RIVERSDALE NEWS - The special residents of Vuyani Safe Haven received a special visit from Father Christmas on 5 December, when the jolly fellow in red joined Samara Private Game Reserve to host a Christmas party for the youngsters.
"A huge thank you to Father Christmas for handing out presents to our excited children," said spokesperson for the home, Riana van der Ahee.
She also thanked Samara's director, Sarah Tompkins. "She faithfully [supports us] and campaigns through the year for funds for the presents and special Christmas clothing for each child, as well as sending many visitors to Vuyani." Van der Ahee also thanked Montego Pet Nutrition, for assisting with the transport of the children and staff to and from Samara.
Vuyani, which is the only Child and Youth Care Centre in the district, had exceptional highlights this year. One of their matriculants was accepted at the SA College of Tourism, while one of their young boys was elected head boy of a local primary school, and another elected as prefect. The home's pass rate in mainstream schools is currently 80%, and two children will return to mainstream schooling next year after receiving remedial teaching.
"We want to thank all our sponsors who donated or visited Vuyani in 2019 with donations, spent time with the children or assisted the staff with various challenges," Van der Ahee said.
"We appreciate your ongoing care and concern, and also thank the Department of Social Development for their support in subsidising the children placed in our care by court order.
In the Karoo, Santa drives a Jeep, excited to take gifts to local children.
Due to government policy to keep reuniting children to their families of origin, Vuyani's children will be placed with suitable family members over the Christmas period. These visits will be supervised by social workers.
Vuyani will be closed from 17 December until 6 January next year.
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