Thandeka’s Story: Finding friends and feeling safe

A small, hot and cramped shack was where 4-year old Thandeka* (not her real name) was spending every day while her mother went off to find work. With no family support, a single mother with no regular income, Thandeka’s mother had no choice but to leave her child locked up in the shack while she went to find whatever work she could for that day. Some days there was no food. Some days neighbours would help bring something to eat. Some days mom would bring home whatever she could. And then a community leader spoke to a Kids Haven social worker explaining Thandeka’s plight. The social worker reached out to Thandeka’s mother and today Thandeka attends Kids Haven’s free Pre-School. She is loved. She receives a healthy meal every day. She has friends and is safe. She is learning her numbers, building puzzles and playing outside. She is a thriving, happy little girl. Her mother attends the Parenting Workshops at Kids Haven and is learning how to support Thandeka. She is part of a community that cares. And while she is still looking for a permanent job, she can now do this knowing Thandeka is safe. At the end of each day, she fetches Thandeka, hugs her and goes home to hear all about her day at school.