The International Organization for Migration (IOM) joined the global community to celebrate the Mandela International Day on Friday 18 July. IOM staff visited Alfonso Maria Fusco Child and Youth Care Centre in Bronkhorstspruit for a fun-filled day with the kids, characterized by laughter, braai, and entertainment. Grocery supplies were also donated to the centre.

Alfonso Maria Fusco Child and Youth Care Centre, under the leadership of Sister Mary, accommodates over 40 kids between the ages of 1 and 18 years old who are either orphans or have been put up for foster care due unacceptable living conditions under the care of their biological families.

IOM also partnered with Tabitha Ministries Orphans and Children Ministry, a non-profit organization based in Pretoria. Tabitha Ministries Orphans and Children Ministry works with various child-care centres across the Gauteng province. Food supplies, clothes, books and toys were donated to Indaba Zosindiso Orphanage in Denville, west of Pretoria. The orphanage houses and takes care of over 30 orphans from across South Africa and outside the country.

IOM staff was joined by the IOM’s new Chief of Mission, Mr. Richard Ots, together with his family to celebrate legacy of the late global icon Nelson Mandela.

“We could not think of any better way to observe this special day than doing something good for children. Displaying love and kindness is imperative for any physical and psychological early childhood development. We are building a nation that will learn to extend compassion to anyone from anywhere in the world despite differences,” says Richard Ots.

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