THE double storey white house in the heart of Hankey looks nothing more than just another private residence among all the other houses on the street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But as you enter the building, you enter a warm and inviting environment, watched over by a gigantic plush teddy bear flopped in the corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A playroom overflowed with books, games and stuffed animals \u2013 one where every detail was carefully chosen to make a child comfortable and at ease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here, abused and neglected children will find support, hope and love \u2013 and take the first step on their long journey to healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n Th\u00e1rros<\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inspired to help the young and vulnerable, Taise Sampson (48) \u2013 a business owner and qualified social worker \u2013 walked away from a well-paying management job to pursue her passion: helping abused and neglected children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After months of hard work, Th\u00e1rros Child and Youth Care Centre \u2013 meaning courage in Greek \u2013 opened its doors in the quaint white house that was formerly home to the Hankey Children\u2019s Home before its closure in 2014.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since its opening in August last year, 19 children \u2013 from newborn to 12 years and removed from their home by either the police or social workers \u2013 have found security, love, support and protection in this five-bedroomed house. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most of them stay between three to six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n Sampson, who first became aware of the critical need of a temporary home for abused children while working as a volunteer at Joshua Project in Jeffreys Bay, says, \u201cTh\u00e1rros serves as a safe haven for up to 20 children in need of short-term emergency placements, while social workers investigate the best options for their long term care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe aim of Th\u00e1rros is to offer a safe haven to those in crisis; providing hope, security and opportunity to girls and boys who have been victims of abuse and neglect in the Sarah Baartman District.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe work hard to ensure that each child placed by us is given a safe, caring, healthy and structured environment in which they have every opportunity to become happy, confident and successful individuals \u2013 giving them back the life they have dreamed about, the life they should have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen they leave, they must leave with more energy and strength in themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhere possible we want to reunite the children with their families. Removal will be the last option.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apart from providing a temporary home, they have a dedicated and qualified carer, Leonie Muller from Erica House in Port Elizabeth, as well as a play-therapy space under the guidance of qualified therapist Marli Potgie-ter, to help children express their feelings and resolve abuse in an age-appropriate way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n How to help<\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n One thing lacking, is a home schooling programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith children coming from all over the Sarah Baartman District, and not knowing how long they will stay with us, it is difficult to place them in a local school,\u201d says Samp-son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHowever, we do offer computer-based maths and science, as well as creative programmes \u2013 but nothing close to the curriculum followed at school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt would be wonderful if we could implement a home school programme at Th\u00e1rros with the help of former teachers and volunteers.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Community support will furthermore allow them to go far beyond the basic care of each child placed in our home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMonetary donations are welcome, as well as gently used clothing, toys and educational toys. And most important, time. Even if it is to help in the garden, teach the children how to bake cookies, or to read to them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those wanting to help brighten the lives of the boys and girls living at Th\u00e1rros, a Non-Government Organisation, can contact Samp-son at 083 500 0910. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" THE double storey white house in the heart of Hankey looks nothing more than just another private residence among all the other houses on the 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\n Safe Haven<\/span>
\n <\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n