Children at Dorah’s Ark Children’s Home in Ruimsig have a safe place to play once again after volunteers from Emeris Ruimsig restored the home’s unused jungle gym as part of their Nelson Mandela Day outreach initiative.

Twelve members of the Emeris Ruimsig Cares team and student volunteers spent July 17 repairing and repainting the playground equipment at the place of safety, which provides a home for 50 children between the ages of one and 18 who are abused, vulnerable, abandoned or orphaned.

According to a statement by Emeris, the project was chosen in recognition of the important role safe play spaces have in children’s development.

Farhana Kamal, the Student Wellness Specialist at Emeris, said seeing the children’s reaction made the effort worthwhile.

“Being a part of initiatives like this is incredibly rewarding. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces reminds us that even a simple act can make a meaningful difference in their lives,” Farhana said.

The Mandela Day outreach also included a clothing handover after Emeris hosted a clothing drive on campus throughout the first semester. Staff and students donated clothing at designated collection points, with all the collected items distributed to the children at Dorah’s Ark.

The volunteers rounded off the day by providing lunch for the children and everyone who assisted with the outreach.

While the Mandela Day initiative restored a valued play space and provided practical support to the children’s home, Emeris stated the project forms part of its ongoing commitment to community service.

Farhana said the institution undertakes outreach projects at least twice a month, supporting children’s homes, schools, charities and other community-based organisations through practical acts of service and collaboration.