Mother Vanessa’s calling is to nurture children

WHEN teacher and mother, Vanessa Theophilus, took on the role of director of the Ethelbert Child and Youth Care Centre, her days of ‘working’ came to an end as she began her passion-driven journey of nurturing.

This phenomenal woman is married to Terrence, has two children of her own, but is a mother to the 65 Ethelbert children.

Her son is an engineer and daughter is a third year medical student. She has a 22-year relationship with the care centre as she served on the managing board while she was a teacher.

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Ethelbert is a residential place of safety that cares for 65 children who have been removed from their parents because of sexual and/or physical abuse, severe neglect, abandonment, and those orphaned because their parents died of HIV/Aids. The home has been caring for and loving children since 1907.

Vanessa was a social worker for seven years before moving to New Zealand for three years and returned to Durban and joined the Queensburgh Girls’ High School staff in 2006.

“Once my children were grown up, I decided to go back to my passion of helping children in need. This job requires 100 per cent of your time which is why I opted to be a teacher so I could focus more on my children’s up bringing,” she said.

Her calling

“My role at the home is to keep a motivated staff. I manage a team that cares for these children and I find it is important to remind them that they could be the only role model these kids will have in their whole lives,” she added.

Vanessa’s biggest goal is to see the children in her facility experience a normal childhood like any child that is blessed to have both parents at home.

She wants to see them become successful adults.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” that is what she said keeps the Ethelbert team together and motivated.

Her family helps by being role models to the children.

As a committed Christian, Vanessa draws her strength from God as she believes what she does is a calling from God.

“My husband is very involved, he is always at events and is hands-on to creatie a secure environment for the children, like any dad would,” she said.

When asked what makes a great leader she said, “I believe that everyone has a good side, I focus a lot on motivating the team and acknowledge people for their good work,”

Vanessa said creating boundaries for the children builds trust and growth in the home.

When she is not at home caring for her 65 children she enjoys going to church, visiting friends and family and eating great food.

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