November News

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.

With 2013 drawing to a close, the next few weeks will be busy with an upcoming Christmas party being planned with gifts, face-painting, and a visit from Father Christmas to spread the Christmas spirit and cheer. Our children will be entertained and spoilt with love & attention as not all of the kids get to go home over the festive season, but the expression of excitement on their faces at receiving a something new especially for them, oh what joy it brings!                                                                                                                            
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.