DESPITE the devastating fire that destroyed an entire cottage at St Monica’s Children Home on Friday, 26 February, director, Althea Daniels and her staff are trying to manage the emotional turmoil the girls have been left with, in the wake of the fire.
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The main concern for Daniels is the trauma that the young girls aged between five and 19 years have endured due to the fire. “These girls have been living in the same cottage for years and have developed a close-knit family unit that has now been broken up by this fire. They have already suffered loss and tragedy in their lives and this incident has further reinforced their sense of loss and fear in them. There is a need for therapy. We have spoken to some of the girls who have indicated they’re ‘ok’ but are worried about all that has been lost. So much significance and value has been put on their belongings, so it was difficult to lose it all,” said Daniels.
Not only were the 15 girls affected but others are showing signs of post-traumatic stress. “We try to normalise the situation by offering constant support and monitoring of the children. The main priority was replacing school supplies which were destroyed in the blaze,” she added. Luckily, the home received a donation of books, bags and uniforms from the congregation of Bluff Durban Christian Centre (DCC), Stationery was also donated by a number of people. “We also ensured whatever clothing we had amassed was quickly distributed to the girls,” said Daniels.
Not only were the 15 girls affected but others are showing signs of post-traumatic stress.
Although the home has received support, Daniels want to remind the community that St Monica is a non-government organisation which is only partly subsidised. “We need the community to recognise that the children are housed in a facility that equips them with skills and are looked after by a well-oiled contingent of staff. Take responsibility by supporting us and help us keep our doors open. Its a crying shame that we have corporates on our doorstep who do not extend a helping hand and we ask them to inject their time and invest in the home,” she said.
Items still needed for the girls include:
- Toiletries such as roll-ons, sanitary towels, lotions and deodorants
- Six trolley cabinets
- Hair brushes and combs
- 4m x 3m rugs
- Clothing ( ages 3 to 17 years)
- Cushions
St Monica encourages the community to sponsor weekend meals for the children and staff of the home.
Any fundraising or advertising done without the permission of Althea Daniels is not allowed. Anyone who wants to donate or sponsor can call her on 084-447-7045.
