By Nangamso Mabindla
29 August 2007

THE beaming faces of the children at Phandu'ulwazi Care Centre are proof enough that the Leiden Youth Brigade has turned one of the centre's units into a home of which they can be proud.

Armed with paint brushes, creative ideas and enthusiasm, the Dutch group arrived in Buffalo City determined to make a difference to one of the four units at the 31-year-old centre.

Their trip was paid for with funds raised by the first visitors from the youth brigade, who came to work on the centre in August 2006. One of the visitors, Marjon van der Vegte, said that the group was happy to have played a part in transforming the unit.

"We worked very hard to reach our goal. We split into teams and worked in the different rooms. Now we are satisfied with what we have achieved."

By Monday, 27 August the unit boasted a lounge and a library for the children, while the kitchen had been moved. Van der Vegte, who was also part of last year's group, said that they were overwhelmed by what they had managed to achieve.

"It's amazing, especially for me because I saw some of the faces I saw last year. The kids here are amazing; and after they saw their new home they were so happy. There is no better feeling than knowing that you have used your time to make someone happy; it's fulfilling."

She said that once the group had returned to Holland, they would boost awareness about Phand'ulwazi on the radio and in newspapers. "We will try to raise funds for next year's group so that we can work on the last unit and leave this home in a very good state."

Thabo Matiwane, the city's general manager for public participation and special programmes, was happy with what the youth brigade had accomplished at Phand'ulwazi.

"Change does not come fast, but we need to do something to bring about change in our communities; and partnerships like the one we have with Leiden will assist us in making a difference in people's lives," he said, thanking the Dutch volunteers for their hard work.