Local children’s home to celebrate 14 years

The El-Shammah Home Child and Youth Care Centre has been an invaluable haven for vulnerable children for 14 years, with a celebration to mark this milestone taking place on May 13.

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The Primrose based organisation was founded by Bertah and Frikkie Spices before handing over the ropes to couple Allistair and Merencia Scholtz in 2016.

Before taking charge, the couple joined the organisation in 2014, serving on the board.

According to the couple, the centre caters for abused, neglected and abandoned children.

“By abuse, we don’t necessarily mean physical or sexual abuse only, but also includes the violation of the children’s rights,” said Allistair.

They cater for newborns up to two years old, providing the following services: neuro-development therapy, parent/caregiver infant bonding, physiotherapy and play therapy, as well as occupational, speech and hydration therapy.

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“Centres such as ours are crucial in the community as they provide a place of safety for vulnerable children.

“We look after them as if they are our own with the help of the community as a non-funded organisation.

“We help to fully develop and make sure no child goes to bed hungry,” said the couple.

Children from across Gauteng are welcomed by the organisation.

When they took over the centre they had to raise funds to purchase the property and didn’t have a car which was required to run the centre.

With help from various stakeholders, they were able to secure the property and managed to obtain transportation.

They have since taken in two baby girls from the centre, as they were unable to have children of their own.

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“We have always been involved with charity but wanted to do more.

“We grew up in a community where giving was always there. Charity has always been a part of us,” they said.

As they are not funded by the Department of Social Development they rely heavily on corporates.

In 2020 they lost nine sponsors due to Covid-19.

Their wishful list for Mandela Day includes nappies, lactogen (baby formula), vegetables and fruits, purity, porridge, baby clothes and house detergents.

They thanked the community for its continued support over the years.

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For enquiries, they are reachable at 061 242 2709 or 074 942 1297 alternatively email

merencia@elshammahbabyhome.

The celebration will be held at the Baby Steps Educare in Bedfordview.