Support Children Orphaned by Aids in South Africa

SETHANI

Njabulo Dludla

It was a normal routine day for one of the Educator’s based at Bongimpilo creche when she decided to visit a household by the road where she always pass by a see this little boy locked inside the yard and playing alone.

It was discovered that Njabulo is residing with his great-grandmother Mrs Mkhize who reported that the biological mother of the child is still a teenager and is neglecting Njabulo. Furthermore, she shared that Njabulo is a child living with special needs. Njabulo experienced deficits intellectually, speech and in hearing. Njabulo’s great-grandmother was too old to provide proper care to the child and she also has number of chronical conditions which hinders her to take Njabulo to the local clinic or hospital.

Ms Nonhlanhla (the educator) advised Mrs Mkhize to enrol Njabulo to the ECD centre and she will assist in picking up and dropping off Njabulo on daily basis. An arrangement in this regard was made and Njabulo started attending the crèche. During his first months the child always isolated himself from other children and when they were screaming and playing he would be shocked and start to cry. He was not talking, very quiet and reserved.

Six to eight months being in the creche Njabulo started interacting and engage with few other toddlers but distanced himself from larger groups. Few months later the said child started to speak properly and responded immediately during conversations. Njabulo was taught learning tasks, stories, songs etc. He started to play and he is now at the same level as his peers. The Early Childhood Development Centre also worked collaboratively with the local clinic in assist Mrs Mkhize with immunisation of Njabulo.

Everyone is very thrilled with Njabulo and the school readiness programme he has done. Thanks to the Starfish PRATICA educational toys has also been a great advantage.