Huis Charis house mother plans to retire when she is old and grey

After the death of her husband over four years ago, house mother Nicolene Reichel found comfort in looking after the children of Huis Charis.

Reichel, who lived in the North West most of her life, needed a change and was informed by her daughter of the house mother vacancy in Benoni.

“I knew this job was meant for me because a few minutes after I had left, I received a call asking me when I was able to start.”

Huis Charis in Northmead houses nine orphans from the age of six to 14.

As a mother of four children, she added that she was also one of four children and loves having a big family.

“I raise these children as I did my own and I am so proud to see how much they have grown and excelled academically.

“Being around nine different children means I have to get into the mindset of a six-year-old at times and be able to change it to that of a 13-year-old later, as this allows them to open up to me easily.”

House mothers receive training often on how to deal with the children’s emotions, behaviour, and various other subjects needed to raise children.

Reichel has been a house mother for four years and emphasized that she will only retire once she is old and unable to look after the children.

“These children have taught me a lot, especially when it comes to emotional intelligence. We laugh a lot and that is what makes the experience worth it,” she concluded.

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