The “Moeder huis” with the soup kitchen in the foreground.
Our visit to the Sanctuary Land provided the opportunity to witness first-hand the progress being made on the “Moeder Huis” (Mother House). While there’s still considerable work to be done before the building is finished, we are excited and happy with the progress being made on the building. CSN Board members Helge Mercker, Theresa Matengu, Chief Ita, Jeremiah Molestane, Lydia Molestane all agree that finishing the building is the top priority. Toilets, showers, washing/laundry facilities, sewage and electricity are all needed before the children can be placed.
The “Moeder Huis” was designed by volunteer Johan Van Niekerk, a local architect who made several visits to the site to monitor the building’s construction. When completed the building will hold two dormitories, each housing 8 to 10 children and a house mother. The plan includes a boys’ dormitory, a girls’ dormitory, a large meeting room, an office, kitchen, storage area, toilets, showers and laundry area.
Earlier this year, CSNS contributed to the development of the land by purchasing a generator, providing funds for the drilling of the borehole (well), plus 2 water tanks with stand and pipes needed to complete the water supply for the Sanctuary Land. CSNS also contributed some building materials such as cement and paint. CSNS pays the wages for the two employees currently on site; Zuma, the gardener/handyman and Moses the security guard.
CSNS Board Members Diane Mawson and Betty Owen with CSN Board member Helge Mercker and Gardener/Handyman, Zuma pointing to the borehole or well funded by CSNS donors.
Now with water on the land, the development of a garden is underway. In another area not shown, Zuma is developing a garden with indigenous plants. His wages are provided by CSNS donors.
Char, carrots, beets and onions are now growing on the land! The long term goal is for the Sanctuary Land to be as self-sufficient as possible.
With the purchase of the water tanks and stand, the water supply to the Sanctuary Land is now complete. Our heart-felt thanks to CSNS donors who made this possible!
The construction workers enjoying a well deserved “soup kitchen” lunch! Special thanks to CSN Board Member Jeremiah Molestane who oversees the brick making process and the overall progress of the building’s construction.
Soup kitchen volunteers, Amanda and Meena busy painting one of several rooms in the “Moeder Huis”. The progress of the building brings great hope and inspiration to the volunteers and to many in the community.
Loving care for the children from committed, compassionate volunteers.
Soup kitchen volunteers Lydia and Katrina making bracelets from ostrich shells.
Moses the Security Guard with a hippo roller used to transport water to his home located outside the fenced area.
In honour of our visit, Chief Ita invited elders from the community to the Sanctuary Land for daily healing/prayer circles which were held following the meals for the children.
It was a great privilege to sit in circle with these dear souls, to hear their songs, prayers and stories. It was wonderful to see several children be drawn to the circles and to become an integral part of them.
Chief Ita with her wonderful group of soup kitchen volunteers, CSNS Board members Diane, Helge, Betty and Judy in the back row. All working together in harmony on a shared vision for the orphaned and vulnerable children!