A day to remember

On her last visit to South Africa, Bev Wills, trustee of Love Is All We Need, spent a Sunday at the Hope Centre. Here she shares her heartwarming experience.

I was delighted to visit the Hope Centre recently while visiting family in SA. It was relaxed, like any home is on a Sunday. On arrival I was met by the beautiful little Esther who is 4 now and is one of the smiliest little people I know, with a huge dimple on her right cheek. Firstly we visited the "gummy bears" or very young children upstairs in the playroom. One of the crawlers is Seth. His mother became extremely unwell and was found burying the boys in the front yard. Had it not been for the intervention of Zanele and the Hope Centre, these boys may not be with us today.

It was heartwarming to witness the Sunday lunch ritual, 34 pairs of hands being washed, lining up in age order, singing in the dining room. On route, the older children peeled off to the kitchen to collect the lunch trolley. It’s loud in the dining room until the lunch trolley is wheeled in, a hush descends, grace is said and lunch is handed out. Whilst lunch was happening, the older boys arrived back with Lynette, who teaches at the school in the centre, they had been out playing club football, had eaten-out, were very excited about winning football, and a chocolate, and retired for an afternoon sleep.

Because of people like you supporting our causes we can continue to make a difference to real lives:

Make a Donation

Sammy's Story Sammy's dying relatives left her at the Hope Centre when she was a baby. She was on the edge of death but just look at her now! Find out More

Thobeka's Story A year ago Thobeka was covered in blisters and unable to look anyone in the eye. Since being in Zanele's care she's blossomed. Find out More

Back to the top