A father to the fatherless
The VanderYacht family launched Hearts that Hope Children's Home in 2012, an NPO that, together with two house moms, builds families for orphaned and vulnerable children by creating a loving home environment.
With his big bear hug, positive vibe and rooted faith Kent VanderYacht is the ultimate dad to 17 children in Ezulweni Estate, Foxhill.
Together with his wife, Lyndall, he has four children – Malakai (8), Piper (7), Snow (5) and Kenya (3) – but their hearts had space for more which lead to the start of Hearts that Hope and 13 foster children.
“Malakai was nine months old when Lyndall was working in a nearby township and heard about three children under eight years old who were abandoned by their mother.
Also read: Farming for the future
“We had to help and so it was a natural step to bring them home,” said Kent, who left his home town in America and came to work in South Africa as a missionary leader in 2007 where he met his wife.
The couple launched Hearts that Hope Children’s Home in 2012, an NPO that, together with two house moms, builds families for orphaned and vulnerable children by creating a loving home environment.
Kent said regardless how many children he is looking after, he always wants to be a father who is present and involved.
“I always thought the father figure is lacking just as much in the Western as in Zulu culture. We are not just financial providers.
“It has always been on my heart to be a dad who is seen by my kids.
“My dad Darryl was a brilliant role model. Even when he was working, he would take us to work in his truck and really spend time with us.”
The bold yet sensitive dad said he hoped his children see him as a God fearing and God loving man who allowed them to be themselves.
“I think it is easy to push your own agenda on your children. It is really hard not to, because you want them to enjoy what you enjoyed. I was very sporty as a kid, but I want my kids to know that you can also like the arts and culture and expose them to that to give them the opportunity to decide for themselves if it is their thing or not.”
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
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.
