Oasis Haven, a children’s home in Robin Hills, does everything in their power to make children feel like they are a part of a family.
Ivan Achiume, development manager at Oasis said that the home opened in 2002 and has two homes – a girls’ home and a boys’ home. “We take in children from birth until 18 years. The children are brought to us by the police if they are abandoned or they come with a social worker,” said Achiume. He explained that the haven does everything in their power to get these children into a good adoptive family as they can’t stay at Oasis Haven beyond the age of 18.
Achiume said that the home receives funds quarterly from the government and has 20 businesses that support them financially. “We also have about 192 individual sponsors that support us with anything from R50 to R10 000,” said Achiume. He explained that Oasis Haven tries to be creative with fundraising events which fit into people’s lifestyle. The money they receive is used to get children off the street and make them part of society. “Our children go to five different schools that accommodate their needs,” he explained.
Achiume said that people could also donate their time if they cannot donate money. “We have a volunteer programme. People with special skills can come and teach our children. They can tutor them or teach sports,” said Achiume. He explained that they have no signs outside the home, because the haven does not want the children to feel different. “We place the emphasis on family. Our children have a very close relationship with their housemothers,” said Achiume.
To make members of the public aware of what they do at Oasis Haven, they will be hosting an open day on 19 February.
Details: Oasis Haven, 011 678 8057.
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