Dire need for orphan care

THE rights of children in South Africa are enshrined in our Constitution and yet our most vulnerable are orphaned, destitute and at the mercy of a world that is all too eager to turn a blind eye.

SOS Children’s Village National Child and Youth Development Manager Vincent Hlabangana said society simply cannot afford to be armchair citizens who are safely cocooned in the notion that ‘someone else’ will do it.

‘You see a child day after day, month after month, year after year, growing up on a street corner in South Africa,

‘He looks a little bit more forlorn every time you pass, until eventually there is no light shining in his eyes anymore,

‘Who is this child? What is his name? Does it matter if it’s a boy or a girl? Does it even matter where he comes from?

‘All that should matter, is that this child is alone and vulnerable in an incredibly cruel world, and needs help and support in a family structure.’ Hlabangana said.

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Ngwelezana Hospital Head of Department and Social Work Supervisor Mpho Hlope said it is imperative for a child to grow up with a sense of belonging.

‘Often children who are abandoned and become orphans have to deal with issues of neglect and lack of self-worth, and struggle with their identity,

‘The primary need of love and acceptance is taken away from them and they become young adults with no sense of role modelling owing to the lack of guidance,

‘Therefore foster homes play an imperative role in trying to provide a wholesome environment conducive to child rearing.’ Hlope said.

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