Nurturing hope and caring for the community
19 JULY 2024 | STORY PULENG MAPHISA. PHOTO SIFISO NOMZAZA.
Taking care of boys to ensure their well-being, happiness, health, and sense of value within society has been a foundation of the Emfuleni Shelter for Boys (ESfB). Established in 1992, ESfB discovered that many children were living on the streets due to parental negligence or because they were orphans. The shelter is dedicated to caring for boys aged 9 to 18 years.
On Thursday, 18 July 2024, the Vaal University of Technology Administrators’ Forum (VUTaf) spent their 67 minutes of Nelson Mandela International Day with the boys of Emfuleni. This year’s theme: “Combating poverty and inequality is in our hands,” came alive as the group showed love and support by delivering hand-packed food and toiletries for the destitute boys. At the shelter, the VUT team was met with an unexpected but welcoming visit from our neighbour institution, North-West University (NWU) and Woolies Vaal region, who also offered winter clothes, beddings and food.
The boys expressed huge gratitude and joy upon receiving these gifts and special visits. They shared how these acts of kindness made them feel cherished and appreciated.
Among them was Lehlohonolo Santi, a second-year Tourism Management student at VUT, who grew up at the shelter with his brothers. Santi reflected on his journey, stating, “Growing up was never easy for us. Our parents abandoned us when we were young, and we were placed in foster care before ending up at the shelter. Despite the challenges, we were fortunate to receive the love and care of many dedicated caretakers who became like mothers to us.”
Santi’s story is a testament to the impact of the ESfB. He shared, “Here at the shelter, we receive so much love and we appreciate what the caretakers have done for us. I have always felt blessed to be surrounded by people who genuinely care, even though I didn’t know my own mother.”
Caring for someone else’s child can be perceived as challenging, but the “mothers” at ESfB have embraced this role with kindness and dedication. Many boys who have grown up and moved on continue to return, showing love and support to the current residents.