From the Managing Director’s Desk …
When you read about the successes of the first six months of 2021 in this newsletter, you would never think that we are in the middle of a pandemic. The sheer determination to carry on, despite the difficulties, is a testament to the resilience of our staff and children.
We sailed through the first and second waves of Covid-19 without much incident. But the third wave hit us hard. With schools remaining open despite the huge rise in Delta variant infections, it was only a matter of time before the kids brought it home. Before we even knew that three children had been infected, the virus had spread to three cottages.
Measures were quickly put in place to treat each cottage as a ‘bubble’ to prevent the further spread of the disease. With support from our amazing team of social workers and care workers – along with a donation of private tests – we managed to bring the outbreak under control.
Grateful thanks to everyone who supported and helped us through this worrying time. From advice and consultations with doctors to donations of medical masks and sanitisers, we really saw the Jo’burg ‘village’ caring for its children. And even though we couldn’t welcome friends like you to our Home, you continued to hold our children in your hearts; your donations of cash and much needed items were appreciated more than you know.
Sadly, many staff members lost family members or close friends to the disease, and it was really hard for them to keep going. But they did. They dug deep emotionally and carried on. We commend them for their loyalty and dedication at a time when the children needed them the most.
Now it’s back to school and we are bracing ourselves for whatever comes next. But to quote AA Milne in Winnie the Pooh, if this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that, “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” And that even if we’re apart, our friends will always be with us.
Thank you for your unwavering support – it means everything to us.