BOTLOKWA – Fifteen orphans of Bakhita Village, a boarding home for vulnerable children, stood in absolute astonishment when they witnessed the arrival of all the essential equipment that they had only dreamt of.

Following a financial boost of R50 000 from the Old Mutual Foundation, the handover function on May 15 was officiated by Rossie Bezuidenhout and Riana Smith from Old Mutual in Louis Trichardt.

The children marvelled at their new beds, mattresses, stove, fridge, washing machine, heaters, television set, study tables, furniture and toys. The netball ring and netball immediately captured their attention and activity. An additional cheque of R5 000 was handed over to cover their needs for blankets and toiletries.

Bakhitha Village is located on the campus of St Brendan's Catholic Boarding School. It is approximately 50 km from Louis Trichardt and 2km from the N1 on the Bethel turn off. The home was initiated in response to the devastating effects of the AIDS pandemic. The children live at Bakhita Village throughout the school year and return home during school holidays.

"Our school's motto is Truth and Compassion and we try to encourage the community to live by this motto and show compassion towards little children in need," says Sister Philippa Murphy of St Brendan's.

"We are indeed very grateful to Old Mutual for their financial contribution to the home. The numbers of orphans are growing at an alarming rate as are the number of child headed families. At this stage we only have a single area appropriate for residential care at Bakhita Village so fifteen girls who are the most vulnerable have been selected."

The Catholic Mission focuses on girls for the Bakhita Village boarding hostel because they are most at risk of being sexually abused and contracting the HIV/AIDS virus. However, in the future they hope to establish a home for boys as well. Four volunteers from the community help with the cleaning and washing while two caregivers look after the girls.

Research indicates that more than 12% of the population of the Northern Province are living with HIV/AIDS and this figure is expected to double by 2010.

"A little support can make a big difference to a community like this," comments Mr Koos Nel, Old Mutual regional marketing manager of Pretoria and the Northern Province.

"Many of these children are ostracised by their families, extended families and communities because of the stigma attached to the AIDS disease."

At the handover function addresses were made by Mr Val Killian (Old Mutual Pietersburg), Mr Percy Kraus (Old Mutual Tzaneen) and Sister Philippa Murphy, wherafter the girls gave a dance and song performance. The handover function coincided with Old Mutual's 157th birthday and the children of Bakitha Village were treated to a birthday party.