A visit from home

At the end of March my Mum and friend Sam came out to visit me and the children here in South Africa. Here’s what mum had to say for her visit:

“Arriving at Thembelihle Home on a short visit I was greeted by a group of shy faced children curious to see the mother and friend of their Volunteer teacher/carer.  Thembelihle is a home of safety with an ever changing family of children who spend almost their whole time within a compound consisting of a small classroom, living accommodation and limited play area, supported by several Mamas, Social Workers and a Director.  We were given a tour of the children’s shared bedrooms and living accommodation before seeing the classroom where they spend most of their day.

The children were wonderful to meet, and seem to adapt and on the surface accept their surroundings and situation. It’s great to see how they support and look after each other on a daily basis. Children, whose backgrounds have been hard and testing in a culture where local village women are still subservient to men.

Before their bedtime at 7.30pm, we joined all the children to listen to their songs and prayers.  A delight to hear as they harmonised with each other and the sound was very uplifting - something they do every night!

We experienced a VERY rare day out at the beach which all the children loved with a Braai, (BBQ), cooked by the bus driver and a day at the school helping the children with their lessons.
The trip gave me a real insight into Maya’s life over the past 7 months.  Being woken at the crack of dawn by children singing, chatting and playing games outside her bedroom door every morning to facing a full day of work planning, teaching and entertaining a group of little people with big demands. A very challenging experience for a young person not much older than some of the children she helps. She is also living in a very uninspiring town that has a long way to go to overcome struggles of crime, poverty, unemployment, AIDS and many other issues.  I can only say I am very proud of her.

Nawwhhhh, thanks Mum! Hope you and Sam both enjoyed your visit! Thank you for coming! :D <3 xxx