She is doing it for the kids
Tsakane - Matshidiso Silinda (44) takes care of 91 children, between the ages of two and 16, every day after school.
The mother of three started the “We Can Do It!” community project out of her own home to get her neighbours’ children off the streets.
“From Monday to Thursday, I help the kids with their homework and on Saturdays we do life skills and sports.
“We are very busy,” says Silinda.
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She went on to explain that the garage she uses as a classroom can no longer house all 91 children comfortably.
“I wish we had a bigger space, or that we could find a way to extend the garage. The kids kneel on the floor and use the chairs as desks.”
Refilwe Mabena (13) says that teacher, as they affectionately refer to Silinda, gives them a safe place away from exposure to nyaope and other drugs.
“When we play on the road we can easily get hit by a car and we can damage other people’s property as well, such as windows. Teenage pregnancy becomes a real possibility if we just walk the streets,” says Zinhle Dube (15), another one of the children in her care.
The children, together with teacher, also created soccer and netball fields, in the open area behind the house. The goal posts were donated by another organisation.
• Also read: Learners taught life skills out of the classroom
Silinda went on to explain that although she has so many children to look after, she hopes that more children will come and join them.
“Anyone who can assist us, please do so. We usually have sandwiches on Saturdays, because we have someone who donates bread. But I wish we could have more for the kids.”
