Japan gives gym to orphans
COUNTRY BUILDS R4.4M FACILITY FOR THE ORLANDO CHILDREN’S HOME
The Orlando Children’s Home has gone through some difficult times in its 78-year history. The year 1976 saw a period where buildings were deteriorating and the home was on the verge of collapse.
It’s a different story in 2018. It is in better shape than ever, thanks to the support of the country of Japan and diplomat Yasushi Naito.
It is hosting a handing-over ceremony today of a new wellness centre between Naito – representing the Japanese government – and the project director of the Orlando Children’s Home, Solani Mirriam Mazibuko.
“We have a strong feeling that in order to succeed the ownership must come from this country,” Naito says.
He has, in his 30-year relationship with the Children’s Home, helped finance and create several other projects.
For the first project was 25 years ago – a new dormitory was built, then a new crèche used by both children in the home and outside children in the community. Now the wellness centre, which was estimated to have cost R4.4 million.
The massive structure includes athletic facilities and solar-panel roofing, which will provide free electricity for the home in the form of a clean energy alternative.
“This place will be fully utilised and it will be looked after,” Mazibuko said. “To our children this place will be a symbol of our togetherness with the people of Japan.”
Naito confirmed their relationship will not be coming to an end, saying: “We will be involved continuously.”
Naito’s assurance that Japan will continue to support the children’s home is a sign of continuous growth of the oldest orphanage in South Africa.
“There are some people who can only support for a limited time, but this community of Japan are the longest serving at our children’s home,” Mazibuko said. “Our relationship is one of mutual respect, they are here and the relationship will go on.”For Naito and the Japanese government, support of the Orlando Children’s Home is not solely one of philanthropy.
There has been a continuous “mutual learning” between Japanese students and the Orlando Children’s Home, which has resulted in about 100 children from the home visiting Japan, as well as both communities joining together to create a Japanese-Zulu dictionary.
Naito sums up the philosophy behind Japan’s generosity by quoting Nelson Mandela: “If you work for others then you become a true human being.”
... a symbol of togetherness with the people of Japan