Swedish landowner secures orphanage in Alldays

A three-year dream of a local Swedish landowner, Mr Leif Rahmqvist, became a reality when a partnership agreement was reached late last year between the Alldays local municipality, the local community and Mr Rahmqvist from Mapungubwe Game Reserve (Pty) Ltd.

Rahmqvist’s dream to establish a fully-fledged orphanage and day-care centre is now beginning to take shape. Construction of the first phase of the projects is already in progress.

Rahmqvist was touched by the poverty, homelessness and disease encountered in the surrounding area of the town of Alldays, close to his ranch. There are many orphans who have lost their parents to Aids and other diseases, he said.

"The children get one daily meal at a local drop-in centre run by volunteers. They are exposed to a vulnerable existence in the streets, without adult care, clean water or toilets, much less basic health care and medicine. It is not right that children have it this way. All children are entitled to a good start in life, with care and a safe shelter. I therefore founded the Mapungubwe Foundation Orphanage in order to build and run an orphanage, to give these homeless children a safe place to grow up. A place that will provide a proper upbringing, with enough to eat, clean water, health care, medicine, education and a bed of their own for each child,” he added.

According to him, the Mapungubwe Foundation Orphanage is a long-term project with the goal to create a brighter life and future for the children. In the first phase, they will construct and build the orphanage. The home will also house teachers, nurses and other staff who will stay with the children. He also mentioned that many of the families had problems with illness and disease, thus making the children socially and economically vulnerable. According to him, it is important that the children do not lose social contact.

“The plan now is to build an orphanage with 20 beds for children with acute needs. Directly adjacent to the orphanage, we will build a day-care centre for those children who continue to live with families. When the house is built, we will run this operation and secure for each child a bed, nutritious food, clean drinking water, water toilets and washrooms, education, school books, help with homework and a school uniform. They will also get access to support people, a reading room, various activities, and health care.”

Rahmqvist also mentioned that the project relies entirely on voluntary contributions. “Our goal is to invite and engage neighbours, private businesses, and state and local authorities to participate in the project. Our plan is to also involve teachers and nurses from abroad. We guarantee fully that each and every penny donated will go into the project for the benefit of the children. No administration costs will be paid. This is guaranteed by our system, in which no one can access the orphanage’s money.”

News - Date: 31 January 2014

Frans van der Merwe

Frans van der Merwe is a freelance journalist with more than 40 years experience in the newspaper industry. Apart from newspaper reporting, he was also involved with radio news, news reading, training and marketing. He has been living and working in Louis Trichardt since 1991.

Email: