Lefika Child and Youth Care Centre

During August 2002, the Department of Social Development contacted the management of Free State Youth Care Centres to inquire about the possibility of establishing a centre in the Qwa-Qwa region.

On 1 August 2003, dr Gideon van der Walt and Rev. Dries van der Merwe of the United Reformed Church contacted the Youth Care Centre, on behalf of the congregation in Witsieshoek, requesting co-operation in establishing a youth care centre in this area. The congregation could provide a rectory, which is sufficient for the needs of the centre.

On the 21st of August 2003, an informative meeting was held with the community. Lefika Youth Care Centre was registered on 2 September 2003 in terms of Article 30 of the Children’s Care Act. Rev. Dries van der Merwe was elected as chairperson and Mr. Kokoi as vice-chairperson. The centre is situated against a mountain in Mabolela in Witsieshoek. The name Lefika means ‘mountain’.

COMPOSITION OF THE CHILDREN

Sandra lives together with 12 Sotho children who are in need of care. The children were placed there by social services due to various circumstances such as physical neglect, abuse and molestation. They range between the ages of 9 and 16 years old.

INTERESTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

These children love playing outside and can often keep them occupied with only a motorcar tyre. Due to the limited playing equipment, the child care worker often takes these children for outings.

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

The local community quite often give donations in the form of food and clothing to the centre. The centre also provides children from the community with food and clothes when they are in need.

A student from Holland visited this centre for a month during 2006. The children became so attached to her that this has resulted in frequent correspondence between herself and the elder children. The children still receive postcards and presents from the student.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CENTRE

This centre does not only provide for the physical and training needs of these children but also the therapeutical and medical care.

CHURCH AND SCHOOL PARTICIPATION

We attend the services of the United Reformed Church and are also engaged in their activities.

The children are pupils of the Qwa-Qwa Combined School.

NEEDS

Apparatus in the form of a jungle gym, swings, slides and other playing equipment would be most appreciated. This centre is very dependent on donations in the form of money and in kind donations such as clothing, vegetables, groceries, toys and household appliances.

Street Address:

Mabolela – “Ou Pastorie”
Witsieshoek
9870

Postal Address:

P O Box 15348
Witsieshoek
9870

Telephone Number: 058-7133464

MANAGEMENT:

Chair Person: Rev. Dries van der Merwe
and Chair Person: Financial and Property Committee

Vice-Chair Person: Mr. J H Kokoi
and Vice Chair Person: Child Care Committee

Secretary: Rev. Nhlapo

PERSONNEL

Child Care Worker: Sandra Ntohla
Relieve Child Care Worker: Anna Mopeli
Assistant: Matiliso Phalatsi

The social services are provided for by a social worker of Charlotte Theron Child and Youth Care Centre in Bethlehem.