This month we worked at the Talhado Children’s Haven and Pre-Primary School in Cape St. Francis, South Africa. We assisted the teachers doing whatever they needed; teaching lessons, leading prayer, and teaching VBS songs to the children. My teammate, Ashley, and I were in the youngest classroom with four and five year olds. We were there every day from 8 am to noon. We fell in love with these precious kids. They were so sweet and easy to love. We also helped out with their preschool graduation and Christmas party with children from the neighborhood.
In the afternoons, we helped out with the organization, Volunteer in South Africa. Kids from the community came by to eat lunch at the children’s haven every day and afterwards we would lead soccer ministry for the boys. This included separating the boys into different age groups and dividing them into smaller groups. We would start off in prayer. We did drills with the kids and different activities to increase their soccer skills. They would usually scrimmage and we would end with a lesson from the Bible. We also had net ball a few afternoons for the girls in the community. The sports programs in this area are meant to give the children in the area a healthy outlet to turn to instead of drugs or gangs. The programs also help promote self-esteem, perseverance, opportunities for children and teens to learn about Jesus, build relationships with volunteers who love them, and exercise.
"…but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" -Romans 5:3-5
More About the Talhado Children’s Haven:
"Rather build the child than repair the adult"
Talhado Children’s Haven was started to address the needs of disadvantaged children in the area of St Francis Bay. Pre-primary education and a safe place to play, under adult care, were needed. Talhado Children’s Haven now provides both for over 400 children, many of whom are victims of HIV/Aids, molestation, neglect and substance abuse. A cooked meal of meat, vegetables, beans or rice, sandwiches and fruit is provided; for many of these children, this is the only meal for the day. 100 children attend the pre-primary school with four teachers, two assistance teachers, one cook and one cleaner as well as numerous volunteers for the After-Care Centre. The salaries of these teachers are subsidised by Talhado Fishing Enterprises, a local Calamari fishing company, who have also provided much of the infrastructure for the Haven. Over 300 children enjoy the “Speel Kliniek” in the afternoons, where we are trying to provide access to toys, sports, arts and crafts, and life skills. The school also boasts 12 computers for the children to play and learn on under supervision. The computers are tremendously popular with children of all ages and have become the most sought after attraction for the children. The after school Care Centre is run by volunteers from the community. All the fundraising for the Haven is done on a voluntary basis. There are a growing number of children affected and infected by the Aids pandemic and dire poverty. There is the subsequent increase in child and substance abuse. The situation is critical. The Haven receives no subsidy and relies on donations to keep its doors open to these children.
Talhadochildrenshaven.org
