Hope, help for Rensburg children
The centre is open for any child who struggles with homework, assignments, reading or maths.
Elmien van Zyl founded the Ruth Drop-in Centre on Zuid Street in Rensburg.
Her journey started about 10 years ago when God put it in her heart that she must change her profession and reach out to children. She started an aftercare for children from her home, helping them with homework and studies.
“I have a passion for helping children in need. It is my Godly calling to touch the lives of people. I grew up in the Rensburg community and knew the needs and challenges of the less fortunate.
“I noticed the increased poverty in the community after the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. Unemployment increased, and people struggled financially and emotionally. That is when I decided to open a drop-in centre,” Elmien said.
The centre, an NPO, was registered in February 2022. Elmien ran things from her home while looking for a suitable property to host the centre.
On January 15, the centre’s doors opened to provide services to children through various programmes, projects and activities to promote their social well-being while getting a plate of food.
“Children can be needy without being poor,” Elmien said.
The centre is open for any child who struggles with homework, assignments, reading or maths.
“The difference at this drop-in centre is that children don’t have to be enrolled permanently. They can drop in,” Elmien explained.
“Many children require the internet for researching assignments, and they don’t have it at home. We are here to help.
“We have a lot of single parents in the community, and most of the kids here are from single households. We understand the stress these families go through to make ends meet, and are here to help.”
The centre has five staff members who care for 30 children. They help the primary school children with homework and make the extra effort to improve their spelling, maths and reading. They guide the older children with study methods and habits, help them with languages, especially Afrikaans, and have a teacher who visits them weekly for extra maths lessons.
The centre plans to offer art, music, sewing and other social skills and hobbies during the school holidays to promote social well-being.
“We are always open. We will never judge, and we welcome every child with love and compassion,” Elmien added.
“The need in the community is rapidly growing. I resigned from my permanent job in 2022 to start the centre. We trust in God as He has always provided.”
The centre has exciting plans for this year. They want to start a vegetable garden where the children can learn sustainability skills in growing their own vegetables.
The centre needs any retired teacher who is willing to volunteer.
For more information, call Elmien on 082 976 4486.
