Over the past few weeks, three volunteers from our study abroad program have dedicated themselves to Emasithandane Children’s Organization. Located in Nyanga within the Cape Flats region, this primarily black township is one of oldest as well as one of the most dangerous and poorest. Unfortunately, these innocent children from this deprived orphanage are stricken with conditions and obstacles no child should ever face. Despite their horrendous circumstances, the endless love emanating from each and every child and staff member guides their positive outlook towards a brighter and more hopeful future.
Affectionately known as Emasi, this home/shelter’s overall motto is to provide a loving safe environment for abandoned, abused, orphans, vulnerable children, and those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. They supply education, food, and extra mural programming for all of infants, toddlers, and adolescents they take in. There are approximately 39 total children living in these confined quarters and over 25 additional children in the neighborhood are fed for in the community kitchen. The majority of the people from this orphanage speak Xhosa, one of the 12 primary languages of South Africa; in turn, making it fun for the volunteers to learn the bare essentials of this language. The children are from different, difficult backgrounds and arrive at Emasi for a variety of reasons; however, all are affected in some way by HIV/AIDS and the grips of poverty. Some are there for a short time while others are there permanently. After a few weeks, the children start to gain weight, feel loved, and enjoy themselves. The chief goal is to re-bond the family and the child when they are eighteen, whereby they can defend themselves from a previously abusive situation. The aim is to keep the children energetic, active, and busy.
The orphanage’s humble beginnings started with Mama Zelphin Maposela and her colleagues door-to-door mobile clinic to visit those who couldn’t help themselves. As many of these patients laid in bed dying, they worried about their children’s stigmatized future as AIDS orphans. So Mama promised to find them a safe home. When she couldn’t find foster homes for these children, she decided to create one herself and stay true to her promise. Because Mama Maposela grew up as an orphan herself, she knows exactly how difficult it is to be in that situation. In 1994, she became an official foster parent to three of these AIDS orphans. Emasi became an officially registered safe home with the South African government and primarily relies on private donations because of constantly jeopardized government funding…so think of Emasi when giving backJ
The forged relationships with all of the children are dear to our hearts and will be cherished forever. Simply being a jungle gym or hair salon for these giddy youngsters is always appreciated and reciprocated with a hug or smile: a universal language. In spite of the surrounding area being notoriously rough and unpredictable, the community certainly does everything in its power to protect these precious children. The lively township constantly blasting Rihanna or Michael Jackson undoubtedly creates for a vibrant atmosphere where even the babies have a bounce in their step. What Americans would think of as “madness” such as neighbors constantly stumbling in to chat with the children or us and slaughtering poultry for meals just beyond the gate, subsequently depicts character of this township and accurately represents this culture most know little about. Even though these children aren’t blessed with overflowing toy chests or Baby Einstein dvds, like any child in any country, they crave and deserve attention and unconditional love.
If you would like to contribute to Emasithandane Children’s Organization, please contact them via their website (www.emasithandane.org.za) or email (info@emasithandane.org.za). Any little bit helps and is greatly appreciated!
