New Life Centre a non-profit organisation catering for abused and disadvantaged girl-children has found a new home at President Park in Midrand and requires public involvement to register the premises and to function fully.
The organisation was established in 2005 by Khopotso Nalin who saw a need in assisting girl-children who were subjected to unfavourable living conditions. It all began in Hillbrow as an outreach programme but due to the demand Nalin developed the organisation and secured a shelter in 2009. At the shelter, she housed abused children, orphans, those living in squalor and children who’ve been exposed to prostitution, drugs, alcohol and abuse.
The organisation moved to Lombardy East thereafter, where they encountered financial problems and had to look for another property.
Through the assistance of 702 Radio Talk Radio, the organisation found a house in Midrand to use for a year, at no charge. The property owner also gave them a five-year lease, which requires the organisation to register the premises with the Department of Social Development.
“We need new board members in Midrand and we need to conduct an annual general meeting. We are calling on the community to join hands and be part of this organisation,” said Nalin.
The centre currently caters for 20 girls from all over Johannesburg who are placed in schools. “We place them in schools and assist them in obtaining sponsorships for higher educational institutions. We also have volunteers who come and assist them with schoolwork, artwork and yoga.”
Nalin said initially when they started the organisation, they also assisted unemployed mothers to find means and ways of taking care of their children. However, due to financial constraints, they resorted to only assisting the children.
“We have really found a home in Midrand. When we moved here in June last year, the community came out in numbers to assist us in many ways. When we had break-ins, local security companies assisted us and the Midrand police responds promptly each time we call them.”
She said she wanted to thank local churches who contribute food, community members who play an active role, security companies, the Midrand police, Vodacom and Bidvest for painting the premises and Acorn Foundation for financial assistance.
Those who want to participate or contribute can contact Khopotso Nakin: newlifecentre4girls@yahoo.com
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