The children at Juno Aurora Haven in Kelvin have been playing ever so happily since the installation of their brand new playground set on 6 February.
Non-profit organisation Round Table Boksburg 17 partnered with Round Table Gauteng Area to get this project going.
Project convener, Jean-Claude Duarte, explained that the project was aimed at making children’s lives a little happier.
ALSO READ: Kids Haven reaches out to children on the streets
“You know every year as an organisation, we throw a Christmas party for about 500 to 700 children. As wonderful as it was, I found that we were only giving gratification for that day and that’s how the Playground Project was born.”
He said especially during these times, children needed a place where they could just let go. Excited and ready, Duarte added that the day was a huge success installing three playground sets in three different areas.
ALSO READ: Kids Haven thank you for your support
“The playground is a place children can be free and just be filled with pure joy. After some research, I found that there were a lot of projects already being done like this in Europe. And then I came across a thoughtful quote stating that play is not just about fun but important for a child’s emotional, physical, social and intellectual development.”
The organisation started raising funds for the project in September last year. With hopes to expand it, Duarte mentioned that the community could still get involved and help out.
ALSO READ: Give hope to children at Kids Haven this festive season
“With the success of the launch, it would be a project that we would like to move forward in the Gauteng area. I would really love to continue this because it’s giving something to kids that will last and help them for years to come.”
Duarte added that giving back and doing good motivated him to do even better in everything else he did.
“We are all struggling through these times, but seeing that smile on a child’s face makes it all worth it.”
For more information or to get involved email jeanclaudeduarte@gmail.com and kevin.gilmartin@draglobal.com
ALSO READ: Hospital staff thanked
