JEFFREYS BAY – A Jeffreys Bay pre-school owner is stepping out in faith to establish a safe haven for abused and abandoned children, with the long-term vision of seeing the town become “orphan-less.”

Mikayla Grobbelaar, who has been running Kingdom Rise Pre-school in Jeffreys Bay for the past seven years, has launched a BackaBuddy campaign titled “Every Child Deserves a Safe Home” to raise R3 million to purchase a house for the planned safe haven.

Grobbelaar, a mother of three, said her love for children began at a young age and has only grown stronger through raising her own family and running her pre-school.

“I have always loved children, and it has been such a blessing to run my own pre-school and spend time with children every day. I initially wanted to study acting, but during a gap year God reminded me of the love I have for children and the impact I could have in their lives, which led me to establish my own pre-school as a loving and safe environment,” said Grobbelaar.

She said becoming a mother deepened her understanding of the importance of providing children with love, nurture and security.

“As a mom of three precious children, my heart has been moved, and I realise the importance that love, nurturing and a safe environment have on children. I’ve realised how vulnerable they are and that as adults it is our responsibility to be that support for the children in our care in our pre-school, and in the safe house we are trusting to open. Every child deserves love and safety; they deserve to feel a warm embrace and acceptance,” said Grobbelaar.

She said the vision for the project began last year when she felt God tell her that Jeffreys Bay would become orphan-less.

“When I felt the Lord say Jeffreys Bay will be orphan-less, my heart leapt for joy. The thought of every child being safe and loved made me excited. I immediately started reaching out to people and soon realised it isn’t something that can happen immediately. I had to wait on the Lord. It’s been a year, and I have recently felt Him say that the time is now,” said Grobbelaar.

She said that earlier this year, she drove past a house for sale at R3 million that she believes is the ideal property for the safe haven.

Grobbelaar said she believes this specific house is the perfect place because she does not believe they should “settle.”

“This specific house has a beautiful outdoor area, which is what grabbed my attention. It’s a place where children can run, play, be themselves and be little children,” said Grobbelaar.

She said the haven initially hopes to accommodate six children, although the age groups have not yet been finalised.

“Working with children five and under, I feel very confident working with those ages; however, we are open to providing for older children if the need arises,” said Grobbelaar.

She said the organisation has already been registered as a non-profit organisation and that she has been building relationships with local social workers and the Department of Social Development while researching the registration requirements.

However, Grobbelaar explained that the formal process can only begin once they occupy the building.

She also believes the initiative could eventually inspire similar projects across South Africa.

“I believe that House of Promise will create a blueprint that will be easy to multiply in different areas, which gives people a clear plan and direction. As one town becomes orphan-less, the rest of the country will ask how we did it,” said Grobbelaar.

She said she has witnessed child neglect through both her pre-school and within the community.

“I have a deep desire to step in as children are vulnerable and unable to help themselves. They need us to help them,” said Grobbelaar.

The fundraising campaign has received encouraging support with over R100,000 raised through the BackaBuddy campaign.

“The response has been so special. It has been beautiful to see that so many people really do care. If everyone does their little, there will be a huge impact,” said Grobbelaar.

She said they are trusting the community to help make the vision a reality.

“We are really stepping out in faith and obedience and asking friends and community members for assistance. If 100,000 people sponsor R30, which is the price of a coffee, that will be R3 million,” said Grobbelaar.

Calling on the community to become involved, she urged people to support the vision in whatever way they can.

“We are calling on the community of Jeffreys Bay to stand with us, to trust with us, that Jeffreys Bay will be orphan-less. I urge people to start asking the question, ‘What role can I play?’ Whether it is praying for organisations, volunteering your time, becoming a place of safety, fostering, financially contributing, or anything you feel led to do. We all play a role, and if everyone does a little, it goes a long way,” said Grobbelaar.

People can also follow the mission on the House of Promise Instagram page, where more information is available via direct message.

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