Adoptions: It is in our DNA
10 December 2024
WORKING IN A BABY HOME: FROM THE HEART OF A SOCIAL WORKER
Thabitha Phalane – Social Worker (Ngwana House)
thabitha@afmwelfare.org.za
A baby house/home is more than a Child and Youth Care Centre – for every baby carried into the home it is their first taste of family, a mother, a provider, a protector, a nurturer, it is every baby’s first taste of what home and love feels like. I have always known from my university days that I wanted to work with children and hoped to be granted an opportunity to shape them to not only reach their potential but renew their hope in understanding that they are more than whatever circumstances they were born in. Being a social worker involved in a baby house has taught me to have crazy faith. To believe that every child who leaves the house will be placed in a loving, supportive and caring home.
Don’t like early mornings and long days? In a Baby Home, this is the standard! Children wake up at 5:00 am, followed by bathing, dressing, and bottle feeding. Breakfast is at 7:00 am, with a bottle feed after. Snacks are at 10:00 am, and nap time runs from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. After lunch, they have a snack at 3:00 pm, play, and bath time at 4:00 pm. Dinner is served at 7:00 pm, with bedtime at 8:30 pm. The team of caregivers is observant, supportive, and compassionate, handling tasks with patience. While the job can be emotionally demanding, guidance and support help them consistently to bring their best.
To look after the health of the babies, Ngwana House partners with various medical professionals, including 10 GPs, a paediatrician, a speech therapist, two dieticians, an occupational therapist, a dermatologist, an orthopaedic surgeon, and an anaesthesiologist. Attachment and bonding are crucial for the children’s development. Babies naturally gravitate toward certain caregivers, forming strong emotional connections. Their excitement and affectionate names like “mama” or “mommy” reflect this bond. These connections help the children feel secure, loved, and valued, reducing feelings of abandonment and fostering a sense of belonging. Every child is christened, prayers are part of the daily routine, and gospel music is played to foster spiritual growth. Children are cuddled, comforted, and taught basics like sharing and tidying up. Older children often step in as “big siblings,” even helping younger ones with tasks like adjusting bottles.
The many success stories and positive feedback from adoptive families constantly renew my passion for this work. We are blessed to be part of a community that values giving back and truly understands our mission. Schools, churches, businesses, and organizations consistently support the baby house, ensuring it stays operational.
Baby houses are essential in South Africa, especially in Limpopo, where Ngwana House is the only facility of its kind. The demand far exceeds its capacity. It is vital for NGOs, the government, and philanthropists to invest in baby houses, as they provide crucial care and form the foundation of a child’s life from birth.
