Sebata finds joy in feeding the needy
The-65-year-old retired teacher says she is tired of eeing destitute children being unable to accomplish their full potential as a result of hunger
LIMPOPO – Shocky Sebata has ambitions of building home based care centres throughout the province to ensure that homeless and indigent children don’t go to bed without food.
Sebata, a former principal of Melamo Primary School is the founder and owner of Paledi Drop-In Centre. The centre caters for orphans and destitute children in Paledi and surrounding areas.
Sebata firmly believes if there are adequate drop-in centres there will be an ability to fight the scourge of poverty and drug abuse among young people.
“We will be able to put them in one place, give them proper nutrition and help them to rehabilitate. Most of the centres are full and it becomes difficult to assist them but if we have enough centres we will be able to help everyone.”
The-65-year-old retired teacher stressed that she is tired of seeing destitute children being unable to reach their full potential as a result of hunger.
“Hunger can hinder one’s progress. At my former school we had learners collapsing during assembly in the morning and in classes due to hunger. Some could not even attend classes. It was a painful experience which was heartbreaking to see. I was the principal of the school at that time so I called on all the teachers to find solutions. We adopted children who were from destitute families. We provided meals for them and bought school uniforms for them.”
She stressed that the plight of the homeless children prompted her to start Paledi Drop-In Centre in 2013. The center currently caters for 95 children and boasts a library, recreational facility and a vegetable garden.
Sebata says there is nothing so fulfilling than seeing children smiling from ear to ear after a nutritious meal. “We prepare meals for them everyday. They come here after school to enjoy those meals. We also help them with school work and recreational activities. I find joy and happiness in these task. I could be resting at home and enjoying my retirement but I love being at the centre, helping these children.”
She said her wish is to see all the children at the centre achieve their goals and dreams. “I want them to be the leaders and captains of industries. I want them to succeed in life and become better individuals in their various communities.”
