Anna brings light in Secunda to less fortunate kids
Founder of the NPO Lighthouse Daycare Anna Mthombeni is asking for the public’s help with paint, repairs, general maintenance and children’s play equipment.
Knowing how it feels growing up with the bare minimum in life, Anna Mthombeni’s greatest wish is to accommodate as many underprivileged children as possible at her Lighthouse Day and Aftercare.
She registered the daycare as an NPO and opened its doors in 2019. She presently has 22 children aged 18 months and older.
Mthombeni’s mother died when she was a child, and her father was not much guidance. She grew up in the care of the late Julie de la Guerre, a Kinross resident who was a caregiver to children less fortunate.
“She helped me grow into the person I am today. I saw what she did for me and all the children, and always wanted to take her vision and continue with it. What she did for me, I can not just keep to myself. I need to pass it on to other children and give them hope,” said Mthombeni.
With De la Guerre’s help and mentorship, Mthombeni moved to Pretoria and studied as a pastor. Her interest, however, was in childcare, so she did a training course while living in the Soshanguve township.
She moved back to Secunda in 2010, trusting that God would one day bless her with a daycare facility.
“In my heart, I knew this was what I wanted to do. I want to do this for the children,” said Mthombeni.
Through God’s will, Mthombeni and her late husband, George, founded the Lighthouse Daycare. George died in 2021 from Covid-19.
Not having him around took its toll on Mthombeni, a mother of four children. George did maintenance and repairs at the facility and was the primary provider in their household.
She said that even though she struggles financially, she can not turn away a child needing help. Mthombeni’s facility needs improvements and maintenance, and she has asked the public for help.
“The roof and fence need maintenance and repairs. We also need walls painted, tiles, carpets, shading, a sandpit and play equipment like a slide and swing for the children to play on and so much more,” she said.
Mthombeni depends on funding and payments from the parents but says they can not always pay.
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“We have parents who earn very little and can not afford to send their children to daycare. They can barely afford to pay rent, transport or even put food on the table. What do I do? I can’t turn away these children,” said Mthombeni.
She also feeds the children two meals a day – breakfast and lunch.
The children get porridge in the mornings and a cooked meal at lunch, which could be rice, pap, veggies, chicken or mince. She has two permanent workers and two volunteers who help at the facility.
“It is sad to hear someone say they ‘do not have’ because I know that feeling. Not having the means in life is painful,” said Mthombeni.
The Lighthouse Daycare is next to the Tutela Family Care Centre and the Family and Marriage Society of South Africa Highveld Ridge in Secunda.
If you can help with donations or volunteer help with maintenance and repairs, visit the facility or call Mthombeni on 066 261 8428.
