TREASURE BEACH’S Transhaven Seaside Home recently hosted 36 underprivileged primary school learners from Johannesburg for a 10-day first time seaside experience.
The unique initiative sees young children from various primary schools in Johannesburg, affiliated with the Transhaven Seaside Fund, come down to the Bluff for a beach holiday away from their disadvantaged circumstances back at home. The learners get to stay at the beautiful, child-friendly Transhaven Home with dorms, a dining hall, an entertainment room and playground outside, all in full-view of majestic Treasure Beach. As part of the holiday programme, the learners also get to go to the nearby beaches regularly as well as an exciting visit to Ushaka Marine World.
Established in 1932, Transhaven Seaside Fund is a non-governmental organisation that has been dedicated to affording indigent children an educational excursion to the Transhaven Home. “We have been running for a long time and have had generations upon generations come down to this facility. Our funds mainly come from donors who are able to help us. However, we are currently feeling the financial pinch and it is getting worse as time goes by and the children who come down don’t have the means to pay for the trip themselves. To augment our funds we have a donation card campaign and also open up the home to organisations and other schools to use over the holidays or during periods when we don’t have children. But despite the odds we face it, really is the most beautiful place and an amazing experience for the children especially as they have never seen the sea. The loud screams as they get into the water and surprised looks on their faces when they realise how salty the water is, is absolutely priceless,” said Transhaven Home matron Ingrid Hare.
Ingrid who has been working at the home for 17 years, together with five other staff members who she describes as the ‘glue of Transhaven’, said that the facility has run smoothly year after year because of their dedication to maintaining the home as well as their commitment to the safety of the children. “We get up each morning knowing the fulfilment that comes with making a difference in a child’s life, by giving them a positive distraction from their daily hardships. Seeing a face filled with sadness instantly change into one filled with joy as the waves wash up upon their little feet, is such a rewarding experience for us and one that will forever be etched in their minds too,” said a cheerful Ingrid.
To sponsor or assist Transhaven Seaside Fund call 031-468-8478.
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