The shining face of gratitude
Pupils at Ashton International College in Ballito spent their free time the past term knitting the most beautiful dolls and Teddy bears to bless children.
I have never known real hunger.
Looking into the elated faces of the orphaned and vulnerable children and the old gogos and granpas at Rose Zwane’s home in Lindelane, outside Stanger, it was heart wrenching to realise that not one of them could say the same. But thanks to the compassion of one woman, and the support of many others, both hunger and cold are now kept at bay.
Rose first started taking orphans into her home in Shakaville when her shack was next to a rubbish dump. She could not bear to watch children scavenge for food through the rotting filth.
With the help of Destiny Life church in Stanger, that little shack is now a memory. The thriving safe haven in Lindelani continues to be a work in progress which 17 children (not her own) call home, and where many other children come daily for food and kindness, none are turned away. As word spread that Rose’s home was a safe place, elderly people no longer able to care for themselves and with no-one to look after them, also made their way to her door.
“Sometimes when a child’s mother is too sick to look after her child, she brings her child to me,” said Rose.
In addition to her 17 charges, about 30 children come to her door for a meal every day.
“This is often the only food they will receive each day.”
Rose’s modest home has received ongoing upgrades thanks to the assistance of local churches. The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund too has been providing support for the past 10 years, but still every day is a struggle for survival.
We (The Orphan Fund) were there to deliver a special treat for Easter. Pupils at Ashton International College in Ballito had spent their free time over the past term knitting the most beautiful dolls and Teddy bears to bless children less fortunate than themselves. One pupil, Ruvashni Pillay, knitted an incredible number of Teddies on her own.
These children have scant possessions, their clothes are threadbare, and they certainly did not have toys they could call their own.
It was a joyful celebration. Little faces and fingers were quickly sticky with the chocolate Easter eggs that had been sent along with the toys. The children sang a song of thanks to God, the two mentally challenged kids clapping enthusiastically along from their wheelchairs.
While we were there, Rose mentioned how her geyser was leaking badly, making washing the entire family’s clothes and all the little bodies extremely challenging.
I phoned Barry Chapman from Plumbing KZN and he did not hesitate to offer his services. What a relief to know that our community is filled with compassionate individuals ready to dive in at a moments notice.
“Thank you for your ongoing support,” said Rose, her smile broad.
The home is regularly in need of clothes, food and school stationery, and also requests help setting up a vegetable garden and a chicken enclosure.
Contact Brenda Hill on 071 673 6728.
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