This summer I am returning to Sanyu Babies Home for the third time to volunteer for about 11 weeks. The Home cares for children between the ages of 1 day and 4 years old who have been abandoned, orphaned and often abused. It provides love and care to them and then works to reunite them with family members or for them to be fostered or adopted.
While at Sanyu, I will be helping with the day to day care including feeding, changing and playing with the children. I will also be helping with daily chores like hanging and folding laundry, washing up dishes and bottles and helping the Mamas with tasks like making the beds or cooking.
Last year the money I fundraised supported two different projects. Firstly I took all of the toddlers and some of the Mamas and teachers on a trip to Freedom City Children's Park where the children were able to play in the pool, on bouncy castles, in a soft play area and have a treat of chicken and chips and ice cream. This was a massive treat to all involved as usually a treat for these children is sitting by the gate of the home watching the traffic go by.
I also bought a chainsaw for the home, as all of their cooking is done on wood fires and they were having to hire someone frequently to chop up the wood for them which was a very costly process.
When I am there this year I will assess the most vital needs of the home, and support whatever projects the director Barbara and I see as important as well as hopefully organising another trip as it was such a success last time!
Many of the children in the Home have had very tough starts in life but at Sanyu, each child flourishes and is cared for in an environment full of love, laughter and also a bit of chaos at times!
I have seen personally the incredible work Sanyu does first hand, and I cannot wait to return to the staff and children that feel like a family to me. If you feel you can donate, I would be so grateful and can assure you it will be making a real difference in their lives!