The children go to the beach

The children have been taken on a number of outings in the past year, in order to stimulate them and broaden their knowledge of their environment. One of their favourite places to visit is the Sea Point Pavilion Swimming Pool. They have been to the pool three times and each visit has seen a day of immense fun, excitement and entertainment!

It is amazing to see the joy they get from being in the water and being able to have some space to play and just be kids - something that is very lacking at the existing home! One could actually see the legs of some of the disabled kids moving in the water, who normally do not have the strength to move their legs.

Each child is provided with a lunch and snacks for the day, and of course many sweets to keep that sugar rush at a maximum!

What was especially encouraging for me personally, was how willing the children are to help clean up and assist wherever they can, as well as how appreciative they are of the opportunity for a day out.

All in all, these outings always make for a day filled with much fun and laughter - as well as many priceless memories of smiles put on sad faces! They remind me how much we take for granted when I see the children getting out for sometimes the first time in months! Some of the children had never seen the sea before - even those who are already teenagers. One doesn't realize how many people just never leave the townships, because of lack of resources.

I will never forget the children calling me over with beaming faces, to watch proudly how they can swim!

Sonja Nowotny - Friends of Bathandwa trustee