Freedom is a slide and a see-saw!

27th April is Freedom Day in South Africa, 28 years after independence, yet for the multitude of children who live near Siphila Sonke little physically has changed either in their lifetime or that of their parents!  However, today is a day to celebrate, laugh and play with friends at the newly constructed play park opposite our Siphila facility.  Shrieks of laughter, “oohs” “aahs” and giggles are the order of the day.  Politely the little ones’ queue to experience the “whoosh” of descending down the high, smooth, slippery slide!  Excited youngsters scramble onto the see-saw and, much like an old fashioned weighing machine, get the balance just right as the numbers equal out!  (Good job the see-saw is made of heavy duty steel and can withstand the weight of numerous eager and adventurous little ones as they pile together to make up teams.)

The brightly coloured apparatus brings friends, fun as well as broad smiles from the community. There is a climbing frame and races are rapidly organised to see who can swing along the full length of the bars.  Gym apparatus is a success especially with the older boys who want to build their muscles!  The contractors’ task is made even more difficult as many of the bubbly youngsters are keen to give each part a try even before it has been secured into position!  It’s all a happy scene; a time of rejoicing as the children play together and find the many excellent opportunities this new site has made available to them. 

Thank you to the kind, generous and thoughtful donors who have truly brought a touch of freedom into many lives!