The 70 orphans housed at the Takalani Children's Home in Siloam were overcome with joy when a group of young business owners from around the Nzhelele area visited the home on 20 February and donated school uniforms to the children.
These young entrepreneurs assist with food, clothes, and study material on a regular basis when the home is needs assistance.
The representative of the donors, Mr Tshume Tshindane, said that children needed to be nurtured for them to become responsible future leaders. He said that the uniform donation marked the long journey of community development through fruitful partnerships. "The importance of education does not need a guest speaker to emphasize it; it is a given," he said. "Education brings light, joy and wealth. The future is there. Yours is to make the right choices."
Tshindane said they felt indebted to the schools and thought of ploughing back to the orphans to help shape their lives. "We know of the conditions here in the Takalani Children's Home, as we experienced this personally. Poverty is at its worst in these areas, and we felt we should do something for our young brothers and sisters at this centre, which made us what we are today."
He encouraged all pupils to study hard and be responsible members of the community who would, in turn, help other disadvantaged children. "We would like to see these children climbing the ladder of success in the future. With all the motivation we are giving them, nothing is impossible," he added.
Ms Pfuluwani Ramalala at Takalani's Child Health Care could not hide her excitement. She said that they sincerely appreciated these Good Samaritans' efforts and love. "We are very grateful for what the young businesspeople around the area have done today," she said. She told the children to count themselves lucky to be receiving the uniforms, as many orphans had to attend school in old and tattered uniforms.
She added that they always prayed for miracles to happen. "What you have done for our children is a big relief to us and our children. You eased a big burden for us. May God richly bless you, so that you continue to help us and our children," she said.