On April 9th the tour will make a large donation to a charity
called Bowy House in Paarl, near Cape Town

Here’s why

One of Merwe’s aims for our South African adventure was for all of us – both players and parents – to understand what life is like for people less fortunate than ourselves. He suggested we help a small charity called Miqlat Bowy House, which looks after babies and young children in Paarl who are infected or affected by HIV. Lalie Lombard, manager of Bowy House, explains the charity’s work.

How did Bowy House begin?
“Miqlat (Hebrew for ‘place of refuge and hope’) has for many years been involved with the care of families and children impacted by AIDS. Hester Veldsman, founder and chief executive of Miqlat, had a special relationship with a boy named Bowy. Through him and others we saw the need for a place where children infected with HIV/Aids could be cared for. In 2002, through the generous support of donors, we acquired a home in Paarl.
“Unfortunately Bowy died of Aids before he could visit the home. It is named in his memory.”

Who are the children?
“They are either orphaned or from needy, poverty-stricken families, referred to us by the hospitals, social department and police. Currently we have 17, from newborn to six years old.”

How do you care for them?
“We strive for excellence not only in physical care, but in emotional and spiritual care too. Our aim is always to act in the best interest of the children entrusted to us, and to give care according to individual need. For example we take them to speciality clinics at Red Cross and Tygerberg hospitals in Cape Town for physiotherapy, speech therapy, etc. They also visit the Infectious Disease Clinic at Paarl East Hospital, and other local clinics. A trained teacher provides the necessary stimulation for the children’s development in our in-house creche. Most of the children are on anti-retroviral medecine, with positive results, and they follow a healthy diet supervised by a dietician.

What becomes of the children?
“As much as health and family situations allow, we work towards re-uniting children with their families. This includes following up to ensure that acceptable care is provided in the home. We make sure they are getting the right medicine, and that they have enough food and clothes. We also give emotional support and counselling. As a result Miqlat is seeing people’s dignity being restored through love, physical support and training of life skills.”

What are your plans for the future?
“For the moment, unfortunately, Bowy House has a waiting list of children needing care. We need to expand what we are doing. In fact we aim to open similar facilities in Africa to supply a growing need for the care of children infected with or orphaned by HIV/Aids.”