Fountain of Love orphanage marks 22 years of uplifting Katlehong community
Recently, the Katlehong-based centre, which houses 40 orphans, marked its 22nd anniversary by giving blankets to its residents and various other charitable gifts to uplift and empower the community.
Centre founder Rose Mthembu said they regularly treat elderly citizens to breakfast and supper daily.
'We also have other charity drives, including a food parcel drive where we donate the parcels to child-headed and disadvantaged families. On August 5, we donated 140 blankets to elderly people in our community. There are other charity programmes we plan to roll out during August as part of the centre celebrating Women's Month,' said Mthembu.
She explained that the centre would also issue sanitary pads and dignity packs to mark the month.
'During the dignity pack drive, we will donate toiletries to boys' orphanages. We will also take these boys to a salon for haircuts. Through the drive, we are spreading parental love to them and ensuring they don't feel the void of not having parents,' Mthembu explained.
She said the orphanage is currently home to 13 boys and 27 girls.
'Some children in our care are brought here by social workers, others we adopt after seeing they come from disadvantaged families.
'I established the orphanage because of my experience. My parents died when I was young, and fortunately, my brother, Zwelibanzi Radebe, became my custodian. He took good care of me along with his wife, Franscinah Moloi, and they showered me with love and care. By starting this centre, I want to offer the same love and care to other orphaned children,' Mthembu said.
She said her brother and his wife played a significant role in her life.
'I want to share the same love with others. I also learnt from them that children can thrive in environments where there's love. Even the children at the centre are displaying the same love to others outside. For example, one of the children went out and returned without shoes, and when I asked him, he said he had given them to his friend who didn't have any. It pleased me and showed me that I'm imparting good morals to the children,' said Mthembu.
She added that in January, she rolled out a book-covering drive in partnership with other organisations.
'We covered over 500 books for learners living in our area,' Mthembu recalled.
Thando Ngonyama (24), a resident at the centre, said the orphanage has had a profound impact on her life.
'I started staying at the centre when I was nine, and was nurtured and moulded to be who I am today. I recently graduated with a qualification in sports management. I thank the founder, 'Grandma' Mthembu, for the role she played in my life. If I wasn't accommodated at the centre, I wouldn't be the woman I am today,' Ngonyama said.
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