A whole new world opened to Lillie Steward, a student from the Wellesley College in Boston, USA, when she worked as an intern at the Sunflower Children’s Hospice since June.
On her way back to the USA this weekend, she spent her time learning about the work being done at Sunflower House and in the community.
She is one of several students that visits Sunflower from time to time getting to know more about the programmes helping children with life-limiting illnesses.
Visiting children in the communities, she learnt more about how the team help children out in the wider Bloemfontein from Bainsvlei to Botshabelo.
Joan Marston, founder of Sunflower Children’s Hospice, says it was lovely to have Lillie taking part.
Lillie’s practical background attending Summer Camps and helping grieving children aged seven to nine years at The Children’s Room back home, was a cornerstone in helping her to relate to the children.
“I enjoyed playing with the children and stimulating them with music and singing,” she said about her experiences.
Lillie also took part in a fundraising event that took place on 30 July at Coffee Talks.
She joined local artist Werner Schmidt entertaining guests at the Sunflower Soirée with songs.
Lillie helped in another practical way building a sensory garden at Sunflower House on the grounds of the National District Hospital.
“This hospice accommodate children that have very special needs,”Lillie explained.
“They have a lovely play area, but now we worked on this additional part where they can play, touch, hear, smell and use all their senses.”
They used recycled items in creating the sensory area, including scented plants and lots of colour.
This garden will be opened on Friday, 15 August.
She is was very impressed with the level of awarenes of the work of Sunflower House.
“The children are well taken care of. I have seen children arriving here and doing so much better thanks to the care they receive.”
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