Umayya Theba and Kgomotso
July 30, 2010 – Spending time with abandoned babies and toddlers at an orphanage is something that I have not done since my university days. I am ashamed to admit that, but the Mandela Day campaign was an awesome opportunity to serve my community and spread love where it’s needed most.
I chose to visit the New Beginningz Orphanage in Laudium. It was an early start to a Sunday morning but, gazing into the eyes of baby Kgomotso, feeling her tight grip around my index finger and having her fall asleep in my arms, shoved all thoughts of weekend blues to the back of my mind.
The woman running the orphanage, Tahiyya, is an affectionate person who is clearly committed to this project, which ensures that every child feels a “mother’s” love and receives individual attention. Tahiyya has managed to build a home for these children rather than an institution: a home where children are children and are fed nutritious meals on time; a home where they have neat, clean clothes; a home where the children can play and sleep in safe, secure surroundings.
My heart goes out to each one of those special children who have been unfairly disadvantaged from birth, either due to circumstance or the irresponsibility of adults who don’t deserve to be called parents.
I forged bonds with several children, who I promised to make time for again in the weeks ahead in an effort to show them that my visit was not just a once-off obligation. My heart has been divided between Adija, Michael, Kgomotso, Ntombi, Ameena, Blessing and the feisty little rock star/queen bee of the home, Brim, who has a naughty smile and the kind of self-confidence that can’t be shaken.
Mandela Day has reminded me just how fortunate I am and just how much love I have to give. It has reminded me that planning a single trip to an orphanage is not nearly enough and that, in fact, Mandela Day must be viewed as the beginning of a fruitful journey of humanity. Hopefully, my new commitment to these children can help to change their lives for the better and grow them into remarkable human beings, who will continue to keep Madiba’s legacy living on for generations to come.