Selfless Samaritan helps kids in need
Phelang Drop-in Centre in Nobody Ga-Mothapo is a home of safety for children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
LIMPOPO – The centre opened earlier this year and cares for 80 abused, vulnerable, orphaned children, some of who are the heads of their homes, says founder of the centre, Helen Mamabolo.
“We provide meals, educational material, clothes, toiletries and other necessities for the children.”
She says the centre operates from Monday to Friday and allows children up to the age of 10 to seek refuge at the centre. “They spend most of their time here where they engage in activities with each other and help one another with schoolwork,” she explains.
She says it isn’t fair for children whose parents cannot afford to provide for them to miss out on a carefree childhood.
She urges the community to reach out to those in need and assist them wherever they are able to.
“These are our future leaders, they need to be taken care of so that they take care of us in the future,” she said. According to Helen, her goal is to see the children take their education seriously and pass their exams with outstanding marks so they can further their studies after matriculating.
“I have no doubt that there are children with great potential at the centre, I just want them to focus on school and enjoy their youth. They shouldn’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” she told BONUS.
She invites influential people in the community to motivate the children by sharing their stories of struggle and success with the children. Helen is unemployed and says running the centre has not been easy due to financial constraints.
“I depend on donations and handouts from community members but it really is not easy. I just want the best for these kids, I can’t afford to disappoint them because they have found a home with comfort here”.
She is grateful to the volunteers who help in the centre on a regular basis and that their services have made the running of the centre a bit easier. Anyone who would like to assist Mamabolo can e-mail her at samsonmahapa@yahoo.com.
