to be a shining star,” Mojapelo appealed. The home is also ready to lend a hand to the community.
It offers residential care, early childhood development, a Montessori Pre-School for some of the younger children as well as children from the surrounding community, social work services, foster and adoption services and promotion of corporate social development, among others.
The home tries to live as environmentally sustainably and self-sufficiently as possible. It is the first children’s home in Africa to have an eco-friendly house that is made from 28 shipping containers. The building was opened in 2011 and through the help of corporates and individuals, is fully furnished.
Mojapelo described the positive impact the container building had on the children. “The children are proud of their home and want to bring their school friends to see where they live. We want the home to continue to capture the imagination of the children,” said Mojapelo.
In keeping with sustainable living, the home uses solar energy, harvests rain water and grows vegetables to feed the children, as well as selling some of the produce to the surrounding community to generate an income.
Mojapelo said they hoped the home would become a learning centre for waste management.
However, the home relies on partnerships with corporate businesses, schools, churches and surrounding communities in order to be more sustainable. Partnerships are also needed for the home to embark on exciting future projects, including a resource and administration centre, residential unit, a halfway house for girls and a bakery.
Basic needs from groceries and toiletries to help with waste management, as well as general maintenance, are among the home’s top needs.
Mojeapelo invited all sectors of the community to set up open day visits with the home throughout the year.
Details: 138 Steyn Road, President Park or info@newjerusalemchildrenshome.org or 010 224 0460.
