April 07, 2008

Big hearts with big vision

Lesley Stephenson

FOUR months ago Sean and Melanie Grant had an average household with three growing boys to keep them busy.
Today the family has almost doubled with four little babies now in their care.
‘These babies were abandoned or abused, here they get a to be part of a loving family,’ says housemother and secretary of the iKhaya LikaBaba committee, Melanie Grant.
iKhaya LikaBaba (‘House of the Father for Abandoned Babies’) is a non-profit organisation that provides shelter and love to abandoned babies.
Still in its infant stages with the first home now up and running, the organisation is able to take up to six babies per home.
Trained caregivers, nurses, physical therapists, doctors and occupational therapists all work together to enable the babies to recover from past abuse and develop in a positive environment.
‘My boys also play a big role, they love the babies,’ says Melanie.
According to Early Intervention specialist Joann Pienaar, the stimulation the babies receive from other children is one of the best therapies for abused children. This is because they associate adults with the abuse they received in the past.

Sean Grant (Chairperson) and Melanie Grant (Secretary) in the nursery with two of the iKhaya LikaBaba babies

Taking a break from games are two of the iKhaya LikaBaba babies and the Grant children

Lesley Stephenson

Vision
But the vision of the organisation is much wider than opening up one home, in itself an amazing example of what ordinary people can do to make a difference.
‘Our aim is to eventually be the facilitators of a nationwide organisation, where we can provide many other homes to to broaden the programme,’ says Melanie.
The couple’s biggest strength lies in marketing, so they are well equipped for the job but they feel that being the ‘house parents’ for a period gives them valuable knowledge of the actual running of a home. iKhaya LikaBaba is not only a home for children, but also for the community.
‘Often people who are themselves hurting offer to help with the babies and in doing so find restoration and healing.’
Many people from the community - families, nurses and various businesses - have also come forward to assist the organisation and their doors are open for people to come and assist with the babies.