Educating the Thabang Children

The end of each year always comes with a bang, and there is always so much to do.  The children are all excited for the upcoming events and the fun to be had and the possibility of special gifts.  There is a push to study hard and write exams and seek for good marks. Then, after the push, there is a sigh of relief, and the pens and books get put aside and the anticipation sets in.

For the Drop-in centre children: on the 9^th November, 47 children attended an end of year outing to a nearby water resort. (See pictures 1& 2) This outing and the lunch was kindly sponsored by a local Foundation.  Such outings require a good deal of logistical preparations and organisation. Fortunately, the team at Thabang is united and they support and help each other to uplift the children.

On the 30^th of November, the Drop-in Centre held its annual Christmas party. The Shofar Church’s visiting team of 15 people, came to serve and bless the children with various gifts of clothing for each child.  A specially donated cake from the local Spar, was enjoyed by all. (See picture 3.)

At the Child & Youth Care Centre, the 34 children enjoyed the local NG Church’s care and gifts as well as the special gifts donated by WeBuyCars.

They also enjoyed a sponsored outing to Aventura Forever Water Resort in Bela-Bela.  This is always a special highlight for the children and throughout the year they look forward to this outing.

Of the 34 children at the Child & Youth Care Centre, 15 were not able to visit any family members for the Christmas holidays. These 15 remained at the Centre, but they enjoyed a special holiday programme. They made arts and crafts and did fun games eg building houses from cookies.  (See pictures 4 & 5.)

On Christmas day, these remaining children received a specially selected gift which was handed out by a well-disguised staff member.  (See picture 6.)

All in all, each child in the care of Thabang Children’s Project, ended the year feeling blessed and loved.  

THANKS TO ALL THE KIND SPONSORS AND CARING HEARTS WHO MADE THESE CHILDREN FEEL SPECIAL!

Thabang Child and Youth Care centre, is in a fortunate position to be able to provide a wide variety of educational and recreational programmes to all of our children, regardless of their different challenges and skills.

Over the past months, special educational programmes, over and above the on-site schooling, have included a Debating competition and a Spelling Bee and Mental Maths competition.

(See pic 1 & 2). Lots of work and practice goes into these functions and the children have developed in confidence and skills.  One 14-year-old girl, participated in debating at her Senior School, and she was chosen to participate at the next level, a district level.  She performed outstandingly.    

 Sport programmes are also excellent for all children’s development. Those children who may struggle with academics, have the opportunity to perform in sports and physical activities.      (See pic 3 & 4, a netball match against a local NPO and athletics at the local school.)      

 Simply celebrating their birthdays with a specially baked cake, is an amazing treat for each child. For most of these children, they only experienced this for the first time while staying at Thabang. (See pic 5)

 Celebrating the coming of Spring is always a wonderful time.  In Thabazimbi, it is already warm enough to have a good splash and lots of fun!! (See pic 6).