It takes a village to raise a child

WSP Group consulting engineer Michael Tladi, has a heart of gold. Rather than spending the money he had won in a competition, on himself – he dedicated his fortunes in assisting the Emasithandane Children's Home in Nyanga, Cape Town.

"Children are gifts, and we need to nurture and care for those who can't be cared for by their own families. It is an African phenomenon that it takes a village to raise a child and I have now adopted that philosophy as my own," said Michael Tladi

Coming from a poverty stricken background himself, through determination and hard work, Michael received a scholarship to study engineering at the University of Cape Town. After completing his studies, Provincial Government Western Cape (PGWC) welcomed him in their engineering services department. In order to improve his engineering technical skills, WSP Group decided to welcome him in their Cape Town business unit a year ago.

Affectionately known as Emasi, Michael got acquainted with Emasithandane through a friend who was participating in UCT community programmes. The Nyanga home cares for orphans; abandoned, abused and otherwise vulnerable children offering them education, shelter and mentoring. Currently housing 39 kids aged from 18 months to 18 years, the home also provides a feeding kitchen for an additional 25 children within the community.

It has always been Tladi's dream to be of service to the youth, to motivate them to rise above their unfortunate birth situations, as he did with his own life. Michael decided to extend the humble house with his prize money, to provide an outer wing exclusively for the boys. Insuficcient funds almost cut his dream short, however seeing his frustration about this setback, WSP Structures offered to assist with technical aspects of the building services. Together with other donors – the two story outer wing is now complete and houses 10 boys.

Overjoyed, Tladi said, 'There were times when it seemed like the project will fail, however everyone preserved and pulled together. Seeing the children's joy in having their own space, surpasses all the challenges we faced throughout. I'm grateful to WSP, and everyone who dedicated their time, effort and resources to helping Emasi.'

For more information, contact Annemie Cowley on 011 300 6095 or email her on annemie.cowley@wspgroup.co.za