Orphanage Centre brings hope
The children are all very proud of their centre, and this boosts their self confidence - Patricia Marite
Patricia Marite, 64, project manager at St John the Divine Orphans and Outreach Centre proudly told the Herald about the journey they took to become a successful Community Home Based Care Centre (CHBC).
This non-profit organisation started in 2002 at the St John the Divine Anglican Church, where it was Pam Jamison’s brainchild.
It first started off as Carryou Ministries,where they eventually had to divide the two ministries due to growing numbers and became St John the Divine Orphans and Outreach Centre. Patricia then headed the outreach centre. They sent various proposals to the National Lottery and the third time round, was fortunate to receive funding to finally build the centre.
The building of the centre finished in 2012 and since then the organisation just flourished.
Patricia’s management team consists out of social auxiliary workers, administrators, poverty evaluators, child care workers, just to mention a few. The purpose of the centre is to care for orphans and vulnerable children, who resides with their relatives. The centre currently has 481 children with ages ranging from 5 to 18.
The children attend normal schools in the day and spend their afternoons at the centre where they receive a meal and get assistance with homework. Their are also many activities at the centre like drama, music, soccer and dancing.
These children pays no fees to attend the centre in the afternoon and the Department of Social Development funds food packages that the children can take back to their homes. There is also one-on-one counselling available for the children that gets identified with problems.
The child care workers also do daily rounds at the children’s residents, to ensure that their home life is favourable.
The children are all very proud of their centre and this boosts their self-confidence,” Patricia said.
Patricia, an avid christian, is very passionate about the centre, and believes this is her calling.
“I want to thank the community of Randfontein and Mohlakeng for all the support and assistance through the year. To every person who has ever donated to us, we are very grateful. Patricia also has a new project, where she wishes to present a birthday cake to children each month. She asks if the community can assist by donating R50 to the centre in the month of the community members birthday.”
Anybody who would like to contribute, can contact Patricia on 082 857 1424.
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