Children’s home is just keeping its head above water
The children’s home is not closing however needs urgent financial support.
For the past 30 years, Ana Pinto le Roux has cared for vulnerable children while being a working mom
with four children of her own.
Over the past 10 years, with the support of her family, Ana has dedicated her heart and soul to the iKhaya da Luz Children’s Home, offering a place of safety and a foster home.
Operated from her Benoni Agricultural Holdings home, the volunteer organisation, solely operated by Ana, has been home for over 100 children aged between two and 19.
It was recently rumoured that the home is facing closure.
The Benoni City Times reached out to Ana to verify the claims.
“iKhaya is not shutting down, however, due to financial constraints I have had to make the decision to close the doors for new intakes,” she said.
“Financially, I have depleted my personal resources. Since I do not receive any funding from the Department of Social Development, I urgently need to secure sustainable and consistent private funding.”
Pinto explained that children in her care are victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment.
“These children come into my care through placement from social welfare,” she explained.
“Some placements are temporary, while in other cases children have been living with me for eight years.
“It breaks my heart that I cannot commit to any new intakes but I have to consider the children already in my care and remain committed to the level of service I want to render.”
She further stated that one of the home’s most pressing needs is employing a qualified full-time caregiver, which would extend on the quality of care and allow Pinto to once again open her doors to those in need.
“The sheer volume of children needing assistance is overwhelming but quality and loving care needs to remain a priority if we want to make a lasting difference in their lives,” she said.
“I am appealing to the community and local business to consider offering us continuous support, which will go a long way in covering the day-to-day running costs of the home.
“I also welcome volunteers to align themselves with our NPO by donating their time and love to our beautiful children.”
For more information or to pledge your support contact Ana Pinto on 082 454 9237 or email ikhayadaluz@perfectlyfree.co.za.
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