The recent donations came as a welcome relief to the children as most of them have no parents while others come from poor family backgrounds. The centre provides food, clothes, life skills and motivational talks to children in need.

When receiving the food parcels and clothes on behalf of children, Magadalne Mphephu – who looks after the children at the centre – said: “We are very thankful for everything we have received. It’s like an early Christmas for us. The love we continuously receive from Divhanivhuyo Learners Support and Youth Development is priceless as they do everything they can to keep all our children happy.”

The donations, mainly of food parcels and clothes, were made possible by local organisation the Divhanivhuyo Learners Support and Youth Development, an NGO led by motivational speaker and professional nurse Phumudzo Themeli. 

While handing over food parcels and presents to the children, Themeli said he was motivated by the smiles and love he receives from the children who have no one to look after them.

Poverty stricken backgrounds

Mphephu said: “We are the only hope for these kids. If we fail to look after them no one will as most of them have no parents and some come from poverty-stricken backgrounds. That is why we have dedicated our lives to help them grow up and be successful. We do not only offer them only food. We also teach them life skills which are essential in today’s world.”

Divhanivhuyo Learners Support and Youth Development has adopted 60 children from Tsianda Drop-in Centre and currently have a total of 120 orphans in their care. While handing over food parcels and presents to the children, Themeli said he was motivated by the smiles and love he receives from the children who have no one to look after them.

“These kids keep me going and I believe that they also deserve to be loved and cared for. Growing up without parents is the most difficult thing in the world, and for these children to be successful one day in life they need our help and love,” said Themeli.