It gives me great pleasure in presenting my report for the year under review. Despite the various challenges encountered, we have continued to persevere in our main aim viz: to provide residential care to vulnerable children and reunification services to children with their families.
A few months ago, the huge tree outside the home fell over due to age and knocked down part of our wall and fence. There was no access to the Home as the drive-way was blocked and thankfully none of our children nor staff were hurt by the incident. The lighting poles also were knocked down and immediate intervention was required. We contacted the local councillor, Zoe Solomon who liaised with the department of Parks and Gardens on our behalf.
The water cuts and shortages adversely affected us in that despite our massive jo-jo tanks, the lack of rain resulted in them not filling up adequately. Our appreciation is expressed to Joe Solomon for coming to our rescue once again on particular occasions to have the jo-jo’s filled. Donors willingly donated 5 litre drinking water and we also purchased a supply of water. To have a water shortage at the Home is extremely challenging given the fact that there are 84 children and 16 adults on site at any one time. Under close supervision, water was boiled on the stove and used for bathing. The children were very happy to walk to the jo-jo’s and fill their buckets up with water despite the situation at hand.
In a home as massive as ours, the repairs and maintenance is ongoing and one of our greatest expenses. Over the past year, we have experienced ongoing problems with the breakdown of washing machines and driers in the laundry area. The solar heat pumps and geysers has also been repaired or replaced which has been another cost to ourselves. Vehicle repairs e.g.: services, replacing of tyres as the vehicles are used for our children. Being near the sea, creates many problems with our machinery and equipment which corrodes the parts very easily and requires replacement or repairs.

The Board

I extend my gratitude to all our board members for their dedication, commitment and input as we met monthly to discuss issues regarding the home. A special thank you to our Treasurer Karmini Pundit for analysing the finances and presenting her report to us. We bid farewell to Claudette Cadir a long standing member of the board who will be spending more time with her family. The board members with our previous chair, Ms Mthetwha finalised the amendments to our constitution encompassing new terminology and ensuring that aspects of the Children’s Act No 38 of 2005 was also included. This was finally completed and forwarded to the Bishop of Natal for final approval by the Trustees.
A deep appreciation to Reverend Emilo Kasaba who conducts services with the children on a Thursday. He is doing a wonderful ministry to the children who enjoy having him around.

STAFF

I am deeply grateful to the staff for their sterling work with our children. We know that this is no easy task but each one of you is valued. Thanks is expressed to our Director, Althea Govender for her leadership, management and guidance of the home.

DONORS/ SPONSORS

A special thank you to our donors and funders whose support we cannot survive without.
The Department of Social development is acknowledged and although there were cuts in the administration costs of our budget, we have had to look at how we will cope going forward. In addition a new system of payment known as the tranche payments has been implemented which means that we are paid subsidies 3 months in advance.
I would also like to highlight that we also help other NGOS and network closely with those when we have clothes, toys or surplus donated meals which is deeply appreciated especially in the community of Wentworth.

CONCLUSION

I conclude with the scripture from Matthew's gospel 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Revd Alvin Sigamoney