FNB assists The Homestead project

The Southern African Sustainable Development Initiative (SASDI) was contracted by The Homestead to drive this initiative, which will provide 75 former street children, between the ages of six and 18 with a much-needed home to enable them to reintegrate into the education system and contribute to society upon reaching adulthood. The Homestead will also provide early intervention and family preservation services at the centre to prevent children from ending up on the streets.

FNB assisted with this project to help uplift the local community and provide a safe haven for troubled and disadvantaged youths. "We committed to assisting the local community with this project. Over 100 FNB volunteers assisted in building this home for the children. We believe that this is a phenomenal and meaningful project that will make a huge difference in the community and in the lives of these children," said Pearl Nel, Western Cape Volunteers programme co-ordinator.

The realisation of a dream

Sandra Morreira, director of the Homestead, said: "The completion of the child and youth care facility is the realisation of a dream that has taken us 10 years to achieve. The children deserve decent accommodation with the space to play and to be free to develop their talents. We could not have done this without the help of many supporters and donors. The centre will be a great benefit to children and to families at risk for many years to come."

Commenting on Hilary House, a former street child explained, "I feel safe at this home. There's lots of room to play football, to learn and do activities that young children do."

The new 2500m² development includes an early intervention centre, three cottages, a counselling centre and a community hall, which will benefit the surrounding impoverished community. The new facility will create a platform for the children in residential care to achieve a higher level of education.

"We wanted to make a sustainable impact in the Khayelitsha community and are thankful to be part of this project. It's great to see that these kids have their own safe haven. Together we believe that through this project we were able to make a difference in the lives of these children and the community at large," concluded Nel.