Childcare centre opens its doors

ABERDEEN NEWS — A group of eight ladies, whose children have now grown up and are off their hands, have had a dream for a few years of starting an orphanage in Aberdeen.

They have applied to be registered as a non-profit organisation, and have asked the municipality for a suitable building, with support from local councillors Eldrige Ruiters and Willem Safers.

The ladies have gone door-to-door and spoken to residents about their vision, and have met a very favourable response. The name for the group was chosen in conjunction with members of the community.

Knowing that this could be a long process, in the meantime, they are offering an aftercare service to help children with homework. They would also like to be able to provide childcare and stimulating activities in the mornings to help working mothers, for those children too young to attend crèche.

Stella Kamfer, who is leading the project, has completed Level 4 Early Learning Childcare, and worked for many years in Port Elizabeth in crèches and aftercare centres.

The Centre had an official opening at the end of last month, and 114 children overflowed around the temporary base, the home of Iris Joubert. The children played games, sang, and enjoyed stories that were read to them. At this stage they have no sponsorship, so the ladies are paying for everything themselves.

Plans are being made to run a Holiday Club during December, so as to keep the children busy and off the streets during the long break from school.