Newcastle’s beloved Morester Children’s Home closes

Morester Children’s Home, once a sanctuary of hope for children escaping lives of turmoil, has sadly closed its doors. Children who had been torn from difficult circumstances found refuge here, formed close bonds, attended school in Newcastle, and slowly began to heal. But now, this home has ceased to exist, leaving a deep void within the community.

Many Newcastle residents were unaware that the home had officially shut down in March 2024.

For years, Morester Children’s Home had cared for hundreds of children, providing them with a haven from abusive, neglectful, or unsafe environments. Here, staff worked tirelessly to nurture and help the children overcome the difficult hand life had dealt them. Yet, despite the incredible work done, the home could no longer continue its operations.

Sipho Ndimande from the CMD explained the reason for the closure: “Morester Children’s Home in Newcastle was shut down because it was no longer financially sustainable.”

The home’s financial struggles had reached a critical point. It struggled to pay staff salaries, maintain the premises, or provide the essential care these children required. With no financial support to rely on, the home had no choice but to close, leaving behind the question: what has happened to the children who depended on Morester for their safety and stability?

Ndimande reassured that “Facilities across the province were contacted by the Department of Social Development well in advance, and steps were taken to ensure the children were placed where space was available. Also, some of the children were reunited with their families, while some went into foster care.”

Furthermore, over 30 children were relocated to new homes or facilities. Still, the process has undoubtedly left a heavy impact on the town, which now faces even greater challenges in providing care for vulnerable children.

Farieda Mia from Child Welfare Newcastle shed light on the strain that the closure has placed on other facilities in the area. She explained, “With Morester Children’s Home, St Anthony’s and Home Meah, we always had options for placing children. But now, with it closing down, it has put an extra burden on St Anthony’s Child and Youth Care Facility, and it is now difficult to place a child, as social workers now have to look outside of town for facilities.”

Mia also stressed the urgent need for community members to step forward and help by becoming temporary caregivers. She explained that volunteers would be assisting Child Welfare and the Department of Social Development in providing short-term care for children who must be removed from their homes.

Interested individuals would undergo screening by social workers and the police to ensure they have no criminal record and are not registered on the Sex Offenders Register. By opening their homes for even just a night or a few weeks, volunteers could make a major difference in these children’s lives during their time of need.

Offering a child safety and care for even a short period can provide a world of comfort in an otherwise unstable and challenging situation. Every small act of kindness makes a lasting impact on these children, giving them the hope and care they deserve.

What are your thoughts on the closure of Morester Children’s Home and the current challenges facing Newcastle’s children? Share your views in the comment section below.