As the parents of 12 children, husband and wife Kent and Lyndall van der Yacht have taken on more than most could ever imagine.
The couple run a foster programme out of their own home next door to Linc Church in Salt Rock and take care of eight foster children aged between two and ten years old in addition to four of their own between one month and five years of age.
The Van der Yachts started Hearts of Hope four years ago with a dream to provide as many children as possible with a loving home, a good education and an environment of support.
“We want these kids to be part of the Ballito community and give them a future to look forward to because they deserve as much as any other child,” said Lyndall van der Yacht, who expressed that she and her husband plan to foster these children on a permanent basis.
“This is our home and it will always be their home too, so whether they want to go to university or start work once they finish school, we will be here for as long they need us.”
The couple was thrilled on Saturday morning, July 11 when a brand new Volkswagen Kombi was donated to help them properly accommodate the needs of their growing family.
The eight-seater minivan was given to Hearts of Hope by a family who want to remain anonymous, but the Van der Yachts said they were extremely grateful for the generous donation to their foster home.
“The whole Ballito community has been a huge support, both by donating to us and by visiting us to interact with the children. This van is just a dream come true,” said Lyndall, who said they would like more of the Ballito public to come and meet their family.
This project is not short of challenges, however, as three of their foster children had never been to school prior to their arrival at Hearts of Hope.
The three children aged six, nine and ten are now receive lessons at the centre’s home school facility where they are taught by community volunteers in subjects including mathematics and English.
“These kids did not even know how to hold a pen when they arrived, but they are making great progress,” said Lyndall with a proud smile.
One child, Scelo Mthiyame, has excelled beyond expectation. The young ten-year-old boy could not speak a word of English when he joined the foster home, but can now speak fluently and continues to work hard at school.
With the addition of their brand new van, the hearts of the Van der Yachts are full of hope as they look forward to their exciting plans for the children in the near future.
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