The Youth For Survival Centre in Pretoria was today a hive of excitement and activity as the Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane paid a visit to donate school uniform, clothes, shoes and toys to children at the shelter.
Over the festive season, 50 children from the centre had penned letters, outlining some of their basic needs in a request for assistance from the Tourism Minister. As a non-governmental organisation based in the community of Pretoria West, the shelter offers strategic programmes and awareness campaigns, which are crucial in the concerted fight against the scourge of gender-based violence amongst other social ills. It is a safe haven for abused and orphaned young women and children.
“I am only here to hand this over to the children to say we care not only as government, but as parents and human beings and members of the society,” said Minister Kubayi-Ngubane.
Towards the end of last year, a file arrived at the office of the Minister containing 50 handwritten letters, each telling a story and requesting a Christmas gift. The wish-list varied from each child. While some who were starting their academic year asked for school uniforms or shoes, others requested toys and clothes.
“I must be honest, I only read a few of the letters and could not finish them as they were too emotional. We compiled a list according to the needs of the children and then searched for donors. The Tourism Ministry was fortunate to receive a positive response from Khuthulula Foundation at the start of 2020,” said the Minister.
She emphasised the importance of the private sector working with government in improving the lives of the less fortunate and vulnerable members of our society.
“We hope with this little effort we will encourage you to continue to do what you do – protecting the future of this country,” the Minister told the staff, parents and some members of the community in a packed hall.
“These children deserve to be loved and they deserve to be told that they are special. I know this is not a big thing as the Youth For Survival Centre has many needs, but we hope today can contribute in making sure that your work becomes easier,” stated the Minister.
Youth For Survival founder and CEO Ms. Mushi Mathe thanked the Minister for her generosity saying it was even more special to the children that they received all they had requested in their letters.
The Ministerial visit to the shelter reinforces government’s firm stand against all forms of violence meted against the most vulnerable in our society and is in line with the President’s call for a year-round education, awareness and prevention campaign.
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Hlengiwe Nhlabathi-Mokota
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