Marquard Child and Youth Care Centre

The first six residents moved into the new Marquard Child and Youth Care Centre on Friday, 15 August 2008. This centre is the 32nd decentralised centre (children's home) of Free State Youth Care Centes. The centre cares for needy children from the communities of Marquard and Moemaneng. It is located at 9 Jakob Makoelle Street, and has space for 16 children.

The building was donated by Christen Bedieninge, and was renovated with funds from Christen Bedieninge, NG Welsyn and the community. Donations of furniture and equipment came from several churches, community groups, the Volksblad Kersfonds and individuals.

Mr Pule Ramokoma has been appointed as child care worker and he has already started to implement some of his plans for the centre. The community offers aid and support in all matters. The centre also offers members of the community of Marquard the opportunity to work together in order to help the children. Members of the community assist with food preparation as well as obtaining clothes for the children. A vegetable garden and several other projects are planned for the children.



The chairperson of the management team is Mr Lourie van der Merwe, with Mrs Willemien Gouws, the secretary. People who are interested in becoming involved, may contact Mr Pule Ramokoma at 083 881 1226 or the social worker, Mrs Miemie van der Merwe at 082 323 9586.

The new residents are all younger than 12 years old. Each child received a toy from the management team - for many of them it was their first toy. The girls immediately started to care for their dolls. Building material left over from the renovation was turned into a doll house.



Chairperson: Lourie van der Merwe, Tel.: 083 305 0754

Vice-chairperson: Johan Hofmeyr, Tel.: 073 157 1955

Secretary: Willemien Gouws, Tel.: 072 289 0019

Chair person Finance Committee: Ben van der Walt 082 786 9379

Chair person Child Care Committe: Celia van der Merwe, Tel.: 083 305 0754