A Children’s Home, is a place of safety, a place of family
Curled up in a ball, an 11-year-old girl sobs her heart out. Hunger pangs gnawing away at her stomach, the bruises of her most recent beating a shocking purple.
While some children endure their life of abuse in silence, there is a place of safety for those who have escaped the shackles of misery. A place which they can call home, where fear and hunger have no place.
Morester Children’s Home is a place of refuge for children who have been removed from their homes for a variety of reasons. These includes abuse and poverty, where their families simply cannot afford the upkeep of a child. It is also a home for orphans who have no family.
“I have lived at Morester Children’s Home for the past 13 years,” says 19-year-old Nkosinathi*. His past a distant memory, as he embraces his family at the home.
“I really enjoy the company of the other children and the aunties who look after us. We share a lot of good times, study together and spend as much time as possible with each other.”
Mary*, a 14-year-old girl, says she has called Morester Children’s Home her home for the past three years. “I enjoy the adventures we have when we go out together for activities and the time spent here.”
Growing up in a children’s home, Mary says the children are often treated differently from their peers. “We are treated differently in a lot of ways. Sometimes in a negative way and at other times in a more positive way.”
Her and Nkosinathi believe it is because people often viewed children’s homes in a somewhat negative light. However, despite growing up in a children’s home, Mary and Nkosinathi believe Morester Children’s Home has saved their lives.
“Since coming here, the home has helped me with my education and studies. The home has also taught us the importance of looking after and helping each other,” he emphasised.
Mary says she appreciates the efforts the home has made to ensure her well-being. “They took me out of negative environment and put me in a positive place.”
Through their time spent at the home, the two children believe Morester Children’s Home plays an instrumental role in the community.
“For me, Morester Children’s Home is important because it helps children in need. In fact, it gives more worth to the community than what people expect. The staff treat us like their own children and take us to the place where we want to be one day,” Nkosinathi explains.
Mary says for her, when the world seems bleak and dark, the home offers a glimmer of light. “Morester is important for me, because whenever everything seems to be going wrong, they are always there to help us. They support and encourage us every step of the way.”
What challenges do children living at a home experience?
“My biggest challenge is that I am a sporty person. At one stage I focused to much on my sports activities and not enough on my academics. But, I realised that sport will not take me anywhere unless I take my education seriously,” Nkosinathi says.
Mary says her lack of confidence is the biggest obstacle she faces in her life. “While I take part in cultural activities such as the choir, I lack self-confidence and find it hard to believe in myself.”
With both children attending Amajuba High School, they dream of finishing their school careers and playing a positive role in the community.
“If I can share a message with the community, it would be to never underestimate Morester Children’s Home. Just because we live here, it does not mean that we cannot achieve anything,” Mary emphasised.
Nkosinathi concurs with Mary. “People must also remember that children’s home is not just for orphans. We are never going to give up on our dreams, as there is always hope in God,” Nkosinathi concluded.
With their sights set on a bright tomorrow, Morester Children’s Home is currently planning to change its name and branding. “We are planning to change the name, the logo and branding for the home as there is more than one Morester Children’s Home and we want to ensure there is no confusion,” explains Grè Erasmus, manager at Morester Children’s Home.
As the home prepares for its new name, its mission remains the same. A mission dedicated to ensuring the welfare of the children in its care.
To be involved with these amazing people and wonderful home, be sure to contact Morester Children’s Home, contact 034 312 3473.
