Heaven’s Nest a child care and recreation facility situated in Edward Street in Ottery has served as an emergency foster care centre since January 2004. The centre was started by a group of 12 woman and cares for children infected or affected by HIV and AIDS as well as children who have been abandoned, abused or neglected until they can be placed back with family members, fostered or adopted.
Since inception, more than 360 children have passed through the centre’s doors with many of them being placed in improved conditions with family members, foster or adoptive parents.
Eleanor Bester coordinator of Heaven’s Nest says, “We take care of about 14 children at a time here at Heaven’s Nest, but there are many more that we are unable to get to.” According to the latest available statistics, by the year 2015 there will be an estimated 3 million orphans as a result of HIV and AIDS. At present there are already 2 million orphans affected by the pandemic.
According to Bester the 360 children the facility has cared for is a drop in the ocean compared to the estimated 3 million that South Africa will have in 2015. “We are hoping to care for at least a few children who have fallen victim to HIV and AIDS, abandonment, abuse or neglect.” Bester adds, “At Heaven’s Nest we believe that if we reach one child, we have done something to contribute positively towards this harrowing problem.”
Although Heaven’s Nest has been running successfully for six years, the centre relies on sustainable donations from the community in which it operates as well as surrounding areas. “We don’t need big donations,” says Bester. “Anybody can donate and the small donations are appreciated as much as the big donations.”
Heaven’s Nest strives to provide care, which includes counseling, to help children work through their difficulties to ensure they can grow with confidence. Students from the S.A. College of Applied Psychology gain practical experience at the centre. In addition, the centre now has a German Art Therapist who would like to spend a year with the children using the art therapy treatment process as a safe, contained and supportive channel to express and explore their thoughts and feelings.
Heaven’s Nest would like to thank all those have helped to sustain the centre over the past six years.
Should you wish to contribute towards Heaven’s Nest in any way, please contact Eleanor Bester on: 021 703 9781 alternatively you may email her at: heavensnest@telkomsa.net
