A group of LH Marthinusen (LHM) staff-members celebrated Mandela Day (July 18) this year by visiting Kids Haven in Benoni on that day to give the home’s occupants some attention and care and make the day memorable for them.
Kids Haven is a charity organisation that provides protection and care for vulnerable children and youngsters, including the homeless, ranging in age from 3 to 20.
“The home’s aim is to educate the children in its care, while at the same time helping to make them feel safe and have a sense of belonging,” said Moreka Gomez, LHM’s Financial Manager.
“During our time there we spent about an hour playing games with the pre-schoolers, followed by a similar period talking to and listening to the teenage girls, who told us about their ambitions and the many problems they face in trying to achieve their goals. They were very willing to listen to the advice some of the members of our group offered, while we learnt a lot and gained a better understanding of their challenges. We found the experience very touching and enlightening.”
LHM will regularly donate toiletries to the home, including sanitary pads for the girls. “We also hope to help further by providing education and training to matriculating youths,” Moreka added.
In the same week, in response to an appeal by a senior manager at Majuba power station near Volksrust in Mpumalanga, LHM’s Fan Service maintenance team at the station agreed to arrange the purchase and supply of Dignity Packs for leaners of a community school nearby. The Dignity Packs contained, in addition to sanitary pads, a variety of other useful toiletries for girls and boys.
“The Dignity Packs were mainly for the teenage girl learners at the school, who often have to miss classes due to not having sanitary items to care for themselves,” Moreka explained.
This initiative resulted in more than 160 Dignity Packs being put together by LHM staffers.
“The handout took place at the Ulwazi Primary School on the 10th of August, where four of our women staff members attended to represent LHM and assist with the handout,” Moreka said.
