Spring has sprung and the sun is out…and with this change of
season, it is clear to see that the children here at ThembaCare are buzzing
with energy! From early in the morning, during breakfast time and throughout
the day one can hear the sounds of laughter and singing, our two bigger
toddlers (pictured spinning), encouraging the smaller ones to eat their
‘pap’ before leaving for school, even sneaking in a minute or two to play with
the babies before running out to school collect bags, and boldly saying goodbye
as they head off to crèche. 
As for the other little ones who are too young for crèche,
the efforts of the hard-working and dedicated staff is bearing fruit…three of
the little ones who were quite developmentally delayed are now trying to crawl,
from sitting on the mat to getting into the crawling position on all fours. It
may take a lot of effort for their little bodies to transition into this
position, but with the encouragement of our carers and the little ones
curiosity to have that toy that has been set a little way in front of them, it is
clear to see that soon, with a little help and stimulation, they will be moving
from one end of the room to the other.
This last month has been filled with lots of positives here
at TCA…the nursing students from the university of Connecticut (UCONN), who
were previously at TCA for academic purposes, have come back but this time to
volunteer over weekends and also we will have another volunteer join TCA later
this month. One of our bigger toddlers has started going home on weekend visits
with his mother, and some of the smaller toddlers are starting and trying to
verbalise the words that are spoken. It’s heart-warming to see the progress
that is being made, none of which would be possible without the carers, volunteers
and the mothers, who visit regularly or sleep over at TCA to take care of their
child but also assist and play with the other children. The bond between
mother-and-child and that of carer-and-child is priceless.
We have been received many donations throughout the year of food, clothing (some knitted especially for the TCA babies for those colder days) and toys, for which it is wonderful to see individuals, groups and communities work together to support and look after the needs and well-being of others.
We are grateful and appreciative of every item donated to ThembaCare, Athlone.
