"It takes a village to raise a child." This was exemplified by the University of Pretoria Law Clinic's visit to the Louis Botha Children's Home on 9 October 2019. After running a successful donation drive, several students and members of the Law Clinic spent the afternoon with the Home's marketing manager, Ancha Smuts, who took us on a tour of the grounds. At 101 years, it is the oldest children's home in the capital. The Home is a haven for children who have been removed from their homes by the South African Children's Court for reasons of abuse, neglect and poverty. They can house 97 children in 9 houses between the ages of 7 and 18, with a maximum of 12 children in each house. Every house is run by a house parent and accompanied by support staff to ensure structure and consistency. We were fortunate enough to meet several children during our tour of the various houses, as well as the Home's much loved canine companion. The Home not only provides basic necessities such as shelter and food, but also access to nearby schools, community-based activities, and therapy.

The Home strives to provide a loving and laughter-filled environment, as they believe that children cannot grow and flourish on food and shelter alone. The children have often been deprived of love, support and care. We were shown several houses, all filled with a homely atmosphere dedicated to ensuring that every child feels safe, acknowledged and cared for. Each child had their own space in their bedrooms that they could completely make their own, whether it be with pictures on the walls, or with their favourite stuffed animals scattered on the bed. The children are not grouped according to age, as this creates a more natural familial environment where the children can form bonds like siblings. Upon leaving the Home at the age of 18, the children can become a part of the Vision Independence programme, which offers financial and emotional support during the transition from the Home to independence and adulthood.

The experience at the Louis Botha Children's Home was enlightening, and unequivocally showed us that it takes a village to raise a child. The Home receives about 40% of what they need to care for their children from the State subsidy, the rest is self-generated through fund-raising or provided for by donations. The Home does not only benefit from food or monetary donations, but also from the donation of time and skills such as with tutors or home repair technicians. To find more information on how to donate or how to become a part of the programs offered through the Louis Botha Children's Home, you can visit www.louisbothachildren.co.za or contact the Home directly on 012 333 6184.

- Rochelle van der Linde (PRR Student 2019)

"Children are our most valuable natural resource." - Herbert Hoover

Thank you to the staff and students from the University of Pretoria Law Clinic for your contributions to the Louis Botha Children's Home. 

#fitforpractice #classof2019 #studenthub4learninganddevelopment

- Samantha Yell (student supervising attorney)