There was great excitement when a group of MBAs from Anglo American visited our Pimville Centre recently - bringing hot-dogs; chips; sweets and cold drinks for the children. This international group comes to South Africa annually and makes a point of visiting one of our feeding centres.

The children were all sitting in the shade patiently waiting for the huge tour bus to arrive.  About 25 people arrived in the bus and quickly set up the tables for the food.  The children watched with big eyes - but sat quietly with no running around.

First the adults lined up for a special meal prepared by the workers at the centre.  Then the children queued up for theirs. Some of the smaller ones battled to hold the huge hot-dogs in one hand - as they had their drinks to carry as well.  Although they had big grins when they got the hot dogs -  their eyes were on the chips and sweets - as these are such rare treats for them.

While the children were finishing their meal three of the gentlemen asked if they could walk around the gardens. One of them asked why the children were so small in stature; and we explained that because we did not have access to many of them in their early years the proper development did not take place. We showed them where the caregivers work in the gardens; and told them about the nutrition training and information on AIDS that they receive from the ACFS.

The group also learned that many of the children are being looked after by their grandmothers - as they have lost their parents to AIDs. They were stunned to hear how many children are living with the virus. After hearing how many child headed families we are caring for we noticed one of the gentlemen in tears.  

They asked what we need most and we explained that money to keep looking after the children was the most useful. Sometimes we have to turn families away; as we just do not have the funds to stretch to everyone in need.

The visit ended with the ladies singing and dancing - and some of the guests joined in. It was wonderful to watch and everyone left feeling quite emotional - but with a feeling of having brought some joy to these children and their guardians.