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Caretakers Sustaining the Heartbeat of Compassion at Kids Haven
The heart, an organ vital for circulating and oxygenating blood, ensures the effective functioning of the body, nervous system, and organs. Just as the human heart pulsates, so does Kids Haven, with a tender and loving heart dedicated to caring for and nurturing the children under its care.
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As you step through the doors and into the kitchen at Kids Haven, you’re greeted by the delightful aroma of spinach and onions simmering on the stove. It’s 10:00 in the morning, and hungry mouths will soon need to be fed.
Thule Sibonyoni, Bibilhe Mau, and Celisiwe Mncubo, with a combined service and expertise spanning approximately 30 years, are hard at work peeling, chopping, and spicing food in preparation for lunch. Thule shares her passion for children and cooking, expressing how fortunate she is to combine these two passions. To these children, she’s not just a cook; she’s a “mama” who prepares delicious food for them.
While the trio continuously expands their skillset through ongoing training and deepens their knowledge of optimal nutrition, they also enjoy creating special dishes for the kids on occasions such as rainy days with pancakes or cold winter afternoons with vetkoek (deep-fried bread). They recognise that the kitchen is the heartbeat of any home and enjoy seeing the children relish their food and grow strong.
With their tummies filled, the 36 learners at the Kids Haven Pre-school spend their days learning through play, guided by dedicated teachers who use sing-song voices to teach.
Nompumelelo Phiri, a level four foundation phase teacher, was once a Kids Haven resident when she was nine. During her three-year stay, she had mixed feelings about being away from her mother, but she eventually settled in and formed strong bonds with the other children and housemothers. Now, watching her own learners play, Nompumelelo recognises the integral role Kids Haven plays in the well-being of the children and has seized the opportunity to further her studies at the organisation.
Tebogo Mocketsi, a senior social worker at Kids Haven, expressed her gratitude toward her foster parents for the opportunities they provided for her and her 14 foster siblings. With a degree in human resources in hand, she realised her calling was to become a social worker and positively impact children’s lives. Tebogo acknowledges the challenges they face in handling a high volume of pre-care cases and emphasises the importance of keeping families together and providing parents with the tools and resources to care for their children.
Khethiwe Zwane-Mnyanda, the fundraiser for Kids Haven, returned to the organisation in 2022 after volunteering there during her youth. She notes the difficulties in raising funds due to economic pressures on businesses but remains hopeful due to the support from the community, local businesses, and corporations. Khethiwe believes that Kids Haven, with its dedicated staff and diverse programs, has established itself as a beacon of hope and a credible nonprofit organisation in the community.
Despite financial challenges, Kids Haven continues to provide essential care and support to children in need, relying on its staff’s unwavering dedication and the community’s generosity. For more information, you can contact Kids Haven at 011 421 4222.
Source: Meet the nuturers that keep the heartbeat of care alive at Kids Haven
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Photo: Supplied by Benoni City Times
