The United Ethiopian Catholic Church treated its youth as well as local and vulnerable children in the community to lunch in Wesselton recently.
The event was in collaboration with other organisations caring for the youth and orphaned children in the community.
According to Karen Campbell of the church, they wanted to involve the community in their youth activities.
“As a church, we must lead by example. Today was one of those days where we treated the kids so that they could feel special and important,” said Ms Campbell.
Sbongile Mashella of the Phumelela After Care Centre said at their centre they assist the children with their school work, perform academic activities and give them food before they go home.
Phindile Thela from Children of the Dawn said they not only concentrate on the children’s school work but also challenge them recreationally so as to create a balanced environment for the children.
“At Children of the Dawn, we are proud that some of the children that go through our programmes go on to excel in institutions of higher learning,” said Ms Thela.
The children are also taught the importance of companionship, comradeship and community development.
Members of the community were encouraged to refer any vulnerable children looking for help and those from child-headed homes. The care groups also do home visits to children unable to attend for various reasons.
The centres also gave credit to the Department of Social Development for the financial support which makes it easier to run the centres.
Ms Campbell emphasised that their doors as the church are always open to any child looking for help. (LM)
