By Palesa Ndinisa
Kids Haven, a nonprofit organisation based in Benoni providing care, protection and support to vulnerable children and youth experiencing hardships around Ekurhuleni hosted a Family on the 4th of October.
Kids Haven was founded in 1992 by Moira Simpson, who was a social worker by profession and a mother at heart. During apartheid, Simpson housed and took care of black children living on the street as they were killed by police. Simpson fought and protected children, which later resulted in Kids Haven being a registered organisation. Currently, the organisation’s CEO is Sam Makgopha and the organisation provides residential housing and care for over 150 children who are placed by the court. The children living at Kids Haven were removed from their homes for various reasons, including abuse, neglect, prolonged trauma and unsafe conditions. Kids Haven provides a safe, supportive, nurturing environment for helpless children. The organisation also provides them for reintegration into their families and communities. The significance of Family Day is specifically intended to strengthen the bonds between the children, their families, and their hosts.
Speaking to Social Worker and Manager In-House Manager at Kids Haven, Annie Maboea, “Mama” as the children call her, explained the joys of being a pillar to the children. “We’re fortunate that we have six (6) houses now in McKenzie Park. That’s where our girls stay as well our boys under the age of thirteen (13) years. With the help of South African Department of Social Development (DSD) and other sponsors, we have achieved so much success in our organisation. We have three pillars, namely pre care; where there’s a team that goes out and offers parenting programs, family preservation and support to parents. We’ve realised that sometimes there isn’t any parental relationship between parents and children, hence some children are on the streets. Our team teaches parents the difference between discipline and punishment. We have a pillar called teen hub, where tutors that help children with homework and anything school related. Lastly, we have in-care department where there are social workers, therapists. We have children who were left by their family members from other countries as well and they live with us full time,” attested Maboea.
Maboea furthermore explained that the approach they use towards the children is curiosity, alluding that they separate the child from a behaviour, “we accept children as they are, however, we do acknowledge that there’s everything wrong with a behaviour that is not correct,” added the social worker. The fundamental intent of Family Day, which was organised by social workers was to encourage children to see their elder families in a different light, where they are free and are able to play games. In that way, friendships and trust between the two can be formed as the aim is to unite them with their families again. Kids Haven designed programs for children who have behavioural problems where there’s counselling and therapeutic interventions for them. Rape and trauma cases are equally prioritised.
Anna Kenna, a 20-year-old who stays at Kids Haven expressed her love for the organisation. “I came here a while back with my siblings and I must say that I enjoy being here. I’m treated well and I attend school. Living here made things easier for me and I would t have it any other way. We have social workers who we take as our own mothers,” happily expressed Kenna.
Despite the law stating that children above the age of eighteen (18) are not minors and regarded as adults, Kids Haven supports these adults by supporting them and helping them find jobs or pursue their education. “We have our own attending universities and they come here during holidays or recess. If they can’t go back to their families, we understand and keep them as our own until they are ready to survive on their own,” concluded Maboea.
Anyone interested in donating blankets, furniture, clothing items, study material and supplies can WhatsApp 071 860 0505 or call 011 706 7959. For assistance with volunteering, email volunteers@kidshaven.co.za. For donations and sponsorship, email Connie Biyela at connie@kidshaven.co.za.
