A haven of tranquility amid the storms of life
in Touch
JANUARY 2014
P O Box 2212 Primrose 1416 South Africa Tel. +27(0) 11 609 7246 Fax +27(0) 11 452 4560 Email: info@littleeden.org.za www.littleeden.org.za 001 827 NPO PBO: 930/0000/03
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hen Domitilla and Danny Hyams newborn babies . . . where children first started LITTLE EDEN their go hungry . . . where people steal from intention was to create just that: a and kill one another . . . and greed rules. miniature Garden of Eden . . . a little But within these walls people care for and piece of Paradise, where children with help one another; there is no judgement by profound intellectual disability could live race or age or level of ability. It really IS their lives in a little Paradise. perfect peace, Fidesco harmony and Volunteers love. bring love Each child Embracing the spirit d would be valued of LITTLE EDEN as a complete are three volunteers human being from Fidesco – and treated a federation of with respect. associations, Regardless of approved by the the severity of French government – s, their disabilities, that recruits, trains we would strivee and sends volunteers to reach the to under-served areas spirit within – of the world. The and bring joy volunteers commit to that spirit. to spending two years You only serving humanitarian have to walk and development VVolunteers ollunteers pl play lay th their heir part in i into one of the wings projects, j without regard to understand that, creating an atmosphere of to religious, ethnic or nearly 47 years cultural differences. comfort and fun at LITTLE EDEN. later, LITTLE EDEN We are delighted remains true to that vision. to have Dicky Kurniawan from Indonesia Not only because of the legacy of our working at our second hand shop, and founders or the dedication of our staff; Hélène Petremant and Clémence Marlé but because other people – people like from France assisting with physiotherapy you – have taken LITTLE EDEN into and nursing at Elvira Rota Village. your hearts and supported our efforts And we are thankful, always, for throughout the years with unstinting the role played by our many wonderful generosity. generous supporters. You help make Outside our doors lies a world LITTLE EDEN the haven of tranquillity where desperate mothers abandon that it is.
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Annual fête: 1 March 2014
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ress up as your favourite movie character and come join in all the fun of the fair. Bargains, stalls, entertainment, delicious food, games and fun for the kids – it’s all happening at our annual fête at Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home, Edenvale. Make a note now to be there!
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Rainbows and gratitude: how we celebrated Christmas L
ike colours of the rainbow, each child at LITTLE EDEN is different. With encouragement, their different personalities and abilities shine through to create a beautiful rainbow. This was the theme of our annual Christmas concert, which took place at Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home in November last year. As usual, the appreciative audience was both touched and humbled by the children’s simple joy as they sang, danced or simply beamed with the excitement of being part of it all. At Elvira Rota Village, the theme of the concert was ‘gratitude’ and again the audience was humbled to hear how residents with such severe disabilities are grateful for so many things – from their friends and carers to the extra space that was provided through funding. Christmas parties In December the children enjoyed a special party, complete with a visit from Father Christmas and his big bag of brightly wrapped gifts. We asked you to consider giving a gift of shoes or clothing rather than toys – and because they seldom get brand new things to wear, the children opened your gifts with squeals of delight. Thank you for the joy you gave. Thank you also to Emperors Palace for sponsoring the eats at Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home and to Spur who provided all the party fare at Elvira Rota Village.
New faces at LITTLE EDEN . . .
Meet Fikile – our zesty little angel who, at the age of 3, is eager to explore everything around her!
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LLovie is a fun-loving f l 4 year old who giggles uncontrollably when the boys create mischief around him. We are hoping to teach him to sit by himself.
4 year old Tshepo is blind and has to concentrate hard to work out what is happening around him.
Second hand shop gets a revamp
ast year we made the decision to close our Primrose shop and concentrate on making the Edenvale shop much bigger and better. According to Shop Supervisor, Louise Toldo: “We have greatly improved the image of the shop and sales have increased. Best of all, every item that we sell contributes to the care and well-being of our LITTLE EDEN residents.” Why not check it out for yourself? You’ll find a wide range of second hand clothing, china, kitchenware, books, toys, linen, furniture and small appliances – all at bargain prices! Situated on the corner of 3rd Street & 8th Avenue, Edenvale, the shop is open from Mon-Fri between the hours of 09h00 – 16h00 and on Saturdays from 08h30 – 12h30.
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Creating calm and peace
With music
With therapy
ll the children are encouraged to join in the vocal group as it is their way of communicating. Most are able to make sounds of some kind, and having their voice heard and acknowledged by other members of the group builds self-awareness and adds to a feeling of well-being. Pule (6 years old) attended music therapy throughout 2012, but rarely sang. On the few occasions that he did vocalise, he giggled shyly in an anxious way. So it was with some surprise during 2013 that music therapist, Marie-Victorie, heard someone singing “Ah yo! Ah yo!” lustily in Green wing. On investigation, she found a happy and confident Pule singing Virginia’s song – a collection of “ah oh” and “eh ya” sounds unique to her. Marie-Victorie immediately brought Pule to the music therapy room and encouraged him to try various songs. Since rejoining the group, his self esteem has increased. He shows concern for others in the wing, rubbing their backs when they are ill to make them feel better. Pule also finds pleasure helping Marie-Victorie to pack away the instruments and tidy up afterwards.
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our year old Owami has Sensory Modulation Disorder, which is common in adults and children with autism and ADHD. So hyperactive is Owami’s system, that sometimes a loud noise or violent emotion upsets him to such an extent that he is unable to calm himself down. Physiotherapists Lenore and Nabeela decided to try Deep Pressure Therapy, which they describe as, “like a warm bed in winter or a big fluffy hug.” Owami is taken somewhere quiet and placed on the ground and covered with a weighted blanket. He calms down immediately, puts his thumb in his mouth and falls into a deep sleep. When he wakes he is calm and smiling again. This makes him much happier and more comfortable; his tantrums can otherwise last the entire day, which is unpleasant for those around him and especially for himself. Other children benefit from metomorphis – a gentle form of foot, hand and head massage therapy similar to reflexology – which also calms residents who struggle to settle.
With prayer
Through the environment
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ur chapels play a part in creating a peaceful sanctuary for both staff and children, who often have to deal with difficult personal issues. We also have four nuns who live at Elvira Rota Village encouraging the residents to find comfort in prayer.
With determination
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haun, who turned 16 this year, is a familiar face to readers of our newsletter. Who would have thought the 2 year old with the empty eyes, who joined our family way back in 1999, would ever be able to communicate with us? Although Shaun still cannot speak, he can understand instructions and make sounds which indicate that he is responding. Ourr therapists believe that if a suitable tool can be found, Shaun will be ablee to express himself better. So far, communication cards have been used and he shows a lot of interest in interactive iPad applications.
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aving more plants, flowers and trees around makes a huge difference in achieving a more peaceful environment, with both physical and mental health benefits. While there is plenty of greenery at Elvira Rota Village, we felt the need to soften the somewhat stark feel of Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home. Thanks to the enthusiastic support from local nurseries and landscaping companies, there are colourful potted plants and greenery around the home, as well as a number of indigenous trees to be planted in the garden.
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ELVIRA ROTA VILLAGE NEWS
Just kidding!
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re these the most spoilt kids in South Africa? Certainly cuddles are not part of a normal farm animal’s lot in life! But residents at Elvira Rota Village share a special bond with the animals on our farm and take great pride and pleasure in helping to care for them.
TThe he nnew ew d day ay rroom oom ffor or B Butterfly utterfly W Wing ing
More room for bumble-bees and butterflies
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he original day rooms at either end of Louis’ Lodge at Elvira Rota Village, which serve as classrooms, dining room, activity and recreational rooms, are no longer big enough to accommodate the changing needs of our residents. More space was needed to accommodate the increased number of wheelchairs. LITTLE EDEN is extremely grateful to the Embassy of Japan for sponsoring the alterations.
Still time to care!
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ith four weeks left until the end of the financial year, you still have time to make a donation to either LITTLE EDEN Society or LITTLE EDEN Foundation at www.littleeden.org.za and claim benefit from the tax man. Donations are tax deductible in terms of Section 18A – which means SARS will reward you for your generosity! And companies can score BBBEE points as well. Please contact us for further information.
Yours free
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hanks to generous sponsorship, this newsletter has been printed free of charge – which means we can share all our news and achievements with you without having to worry about dipping into funds needed for the care of our family of children and adults with profound intellectual disability. So please sit back, relax and enjoy!
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Rest in peace Madiba
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ven though the news of a frail Madiba had been circulating through the media for months, thee news of his death on the night of 5 December still came as a shock. The following day, ther in the courtyard by LITTLE the staff was called to gather EDEN management to pay our respects to this “colossus” during a minute of silence. Mandela is admired within the Society for his courageous way in fighting for equality, encouraging peace and responsibility in South Africa and all over the world. He believed that a country reflects its personality by the way it treats its children. A message of condolence was sent to the family of Nelson Mandela, and to everyone who was affected by his death on behalf of all at the Society. LITTLE EDEN holds very close to its heart the treasured moment in 2002 when the late Madiba visited the Society. This day was not only special because an icon graced us with his presence but this was an indication that Mandela, like LITTLE EDEN, believed in the value of people with intellectual disability and that they deserve to be given quality care. We will remember him and his ways, and we will play our part to ensure that his legacy lives on! May his soul rest in peace.