Lovely new baby room for Ithembe Labasha, Shaka’s Head
A beautifully decorated nursery – a safe haven from a harsh world – is a luxury most babies in poverty stricken homes will never experience. But the eight bouncing babes at Ithembe Labasha care centre in Shaka’s Head have been blessed with a room of their own, thanks to the hard work and many fund-raisers …
A beautifully decorated nursery – a safe haven from a harsh world – is a luxury most babies in poverty stricken homes will never experience.
But the eight bouncing babes at Ithembe Labasha care centre in Shaka’s Head have been blessed with a room of their own, thanks to the hard work and many fund-raisers held by the centre’s six volunteers.
Previously the babies would sleep in the main area where the older kids would eat and play.
Volunteer Elna Rootman said the previous facilities and environment were unsuitable for babies.
“The cots were spread across the main area and were not of the best quality. Sometimes they would even collapse. We were all heartsore for the babies and the volunteers got together and raised money to open a nursery. Some of us used our own money and material for the nursery,” she said.
The organisation, founded by Doreen Yengwa in 2007, provides free day care for 40 children and warm meals to 80 children daily, all under the age of five.
“I would see children all over the roads in Shaka’s Head and a few of them would not have food. I only want the best for of all my children. Some of them make me so proud when they do well in life. They even visit sometimes,” said Yengwa.
Volunteer, Debbie Goubert said the cost of running the centre is high.
“The is no government funding and an American company called Noah, who used to fund the centre, withdrew two years ago,” she said.
Yengwa thanked the volunteers and organisations which have supported the centre through the years.
“I am so happy that things are looking up for the children. The nursery has been a blessing. Back when things were really bad, the only donations we would receive was from The North Coast Courier’s Orphan Fund and I am very grateful for their support.”
For more information or to donate to the centre contact Debbie Goubert at 083 448 6553.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
