Daycare centre hard hit
2005-11-24
SCORES of people lost their homes and possessions in the recent fires in Mbekweni, but for Patricia Vuka it was the destruction of a lifetime’s work.
Patricia is the owner of the Thembinkosi Daycare Centre which specialises in the care of disabled children.
When a fire caused by an unattended paraffin stove spread through Neder Park last week, Patricia’s school as well as 14 other homes were razed to the ground.
Patricia found her calling after having a severely disabled child herself. She has cared for him without any help from outside, and this made her decide to establish a crèche in order to assist parents who are in the same position as her.
She was assisted by the Strooidak Church and the NGK Paardeberg in establishing her créche.
From humble beginnings, Patricia’s créche grew to accommodate 37 children, of which 13 are disabled.
Hundreds of rands of educational equipment, toys and books were destroyed in the blaze, as well as furniture and her weekly rations for the children. Her son’s wheelchair was also destroyed.
Rev JC Smit of the NGK Paardeberg said that his congregation will once again attempt in helping Patricia rebuild her school.
He said that currently they hope to purchase two containers which will house the children. He added that they would prefer if the school moved from its previous position, as it is clear that there is a severe fire risk.
Last year Patricia’s house, also in Neder Park, burnt to the ground.
The church then helped her with building material for a new home.
Currently Patricia is caring for a few of the children from her home and the situation is not ideal. She says that she is desperate to rebuild her school so that she can continue her mission.
To assist Patricia, phone her at 084-957-2118 or Rev Smit at 872-4575.
More
News
|
