Hannie Stevenson and her partner Simphiwe Mbambalala from Jouberton outside Klerksdorp in the North West have changed the lives of almost 200 children through their NGO called Living with Hope by Hannie.
The non-profit organisation was established in 2012. The couple have developed a unique child-friendly coaching model that is directly related to the needs of the developing brain, and self-awareness, by having a programme called "I am a great child with purpose" that has adopted children from the ages of three to 15 years.
Their programme aims to empower children from an early childhood development. The 35-year-old Stevenson and 33-year-old Mbambalala believe that acts of kindness and generosity have the power to elevate a person’s mood in many positive ways. They converted their home into a sanctuary for disadvantaged children who line up every morning and after school for a meal. They also assist with food, toiletries, stationery and free Wi-Fi during this period. Their organisation is more of a walk-in centre where every child from the community is welcomed at any time.
Stevenson was diagnosed with HIV in 2011, and she said that because of her disease, which left her bed-ridden and confined to a wheelchair, she was sick for almost four years and realised that her two children, both girls, were not receiving the attention every child deserves. "I told myself that when I get well, I'm going to make a difference and influence the lives of other children. Giving without expecting anything in return is what it is all about. I am happy when I can put a smile on a child's face," she said.
Most of the children who come to their house for love and care have parents and homes, but they prefer to gather at the pair’s house because they get the food and attention they need. They also have an after-school programme meant to assist children with homework for all the children that go to underprivileged schools, and in this programme, they provide snacks and food for those in need.
They also have a school holiday programme that is developmental and includes solving challenges, game learning, phonics curriculum, assessment policy, brain developmentboosting mathematics games, computer skills curriculum, panel discussions and career development.
Stevenson said that when children feel the benefits of working with a fully committed person like her, it becomes a powerful motivator for maintaining balanced daily habits and routines that impact positively on their mental well-being. "The school holidays programme is meant to prevent these children from dwelling in the street during this time of holidays," she said.
