As residents prepare for the new year, a corner of Norwood reflects on the quiet triumphs and shared compassion of the past 12 months. Jackie van der Westhuizen, owner of Jackie’s Playschool and a long-time community volunteer, feels deep gratitude and renewed purpose.

Surrounded by supportive children, parents, and neighbours, she believes the community has demonstrated the power of care over obligation.

“As we enter a new year, I feel thankful for the journey we’ve shared as a community,” she said. “This past year brought challenges, growth, and wonderful moments. My wish for the upcoming year is that we keep building on this spirit with kindness, compassion, and a commitment to support those around us.”

Read more: Norwood woman transforms children’s lives through love and care

Van der Westhuizen’s involvement stretches far beyond her play school classroom. She also runs a foster home that cares for children aged from birth to 21, providing both foster care and a temporary place of safety for youngsters rescued from difficult circumstances.

The home works in close association with Johannesburg Child Welfare, which screens and refers children to the South African Children’s Court as requiring support and protection, identifies places for children in need, and ensures that every young person who arrives is placed accordingly.

The foster home also doubles as a holiday host family for children from other children’s homes, offering them the rare comfort of a warm, stable environment during school breaks.

The Hayani Support Project Crèche, part of Van der Westhuizen’s work, provides vital support for children whose caregivers are unemployed or unable to afford standard early childhood development centres. By partnering with local daycares, these children receive essential early learning opportunities.

This year, significant impact has come from collaboration among the foster home, the crèche, her playschool, and the community.

Also read: Gardening transforms lives at Maria Kloppers Children’s Home

Donations of clothing, food, toiletries, and school supplies have been plentiful, and volunteers have stepped up to help sort and distribute essentials. Teenagers are also getting involved through a programme that allows them to fulfil their community service hours by assisting at the home and crèche.

Van der Westhuizen launched a matric dance dress drive this year to help young girls in her area who can’t afford dresses. She was moved by the community’s generosity in donating beautiful dresses, saying, “Small acts of kindness create ripples in ways we might never fully understand.”

Looking ahead, she aims to expand access to education for vulnerable children, ensuring that financial or personal hardships don’t hinder their potential.  “I want to create a safe environment where children can thrive,” she said. Van der Westhuizen believes that uplifting a child uplifts the entire community.

Those interested in supporting the Hayani projects can email hayaniproject@gmail.com or contact Mary at 082 746 9784.

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