From orphan to leader
'I know what it's like to have no one and nothing, but it doesn’t have to be that way'
Maria Peterson, 30, had a tough childhood as an orphan, but now she is setting an example.
“I was an angry child and was heading down the wrong path quickly. I was seduced by the lifestyle thugs and drug dealers were offering, not knowing that there was a better way to life. In 2002 I found Carryou – or rather the ministry found me,” Maria explained.
Carryou Ministry is an organisation that caters for orphans and vulnerable children in Randfontein and surrounding areas. Carryou has been changing lives for more than 10 years and even has touched hearts as far as the United States from where they receive support and donations.
Through the care, food, clothes and support Maria received from Carryou, she has been able to turn around her life, finally finding her calling in the world. Maria worked her way up in the organisation and today she is the coordinator for the Klein Elandsvlei branch on Plot 12.
The centre has a crèche where they cater for children aged between three and six. The crèche provides residents in the area with affordable day care facilities and the children are taught the basics while getting a hot meal.
The Carryou staff members are all volunteers who teach, cook and care for the children. The centre is clean and neat although they don’t have electricity or running water.
“The Randfontein Municipality has donated a big Zozo water tank to the facility, which they refill for us when it runs out,” Maria said.
There is also a busy kitchen on the premises that cooks and feeds hundreds of children every day. Carryou is a safe haven for children from Mamblomomg Primary, Sitholela Primary and Ithuteng High School. The children go to Carryou after school and there they receive a meal help with their homework. There are even washing facilities where their school clothes are washed.
“We want to better the lives of these children and I want to motivate them to have ambition in life. Being an orphan or having no one shouldn’t be the end of your life or dreams; it should be motivation to be the best you can be. I know what it is like to think that you have no one and nothing, but it doesn’t have to be that way. We are here, we care for you and we can help you when you want to give up,” Maria explained.
Carryou needs continuous support from the community and anyone interested in helping out or donating can contact Brenda Naholo, Carryou Ministry Project Manager on 071 677 2739.
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