Centre aims to help children in need in Tekatakho
A total of 148 children aged between seven and 18 are provided with daily meals and helped with their schoolwork from Monday to Friday.
The current management of Tekatakho Drop-in Centre outside KaBokweni is determined to relive the legacy of its founder, the late Elizabeth Maria Mabena-Mabuza, eight years after her death.
Mabuza’s daughter, Eunice NgwenyaHleza, runs the centre with the help of five board members, Sindi Mashego, Pinkie Dibakoane, Gift Methule, Nicholas Mabuza and Ronny Chiloane.
“My mother’s wish was to help the needy children of this area with meals, school uniforms and homework. We have been trying by all means to do the same all these years since her passing. We had also added a daycare centre to look after little children of working mothers and to use whatever profit we get to run the centre,” explained Ngwenya-Hleza.
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“Our vision is to see the kids of this area, especially those from child-headed families, being more educated to change the lives of their families and this community as a whole,” added Mashego.
“The majority of children from childheaded families end up dropping out of school due to a lack of parental guidance. We want to occupy the space by being parents to them, to love and encourage them that their current situation is not the end of the world, they can still make it in life and give them hope of a bright future,” Ngwenya-Hleza said.
They are also taught basic sewing skills and handcraft. They make striking jewellery from recycling old newspapers and cardboard boxes.
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Free computer lessons are offered to the youth of the area, especially those with matric. “Those who completed their matric and are still looking to apply to university and jobs are free come and use the computers between 14:00 and 16:00 to type their CVs and even learn basic computer skills, free of charge,” Ngwenya-Hleza added.
She revealed that they used to have an Austrian sponsor who used to give stipends to the volunteers helping at the centre is on pension and can no longer afford to help them. Ngwenya-Hleza added that they need sponsors for internet and transport services to help them with their day-today activities. They also need playing equipment for the young children. Anyone willing to help may call the Eunice Ngwenya Hleza 072 4511 096.
