This note, written by 11-year-old Andy, breaks our hearts

It’s a desperate plea for love and acceptance. And we know it won’t be answered.

Andy and his older brother Tim so badly want to be part of a family. They were only four and five years old respectively when their father died and their mother abandoned them.

At first, they went to live with their great aunt, who was already caring for their older sister. But the old lady couldn’t cope with the boys. Especially Tim, who has ADHD. He was always in trouble at school, hanging out with much older children and getting up to all sorts of mischief.

So, the boys were placed in our care. And we began the process of working with other family members who might be willing to take them on.

Over the years, they have had contact with their step sister, great aunt and aunt. But each time a family member takes them ‘home’ for a weekend or over the holidays, the boys are brought back early because of their disruptive behaviour.

And each time they return to our Centre, Andy and Tim feel more devastated and rejected.

We believe that whenever a family member shows interest in them, Tim deliberately acts up to ‘test’ them. He feels that if they really love him, they will put up with his behaviour.

But the sad reality is that these families have problems of their own, and can’t provide the attention and support the boys need. So for now, Tim and Andy will remain in our care.

It’s up to us to provide the love and acceptance they crave, so they can develop into secure, confident and happy young people. And we need your help, please.

Please consider supporting us with a monthly donation to Sponsor a Child.

Your contribution of R1 245 pays for food for a month for one child. R550 covers school fees, sports equipment and transport, while R250 helps towards clothing and trips to the doctor or dentist. Smaller gifts are also received with great gratitude; they help pay for items like soap, toothpaste and shoe polish, which are always needed.

Every cent we receive is precious. Added together, these contributions make all the difference to a neglected, abused or abandoned child’s future. So please, will you join in and make your donation now?