In a bid to bring joy to needy children’s hearts during Children’s Week and the start of Youth Month, the Genesis Faith Mission donated books, toys, pens, crayons, party packs and winter boots to more than 100 children in New Rest, Gugulethu last Saturday.
Held at Bright Educare, the memorable day was made possible by Bishop Ntombekhaya Nyama-Plati and her donors.
The afternoon also included dancing and singing activities led by children and some volunteers. There were also speeches from invited guests – short ones so that the children had time to enjoy themselves.
The host, Bishop Nyama-Plati, said she was delighted to have a day full of smiling children.
“There’s nothing more heartfelt than a smile that creeps across a child’s face. I love this day. The reason for me and the church to do this is because, we have seen how children are ill-treated, raped, bullied and some sold.
“I thought let me combine the Youth Month and the Children’s Week to entertain them. Winter is upon us, some do not have shoes but these boots will help them a lot. It is so heart-warming to see them smile because of a mere toy,” she said.
Quoting in the Bible, she said: “Jesus called them unto him, and said, ‘suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of god’.”
With these words, she urged the parents to value their children, who, she said, were God’s treasures.
“Let’s stop the rape against children. Let us take care of them, love them and teach them life,” she said.
Nomhle Sani from the Department of Justice delivered a strong message to the parents who involve their children in their problems with their partners.
“Parents should always appreciate having children. They are a blessing. Please, when you have a problem with your partner, do not involve them because it affects them badly,” she warned.
She added that parents have a responsibility to talk more to them about abuse, emotions and other important topics about life and to be a role model to their children.
Another guest speaker, Noma Somagaxa, principal at Nolungile Primary in Site C, Khayelitsha encouraged parents to ensure their homes were their children’s first schools and echoed the warning to parents not to use children in their troubles and problems with their spouses. “A child’s feelings are very sharp. We must be careful what we say in front of them. Do not speak ill about the school, about your neighbour and anything in their presence,” she said.