November/December 2023
Help us fill the gapMonthly news from Kids Haven
Protection and care need to come first
When you prioritise children, health outcomes improve, incomes rise, economies flourish and societies become more harmonious and united. – Natasha Budhram, Sowetan LIVE.
Neglect turns children into unempathetic and unsympathetic people. How can a child who has never been shown love and care, give love and care to others?
We recently had a child in our care who was continuously misbehaving. He was taken under the wing of one of our amazing caregivers and together they worked through what the core issue was and how it was influencing his behaviour. While spending time with the young man, the caregiver said, “I am going to love him good.” And that is what we are all about.
Every child has the right to basic nutrition, shelter, health care and support but they also have the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse and harm. At Kids Haven, we take the protection of children very seriously indeed. We see it as the fundamental starting point for a child’s development. If a child is afraid, vulnerable and insecure, that child is not easily able to grow, play, learn and thrive.
Children not only need to be protected but must feel loved and cared for. They must feel that they belong and that their life matters. Children’s health needs must be met so that they can grow and thrive. Mental health matters. When protection and care is in place, education naturally flows from there and so a pathway out of poverty emerges.
We give these children a supportive environment to build resilience so that every child can have hope for the future.
Please help us continue this service by supporting Kids Haven and getting involved. Here’s how…
Did you know that to protect, care for and educate a child at Kids Haven it costs R5 994 per month? We gratefully receive R4 120 per child per month in funding from the Department of Social Development.
The gap? R1 874 per month per child. This is where you, our generous donors, come in.
We can accommodate 172 children in the Incare residential programme at Kids Haven. Helping us reach this monthly goal means these 172 beautiful children are protected, loved, fed, clothed and schooled, along with lots of fun!
Donations to fill the gap go to:
- school fees, stationary, books and uniforms;
- transport to school and activities;
- bridging school to assist learners who need help entering the main schooling system;
- our Care-leavers programme which ensures children and young adults are intentionally prepared to leave Kids Haven;
- salaries for additional social workers;
- maintenance, utilities, security and more.
So, what’s first prize for us?
Fixed monthly monetary donations. Why? Because this means we can budget and rely on a steady stream of income. If you aren’t already a monthly donor, we ask you to consider becoming one – R100 or R200 a month makes a big difference. It’s a painless process to set up. Please help us fill the gap.
We are also very grateful for any once-off monetary donations and always appreciate donations of toiletries, food, clothing, toys, household items – pretty much anything! You can drop these off at our centres in Bryanston or Benoni. We are also very happy to collect.
Benoni: 34 – 38 Cranbourne Ave
TEL: +27 (011) 421 4222
Bryanston: Shop 24, Cramerview Village Shopping Centre, 277 Main Road, Bryanston
TEL: +27 (011) 706 7959 or WhatsApp 071 860 0505 to reach us
As another year draws to a close we are so aware of the support we have received which has ensured Kids Haven could continue to operate and flourish this year. Every rand or item donated throughout the year has been put to good use to ensure we protect, care for, educate and support not only the children in our care but the elderly, adults, young adults and children in our communities. Thank you! We would not be in the position we are today without the many people and organisations that have so graciously supported us. We are humbled and can only say thank you and God bless you.
I’d also like to extend my appreciation to all those that make up the Kids Haven team. These wonderful people work hard year round for our children and communities often sacrificing time with their loved ones to ensure Kids Haven runs smoothly. Thank you.
May this festive season be a special one for you all. May you draw near to those you love and refresh your body, mind and soul. We are so looking forward to our Christmas events and seeing the look of joy as our children celebrate this magical time.
You are a part of Kids Haven. You matter. Thank you and merry Christmas!
Sam Mokgopha
CEO Kids Haven
24for24 is an exciting initiative that lists 24 activities that will be undertaken in 2024 to support people and organisations working to effect positive change. Kids Haven will be the beneficiary of several of these activities including Number 10 Yoga in the Park, Number 17 Sound Journey and Number 19 Youth Exchange, among others.
Please consider donating. It is so appreciated.
Get Involved
You can get involved by volunteering, donating money or second hand goods.
If you think your company could help make a difference please contact us.