Organization works to support vulnerable children
MIDRAND - If a child loses a parent, we immediately visit the family
The pandemic has taken so much from many families, especially in child headed homes.
According to Statistics South Africa’s Vulnerable Groups Series III report profile for children between seven and 17 years old, between 2002 and 2016, two in 10 children in South Africa were orphans, a sad but true reality.
The Midrand Reporter spoke to Elsie Lekana, a social worker at Nokuphila School which is an initiative of The Love Trust, a foundation that ensures learners from vulnerable communities in Midrand are given an equal opportunity to succeed.
Lekana said the foundation helped child-headed families by giving them much-needed support. She said, “If a child loses a parent, we immediately visit the family and give them groceries and spiritual support.
“The social worker then gives the child ongoing psycho-social support at school because they usually struggle to cope with the changes they have to endure at home. The family is also added to our pantry food list in order to receive groceries and fresh vegetables on a monthly basis.”
The Love Trust has been involved with a particular child-headed case since Covid-19 began. “The oldest sibling is 23 years old and she takes care of her other two siblings. However, recently we learnt that their aunt has decided to move in with them.
“We dealt with many other impacted children who lost their biological parents, but are not classified as child-headed as they have other family members who stepped up to take the role of a parent.”
To donate food, toiletries, hygiene products and clothes to child-headed homes, contact the school on info@lovetrust.co.za
