Learning to be a child again
Meet Jacob
Jacob* arrived at Kids Haven when he was three. The way he spoke was shocking. He spoke like an adult. He punched other children, wouldn’t accept being disciplined, wouldn’t listen. He came to us severely neglected and impoverished.
One of five children, he was the youngest. His mother abandoned the children and they were found in a shack. During this time, his 12-old sibling was looking after him. There was no parenting and he was exposed to things that no three-year old should see or hear. He was allowed to say and do whatever he wanted.
The amazing caregivers at Kids Haven worked closely with him. Allowing him to be a baby, a three-year old, loving him and being consistent with discipline. That’s what he needed the most: love and discipline at the same time. He is now so much better. There has been a huge change. There are still some small things to work on but he has made incredible progress. He has adapted very well. He has learned social skills amongst his age group and with the older children. He is now able to talk to adults like a normal child of his age. He plays well with his roommates and he has grown. He has a chance to be a child and grow into a caring, responsible, and kind adult.
Every child matters.
*Name has been changed to protect the identity of the child.
Support our Pre-school and Residential Care programme by becoming a monthly donor.
Nothing says it’s your birthday like a birthday cake
We have been blown away over the last few weeks by the incredible birthday cakes we have received for our children. These cakes have been made with so much love. Many of our children have never had a birthday cake or even been acknowledged on their birthdays. We believe it is so important to celebrate every child and make them feel extra special on their day. We extend a heartfelt thanks to all the bakers who put time, energy and love into each cake and generously donate them to Kids Haven. Thank you for making every birthday special. We appreciate you!
Captions (from left): N* turned a big 9 and loved her ballerina cake; T* celebrated her 14th with an insect cake
Caption: T* couldn’t stop staring in wonder at his birthday cake as he celebrated with his brother and house mates
Caption: The smile says it all – D* loved the Frozen cake so much!
If you would like to find out how to get involved in our birthday celebrations whether it is through a monetary donation, gifts for the children, birthday party goodies and more please get in touch – hello@kidshaven.co.za.
Sharing gratitude with our Bryanston people
It was with warm hearts that we met with some of our Bryanston donors and supporters at our Coffee morning event on 27 February. Our aim was to extend our heartfelt thanks for all they have done for us and share the Kids Haven story. And what a wonderful event it was! Over sandwiches, scones and coffee we got to know each of these amazing people better. Many signed up to become monthly donors and others offered their expertise, connections and ideas. We are so grateful.
If you would like to join our Bryanston Community whatsapp group, please click on the QR code and join. We will be hosting several of these throughout the year and look forward to meeting more Kids Haven supporters then.
Connect with job-ready, entry-level talent
Local employers are needed! We are inviting all businesses around OR Tambo International Airport and the greater East Rand to explore a practical, structured way to access prepared, entry-level talent while creating measurable social impact.
Join us on 26 March at Kids Haven Benoni from 12:30 – 14:00 to connect with the Pathway Programme team. Lunch will be provided.
Scan the QR code on the invite to rsvp. Looking forward to meeting you there.
Tomorrow is tax year-end – get your tax-deductible donations in today!
February 28th is tax year-end (yes that’s tomorrow) so why not make a donation now to Kids Haven? All donations are tax deductible in terms of Section 18A of the Income Tax Act. What a smart way to end the tax year – and we would be so grateful for your support. We will issue you with a Section 18A certificate once your donation has been received.
Every cent goes to protecting and caring for the 142 children living at Kids Haven. These children have come to use because of neglect, poverty and abuse, and we love them, feed them, protect them and grow them into resilient adults.
If you can’t donate now, why not set up a debit order of R200 a month so that next year you get an automatic tax receipt for a YEAR of support and kindness. We need and appreciate you!