Home Away From Home
Article by Nelisiwe Mkhize, Images by Sibongile Dlangalala
In celebration of the Mandela Day, the KZN Department of Public Works (Head Office) visited Khazimula Child and Youth Care Center at Howick Lidgetton, on the 18 July 2022. The task team came bearing gifts such as clothes and food for the children living at this center.
Khazimula Child and Youth Care Center was established in the year of 2006 by the people who felt the need of taking care of children living with HIV/AIDs, but later the vision changed to catering to all children with different social needs. The center consist of 20 children who are there because of different circumstances and hardships such as abuse, neglect, abandonment and behavioral issues.
The center usually cares for the children until they reach the age of 18 depending on circumstances. They do not only provide shelter for the children, but also grooming them to find a purpose in life. The center has different programmes namely: Residential, Education, Therapy, Family reunification and Sustainable projects.
Residential it is whereby the center provides a clean and good condition shelter for the children, and making sure that the place feels like home every time. The Education program ensures that every child gets quality education as it is their right. In the Therapy program, children receive counselling and reassurance. Family reunification is an effort the center to reunite the children with their families. The Sustainable project, which includes Vegetable garden, Bee farming and a Marimba band this projects helps the children to identify their capabilities, talent as well as keeping them busy.
The general Manager Mr. thathu Mokoena was very grateful that the Department Of Public Works paid them a visit on the day of Celebrating Mr. Nelson Mandela. “It takes a village to raise kids.” Mr. Mokoena said. Joy, dancing and laughter filled the place when the kids played the Marimba to show their appreciation and gratitude to the officials of the Department.
