GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Vuyani Safe Haven, a registered Child and Youth Care Centre in Graaff-Reinet, aims to provide a secure, nurturing environment for approximately 35 children classified as orphans and vulnerable children.
These children include those who have lost their parents or caregivers, those living in child-headed households, and those removed from their homes due to parental incapacity.
Children are placed at Vuyani by a social worker following a court order - mostly due to severe neglect and/or abuse.
The haven operates from two locations - the first houses approximately 24 children, ranging from newborns to kids aged 12 and the second is dedicated to children aged 13 to 18. The centre also provides assistance to youth aged 16 to 18 and beyond through its Independent Living Programme.
Vuyani Learning Centre
One of the unique aspects of Vuyani Safe Haven is its commitment to education. Recognising that some of the children cared for at Vuyani struggle in school, especially with the absence of a special needs school in Graaff-Reinet, the centre took the initiative to establish its own educational facility in 2018.
This integrated schooling approach means that learners do not have to leave the haven where some of their siblings may also stay, to attend the nearest special needs school in Gqeberha.
"The Vuyani Learning Center temporarily meets the need, but the best solution is still a formal registered school for children with special needs and a hands-on skills programme. Gqeberha and Uitenhage's Special Needs schools are full. We need such a school in Graaff-Reinet," says Riana van der Ahee, responsible for public relations and marketing.
Two dedicated teachers, Betty Swartz and her assistant, Hester Pienaar, teach approximately six Vuyani children from Grade R to Grade 5 in the morning and assist the rest of the primary school students with their homework in the afternoon. The morning class caters specifically to learners with special educational needs who faced challenges in mainstream schooling.
Swartz and Pienaar concentrate on subjects like mathematics, phonics and reading comprehension. Swarts emphasizes that this approach significantly boosts the children's self-esteem when they can read, write, and perform calculations. Vuyani Safe Haven uses the CAPS Curriculum and implements a reading programme developed by Fiona Hobson.
Success story
To date, 11 children have successfully been placed back into the mainstream schooling system at various schools in Graaff-Reinet over almost six years since the facility's existence.
Additionally, some of the children receive occupational therapy and speech therapy, and if necessary, they have access to the services of a psychologist. The Department of Education is well aware of this facility, and schools that accept these learners once they catch up, also support the initiative.
Ebben Hufkie, retired school principal, acts as liaison between Vuyani, the schools and the department.
Van der Ahee says this facility would not exist if it weren't for the generous funding of the Rupert Education Foundation. Vuyani Safe Haven stands as a vital refuge for vulnerable children in Graaff-Reinet, providing them with not only safety and care but also access to education and support services that empower them to overcome challenges and build a brighter future.
If you would like to get involved with Vuyani Safe Haven, contact Van der Ahee on 079 425 6077 or riana@vuyanisafehaven.co.za.
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