Nuusbrief ● Newsletter

Message from the PrincipalBy Rudolph Bezuidenhout

A few weeks ago I read, in a newspaper, that the Executive Head of a Children’s Home is quoted as having said, “Children’s Homes have no right of existence. Children do not belong here. They belong with mothers and fathers. Children’s Homes are substitutes and they cost money.” I was (and am still) shocked by the quote, but at the same time I was forced to evaluate what he had said. If I split the quote up into smaller portions, my head tells me the following:

“Children’s Homes are substitutes and they cost money” – The Durbanville Children’s Home is an alternative care- taking facility for children who are placed in our care by the court. Children are placed here as a last option, after all other placement possibilities have been considered by the investigating social worker and the court. The conclusion is that a facility like the Durbanville Children’s Home isn’t a substitute, but is in reality the only option open to these children. And yes, it costs a lot of money, but I do not want to think that a day may come when we say it is too expensive to take care of children.

“Children do not belong here. They belong with fathers and mothers.” – In an ideal world, yes! However, we live in a broken reality where a variety of factors create the situation where some parents cannot take care of their children and we are forced to look at alternatives. The Durbanville Children’s Home will never be able to fulfill the need for a father or a mother in the life of a child, but we help each child to cope with his/her heartache, to become stronger and to learn how to handle the adversities of life on his/her own. We work with dedication to create a therapeutic environment where every child can feel, “I am safe here. I belong here.”

“Children’s Homes have no right of existence.” – I am proud to say that the Durbanville Children’s Home has, over a period of more than 130 years, succeeded in implementing constant renewal in order to address the needs of children and to make sure that the Home always stays relevant.

December/Desember 2017Durbanville Children's Home

Tel: (021) 975 6822 NPO 011-891

PBO 93 000 3519

www.durbanvillekinderhuis.org.za 

All children have wings, we teach them to fly! Fax: (021) 975 1613 

140 MILLION THE ESTIMATION OF

CHILDREN WHO ARE

ORPHANS

WORLDWIDE

U N I C E F S O U T H A F R I C A

Statistics on children in institutional care are notcomplete, but it is known that there are 345 registered children’s homes in South Africa, looking after some 21,000 children. - UNICEF -

U B S O P T I M U S F O U N D A T I O N S T U D Y 2 0 1 6

" O N E I N E V E R Y T H R E E Y O U N G S O U T H

A F R I C A N S H A S E X P E R I E N C E D S O M E S O R T

O F S E X U A L A B U S E B Y T H E A G E O F 1 7 . "

19%

of children (aged 0-4) do not live with either of their biological parents

Globally 161 million under-five year olds were estimated to be stunted in 2013.

www.worldhunger.org

In ‘n bedjie lê ‘n 5 jarige blondekop dogtertjie. Sy luister na die geluide van die nag rondom haar. Sy is bang. Die

kombers is halfpad bo-oor haar kop getrek sodat net die klein blou ogies uitsteek. Wat gaan deur ‘n 5jarige se gedagtes?

Volgens mý 5 jarige seuntjie…NIKS. Maar nie vir daai 5 jarige blondekop dogtertjie nie – sy lê en wonder – sy lê en

dink…gaan my mamma en pappa my ooit weer kom haal? Jy sien, daai dogtertjie is in die kinderhuis, en daai dogtertjie

is ek!

KINDERHUIS-KINDMELANIE (VAN RHYN) STIPP

Ek en my sussie is weggevat van ons ouers af – ons was klein – ek vyf en sy ‘n jaar oud. Dis die ouderdom waarop jy nog tussen jou ouers in die bed wil

gaan inkruip; wil luister na slaaptyd-stories; op pappa se skoot sit en jou klein armpies om sy nek gooi; mamma se makeup uit die laai gaan grawe en jou

gesiggie wil inkleur; saam by die “groot” tafel sit en eet; en verseker wees van jou mamma en pappa se liefde vir jou. Maar jy wonder wanneer jou

mamma en pappa jou by die kinderhuis gaan kom haal. Daar was gesê dis net vir ‘n “klein tydjie” wat ons daar moet kuier. Ek het in matriek daar

uitgestap.

Alle kinders is mal oor civvie dae – wanneer jy met gewone klere mag skooltoe gaan en vir ‘n dag “vry” kan wees van uniform dra. Ek het civvie dae

verpes! Ek het ook eers daarvan gehou – totdat ons gespot was. “Kyk wat trek die kinderhuis-kinders aan!” of een van die kinders sou met haar

splinternuwe uitrusting (wat mamma spesiaal gaan koop het vir civvie dag) op en af voor jou paradeer. ‘n Ander een sou sê “Is daai nie my klere wat jy

aanhet nie? My ma het van my ou klere vir die kinderhuis geskenk.” Wysheid het gekom met tyd – ek het civvie dae eerder met my skool uniform

gegaan. Daaroor kon hulle nie so groot bespotting maak nie.

Ek onthou die gewag by die telefoon hokkie. My ouers gaan bel. Jy sou eers vol selfvertroue by diè ding gaan staan en wag. Later het die staan

verander in ‘n sit posisie. Dan sou jy lê – op jou rug – terwyl jy staar na die lug…in jou binneste lê en bid. Die trrr-trrr het jou skielik laat reggop spring –

weer vol hoop – net om uit te vind dis nie vir jou nie. Minute het verander in ure. Tot jou huismoeder jou later kom weghaal het. Jyt altyd hoop gehad.

Dan was daar die gewag by die “groot hek”. Sondae was besoektyd – tussen 3 en 5. Jyt behoorlik die Sondag-middag-slapie om gewens en teen die

spoed van weerlig hek toe gehol om te gaan wag. My ouers kom kuier. Met groot opgewondenheid het jy behoorlik gestaan en trippel. Karre het ge-in

en ge-uit…maar nie een was iemand vir jou nie. Ek het so ver as wat die oog kan sien na die karre doer onder in die pad gekyk – gehoop dat tussen

almal ek een van hulle sal herken. Vyfuur het gekom en die ander kinders het heel in hul noppies met ‘n sakkie sweeties of twee terug na hulle huisies

gestap. Ek het steeds by die hek gestaan – vol hoop, met trane wat teen my wange af rol – hulle het dan belowe!

Ek onthou die kere wat ons by my pa kon gaan kuier – oor ‘n naweek of vakansie tyd. Ons het uitgesien na ‘n plastiek sakkie met gemengde sweeties

in. Partykeer was dit net ‘n Chomp chocolate. Dit was meer as genoeg. Ander kere het ons niks gekry nie. My pa het gesê daar was nie geld nie. Hyt

wel drank gehad – vir die hele naweek. Ek onthou die leë yskas. ‘n Verlore tamatie, ‘n aartappel of twee wat al verander het in ‘n tipe plant, en wyn –

daar was altyd wyn. Soms brannewyn. Ek moes soms vir my en my sussie kos gemaak het – wanneer my pa nie in staat was nie of by sy vriende gaan

kuier het. Ek sou brood in bolletjies rol en dit in die mikrogolf warm maak. En ‘n paar stukkies macaroni in ‘n bakkie gooi met kookwater oor. Dit was

soos konings-kos. Die kinderhuis het op ‘n later stadium kospakkies begin saamstuur wanneer ons naweke daar gaan kuier het.

Die lekkerste was wanneer mense ons kom haal het by die kinderhuis om op uitstappies te gaan. Of wanneer hulle vir ons kom braai het. Ook die

opwinding van Kersgeskenke. Mense kon ‘n kaartjie van ‘n boom gaan afhaal by ‘n winkelsentrum en dan vir diè spesifieke kind ‘n geskenkie koop. Met

skitterende ogies het ons daai een geskenkie oopgemaak – dit was èèn geskenk, maar meer as goud werd. Ek onthou die kere wat ons elkeen ‘n

skoenboks vol soetgoed gekry het – praat van ‘n sugar rush!

Ons sou goed ontvang van winkels wat verby die BB-date is, soos yogurt, milkshakes, vrugte of broodjies. Ons kon nie dit met die kinders by die skool

deel nie, want hulle eet nie “ou” goed nie. Ons kon nie die “dorps-kinders” so mooi verstaan nie – dis nie oud nie, dis nuut – ons het dit dan net gister

gekry. Ons sou deel – hulle nie.

Vandag is ek groot, getroud en gelukkig. As klein dogtertjies het almal gedroom oor wat hulle wil word wanneer hulle groot is, hoe ryk hulle gaan wees,

en waar hulle gaan bly. Ek het gedroom oor ‘n heel gesin – om nooit soos my ouers te wees nie, en om alles te wees wat hulle nooit was nie. Baie dae

verlang ek terug…ek verlang na my kinderhuis dae. Ja, daar was slegte tye, maar daar was meer goeie tye. Ons was een groot familie. Die kinderhuis

het my soveel waardes geleer wat diep in my hart gebêre was oor al die jare. Oor die jare moes ek leer om te vergewe – my ouers was darem nie net

sleg nie en ek glo diep in hulle hart was daar wel liefde vir hul meisiekinders.

Snaaks hoe sekere dinge mens net by bly. Soos ek is steeds nie mal daaroor om tè rustig te wees op ‘n Sondag middag nie, want dit laat my

terugdink…

Kinderhuis-groete

Foto: Die Burger

Psalm 27:10

Al sou my vader en my moeder my verlaat,

die Here sal my onder Sy sorg neem.

Wat het jy die meeste geniet van die toer? Ons het met bikes gery – dit was lekker! Ons het ook tussen die berge gaan stap en ‘n groot waterval gesien. Die opening seremonie was ook baie mooi. Die man het German gepraat en ek kon hom nie verstaan nie, maar dit was mooi.

Watse tipe kos het julle geëet? Die kos was baie lekker en baie anders as wat ons hier kry. Ons het elke aand sop geëet en ice cream. Hulle maak die lekkerste hot chocolate in die hele wêreld!

Hoe was die kompetisie self? Dit was baie moeilik, maar ek het dit baie geniet. Ek het verkoue gekry ‘n tydjie nadat ons daar aangekom het, so dit het dinge bietjie moeiliker gemaak vir die kompetisie.

Hoe verskil daardie land van Suid-Afrika? Dis baie anders daar as hier by ons. Ons is baie agter met alles. - Hulle los bikes buite - Daar stop die karre wanneer jy oor die pad stap - Hulle rob jou nie daar nie. Dis baie veilig - Daar koop jy net ‘n once-off buskaartjie, so jy hoef nie cash op jou te dra nie - Die paaie is baie skoon – daar lê nie een papiertjie rond nie - Hulle het baie groot geboue

Wat het jy geleer op jou toer? Ek het baie mense ontmoet en baie by ander mense geleer. Ek motivate eerder vir hulle as vir myself. Ek het geleer om in myself te glo wanneer ek klim.

Wat het jy vir jou gekoop? Warm sokkies, ‘n onesie, hangertjie met my naam op vir my sussie, ‘n armband met my naam op vir my Ma, ‘n nuwe rugsak, rock climbing skoene, ‘n harness, en ‘n armband + chocolate vir elke meisie in my huis en die huis-tannies.

Hoekoem het jy vir die dogters en Kinderversorgers ook elkeen ‘n geskenkie gekoop? Hulle is die mense wat my nog altyd bygestaan het. Hulle motivate my.

Wat het jou gemotiveer om hierdie sport te begin doen? Ek het elke Saterdag begin deelneem daaraan vir die lekkerte. Ek het toe al hoe meer daarvan begin hou. Ek het nie eers geweet rock climbing is ‘n sport nie.

Wat was vir jou ‘n groot uitdaging? Ek moes kies tussen atletiek en rock climbing. Dit was baie moeilik, want ek was gekies om my SA & WP klere vir atletiek te kon kry, maar kon dit nie bywoon nie. Om die geld in te samel vir die toer, maar daar was baie ooms en tannies en business wat my help het, ek wil net baie dankie vir hulle se.

Hoe gereeld oefen jy? Ek kan net een keer ‘n week oefen agv vervoer. Ek het ook nie al die regte climbing gear om te kan oefen nie. Ek kort bv ‘n climbing rope, ‘n belay device, en hand chalk. Die ander kinders oefen elke, liewe dag. Wens dat ek ook elke dag kon oefen dan sal hulle sukker om my te wen!

Wat is jou planne vorentoe? Ek gaan nog harder werk om volgende jaar weer ons land te kan verteenwoordig. Ek wil klomp plekke sien.

Een van ons dogters het Protea Klere vir “Rock Climbing” verwerf. Hiermee haar indrukke nadat sy aan die Wêreld kampioenskappe in Innsbruck deelgeneem het.

Ons

is t

rots

op

jou, M

oniq

ue

A message from Jessica Johannisen (Social Worker)

Wrestling: Go for gold!

Durbanville children’s Home believe that each child has the right to a happy childhood. We envisage a society where all vulnerable children have access to a safe nurturing

environment, quality education and therapeutic support; that our children are empowered to make a smooth transition from our care to independent living and that

they can one day provide not only for their basic needs, but also make a valuable contribution to the broader community.

The experiences that children have either build self-esteem to a healthy level, or create a negative self-concept. At Durbanville Children’s Home the child and youth care workers and social workers work hard in terms of developing the self-esteem of

children. Children are praised, supported and encouraged to do their best. Harsh criticism is avoided and the staff strives to be good role models for the children.

The children are continually told that they ARE “good enough”. This allows them to feel

capable, effective, and accepted.

Low self-esteem is not uncommon for children who have been placed in a child and youth care centre. This usually occurs as a result of children coming from neglectful or

abusive family backgrounds where they have been provided with minimal support. Feeling “good enough” is vital for the development of a positive self-esteem and

consequently success in the activities that the child partakes in. Children who have a low self-esteem feel unsure of themselves and have difficulty in several areas of life.

We work within a therapeutic environment assisting our children to come to terms with past trauma and helping them to develop into successful, mature individuals.

“Life is not fare. It is like a false start to a race. You get disqualified; you don’t get a second chance.

But the Home has given me a second chance”

(WP athlete - 16 years)

Every child that enters the Durbanville Children’s Home is provided

with access to Therapeutic programs based on their Individual

developmental needs. We deliver a diverse range of sports and

recreation activities that encourage the children and youth to be active;

participate in skills training; make positive life choices and develop their

leadership skills.

We work in collaboration with youth, multi-professional team, donors

and a broad range of community partners to host a wide range of sports

and recreation activities and encourage youth to access these programs

in the children’s home and schools which enables them to lead a

balanced lifestyle.

We started a wrestling program with 22 of our boys, which are in an age

group struggling with discipline, setting boundaries and adhering to

rules. They attend classes twice a week. We can see a marked

improvement in their behavior, discipline and self-esteem. In addition

they have learned how to be part of a team and how to assert

themselves in a positive manner.

A total of 6 of our boys were awarded WP colors and participate in the

South African Championships in October.

They won 2 bronze medals and one gold medal.

"Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up." ~ Rocky Balboa ~

Dis weer daai tyd van die jaar waarna almal uitsien…

Kersfees is om die draai en almal is opgewonde oor geskenkies en om tyd saam met hulle

familie te spandeer. Ons sien uit na ons kersete en al die programme en die wonderlike gevoel en

die vibe by die Kinderhuis. Ek is opgewonde oor als.

Dogter - 16jr oud

Hy is hier by ons. Hy het vir ons gedood. Wat kan ons doen sonder hom. Jesus kan ons help met allas.

Hy is nog hier by ons want hy is in the hemel. Hy sien wat ons op aard maak.

Hy leer vir ons wat reg en verkeerd is. Hy is hier vir ons. Dogter - 11jr oud

Christmas is a very special day. It’s a day to be with your family and those special people in your life. It’s a day to be grateful

for what you have and to bless those who are less fortunate. It’s a day of being happy and giving freely to others but most of all it’s a day of

being thankful to God’s son died on the cross for us, so that we can get a second change.

Boy - 16 yrs old

Op die dag toe Jesus geboor was, toe se hy vir die mense wat reg en verkeerd is. Toe vra hulle is dit regteg Jesus van hy praat met die see. Hy het vise en broode op n stekke gedeel. Hulle het geweet dat dit

Jesus was toe het hulle na hom gehardloop. Hy is lief vir die kinders en as die mense gee

vir ander dan gan God vir hulle gee van Jesus want hy help almal.

Dogter - 12jr oud

Baba Jesus was gebore 25 Desember. Ons vier Kersfees want dit is 'n baie belangrike dag en ons gee om vir anders en moet altyd lief

wees vir anders as jouself. Alle families kom bymekaar om te vier en gaan kerk toe om die geboorte te vier. Kersfees is nie net

van presente uit te deel nie maar om dankie te se vir alles wat jy het.

Dogter, 14jr oud

The slogan of the Durbanville Children’s Home is “All children have wings, we teach them to fly”. It is only through the support of caring individuals and corporates that this promise can be made a reality.”

Durbanville children’s Home has a proud history as a prime care facility and is a Non-profit Organization (NPO 011-891), registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO 93 000 3519) has Level 4 BEE Accreditation and is Audited on an Annual Basis, and thus makes for a good

funding partner.

We want to present the following involvement opportunities to you:

EVENTS PACKAGE

The Durbanville Children’s Home prides itself on hosting upmarket Fundraising events that are an excellent marketing platform and an

opportunity to treat corporate clients and friends. Herewith a request to sponsor R 32 000 towards our urgent needs and

in return we offer you; • A table for 10 guests to our Annual Children’s Home Ball.

• A table for 10 guests to our Rugby Event. • A table for 10 guests to our Ladies breakfast.

• A 4 ball at our Golf Day. • Advert in our brochure, distributed to guests at the above mentioned

events. • 18 A certificate and Maximum point on the BEE scorecard.

For more information, please email jstrauss@durbanvillekinderhuis.org.za

BRIDGING PROGRAM FOR YOUNG ADULTS LEAVING OUR CARE

We are one of the first Children’s Homes in South Africa that is implementing a holistic program to accommodate our children’s

needs after they have left our care. We are inviting you to donate toward this program, enabling us to

teach 57 young adults (grade 10 -12) relevant life and coping skills. Assistance in supporting 9 children financially to study further.

Offering support accommodation for 11 children that have nowhere to go, in or Bridging House. Thereby assisting them to enter into job

training, acquire job experience and find employment.

For more information, please email jstrauss@durbanvillekinderhuis.org.za

SPONSOR A CHILD

The ‘Sponsor a Child Project’ offers a special involvement opportunity. Those able to provide full or partial sponsorship become ‘guardian angels’ for a specific child for the duration of his or her stay

at the Home. We welcome contributions from R100 or more per month, but even a one-off payment is most appreciated.

The ‘guardian angels’ receive newsletters and are given regular feedback on the child’s progress. Understandably, to protect the child’s feelings, personal meetings with the children cannot be

arranged.

For more information, please email marketing@durbanvillekinderhuis.org.za

VOLUNTEERING NEEDS

• Many of our children need extra help with their school studies and, therefore, it is essential that we provide them with much needed

homework volunteers. • We have various group activities such as painting and maintenance work that we have set aside to suit any corporate groups that wish to

become involved. • We have a wonderful charity shop and book sales department on

our premises and both need the assistance of many volunteers.

For more information, please email volunteer@durbanvillekinderhuis.org.za

Bank: Absa Account: Cheque

Name: Durbanville Kinderhuis

Acc nr: 1410 290 983 Branch: 632005

Swift: absazajj (for overseas payments)

Get involved and change the life of a child...