The 69-year old Ouma Emily, as she is affectionately known, believes the support of FNB Maties with their #ShowUs Campaign is invaluable to the centre to achieve its goals. The aim is to teach children sustainable life skills and provide support during times of need.

With a focus on comforting children facing challenges at home and empowering them for thriving futures, the centre therefore plays a vital role in creating a sense of belonging and hope within the community.

“My first priority was to change the mindset of our kids here in Idas Valley. Our goal is to show them that they can rise out of the circumstances they find themselves in,” explains Ouma Emily.

“They (the children) do not necessarily need to get involved in a life of gangsterism and drugs where they go out to rob people just to get their next fix. They need to know there are so many other activities they can occupy themselves with.

“We are helping the kids here in Idas Valley with things like getting them ready for back-to-school. One of our goals is to see to it that the kids have basic things like stationery, school clothing and other necessities.

“The idea is to make them feel valued to avoid them growing up with the perception that nobody really cares about them.”

According to Scheepers the involvement of Maties in their activities goes a long way in achieving this goal.

“Yes, they (Maties) have always been involved. Besides a feeding scheme which includes a soup kitchen, they also keep the kids busy with activities in the afternoon after school that keeps them off the streets.

“Many of the kids get involved in sports like rugby and soccer. One of our kids has already gone on to play for Stellenbosch. Four of our kids in our programme recently graduated with matric.”