Caring for the abused, neglected and abandoned children of Roodepoort is St Laurence’s Children’s Haven.
In its 19th year of existence, Richard Malan heads up the household as the Haven’s Unit Manager. Together with three sets of house parents they care for almost 30 children aged between 18 months and 18 years old. Designated as a place of safety for children, they take in children who find themselves victims of society’s many ills. Children find their way to the haven either through family assistance, court orders or foster care.
Funded by the fundraising efforts of committee members as well as the donations of concerned citizens, the Haven has an open-door policy that encourages the community to visit the home before making contributions. Richard stresses that anything donated to the home is used in some way. “If we don’t use it ourselves, we pass it on to other people in need,” he said.
Ethics and education are core to the Haven’s moral structure. A strong Christian upbringing aided by seven of the best local schools help prepare the children for adulthood. Richard extended his thanks saying, “The Roodepoort community has been kind to us. The schools have been amazing. The best thing you can give the children is an education.”
The home operates with a ‘cradle to the grave’ mindset, meaning that children are not forced to leave when reaching a certain age. Support is extended into early adulthood, ensuring those fortunate enough to be in the care of St Laurence’s are able to live successful lives. “We want to leave them with the memory that there was always someone who cared,” Richard explained, who after 17 years of hard work at the home has ensured the lives of many children have avoided being lost to the system.
