The First Bekkersdal Girl Guides took it upon themselves to visit a few neighbouring homes in need recently.
Eight pairs of helping hands took over the streets of Bekkersdal during the morning of Saturday, 10 September.
“It helps keep them off the streets and to experience the best of both worlds. When I was younger I used to be a Guide Girl myself. It significantly reduces the chances of teenage pregnancies as well as drug abuse,” said Yvonne Ngqwebo,a Girl Guides volunteer.
Their aim for the day was to plant fruit trees and give away hampers consisting mostly of fruit to those who need it most.
Their first visit was to Xolile Babala, 23, who resides in a neighbouring informal settlement. Xolile has lived alone in his make-shift home for six years after both his parents left unexpectedly to reside in another province.
Since then, Xolile has had to rely on his vegetable garden and scarce piece jobs for survival. He was grateful to receive the fruit hamper and tree.
A visit was also paid to an orphaned 15-year-old girl and her 10-year-old brother, who were taken into their uncle’s care after their parents passed away, one in 2013 and the other earlier this year.
Ishmael Mogodi, uncle of the orphaned children said they are excited about their new tree and can’t wait for it to grow.
“These activities contribute positively to the growth of these girls. We are really focused on bringing guiding back into townships,” Yvonne said.
According to her, the day was a success and contributed hugely to the theme of Heritage Month. She would also like to thank AfriGrow and the Federation for a Sustainable Environment (FSE) for their donations.
Through the course of the day these girls learned and experienced things that can never be taken away from them – the power of giving generously.
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