The little achievements are worth it
HELDERKRUIN - Founder of Baby Moses, Lanie de Klerk, speaks about the early days and what got her through the difficult times.
Founder of Baby Moses Child Sanctuary, Lanie de Klerk, left the corporate jungle and started the sanctuary to contribute to society.
De Klerk explained that she found herself wondering that if she had to die now, what would she have contributed to the world. It was with this thought that she realised she was living a shallow life as she knew there was more to life than owning houses, sending her children to private schools, and having her hair and nails done.
“The idea of a home for abandoned babies came up and in the search for information on the subject, I discovered an old statistic that there had been 660 babies abandoned in Gauteng alone that year,” De Klerk said.
With this rising need in society, De Klerk opened Baby Moses’ doors in 2001.
“I recall the vigorous screenings, police clearances and training we had to go through. One by one we started to get referrals and before we knew it we were full.”
Her passion for children has pulled her through the difficult times. “The children are my motivation and it is, after all, why we started [Baby Moses]… It is in the little things, their [children] laughter, the way they talk or their eagerness to help out and to ultimately see them happy and confident. Those little achievements fuel my passion.”
She added that the children in Baby Moses’ care were regarded as family. “I did not want Baby Moses to just be an institution, but to give children the love and support they need. Even with all the heart-sore, I would do it all over again.
“I am sorry for what happens to the children’s parents and I hope they are able to pick themselves up again, but I am continually amazed by the miracle of a child. I am fortunate to do this job to see how broken a child’s life can be, but be able to make a difference and see the difference in that child.”
Details: www.babymoses.co.za
