The Diana Princess of Wales – Mohau Children’s Care Centre for HIV/Aids infected and affected children on Monday received a face lift.
The event that took place at the centre, in Atteridgeville on Monday in commemoration of Mandela Day was organised by the Pretoria diplomat association (PDA).
Diplomats from the United States Embassy, High Commission of Jamaica, Embassy of Morocco, and High Commission of Botswana were among those who participated in cleaning, reorganising and painting the girls’ bathroom. They also planted new crops of spinach, beetroot and carrot seeds, among others, in the centre’s vegetable garden.
The vegetables are used to make various soups that support the nutrition of the HIV infected children as a means to boost their immune system.
The healthcare organisation cares for 45 abandoned children. Some of the children, who were not away on school holidays with benevolent caregivers or extended family, assisted the diplomats primarily in the vegetable garden.
Unfortunately those affected could not participate in the painting activity for fear of possible lung complications which may arise from inhaling paint fumes.
PDA acting chairperson, Viresh Vallabh said: “For the diplomats it is an important show of our solidarity in this auspicious venture (Mandela Day) with all of South Africa. Madiba has become a world icon and the spirit of this day permeates throughout the world. It also gives one perspective of the needs of the less fortunate and what we who have the means to do something, can contribute to alleviate their plight on the road to sustainability.”
Speaking to Mohau manager Esther Jaca she said that they felt very honoured.
“The PDA came to visit us to show their continued support. We are glad the children will have a beautiful bathroom,” she said.
“Considering their health the children will now know they do not have to worry about their hygiene.”
Jaca said the support given to them throughout means the world to them.
On the commemoration of Mandela Day itself she only had praise. “We wish to pass our gratitude to everyone who has helped us over the years on Mandela Day. It shows a lot of love and support from humanity needed by centres such as ours.”
The centre was opened in 1998. In those years it was sponsored by the Diana Princess of Wales’ foundation. Unfortunately it seems the sponsorship had lapsed.
Efforts are currently underway by the PDA to raise more money for the centre as well as the possibility of rekindling the collaboration with the late Princess’ legacy projects.
Also read:
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