Around 120 women from Modimolle, the surrounding community and even Gauteng gathered at the Abraham Coffee Shop on Saturday, 12 September for Abraham Kriel Children’s Home Nylstroom’s Vonkelvrou Ladies’ Morning.

Organised by Gerda van der Merwe and Annie le Roux, the event gave the women a morning filled with inspiration, laughter and good company, while also supporting the work of the children’s home.

Esté Pienaar, head of Scherzo Drama School and a former teacher, was one of the guest speakers. With her characteristic humour and personal anecdotes, she had young and old laughing out loud. Amid the laughter, she also reminded her audience not to take life too seriously and to appreciate the beauty in everyday moments.

Hanna de Kock, a former resident of Abraham Kriel Children’s Home Nylstroom, brought a very different and deeply personal perspective. This time, she returned as a guest speaker to a place that forms part of her own story.

Guest artist Bernice captivated the audience with her beautiful singing. But it was 20 of the children’s home’s girls who stole the show during a special fashion parade. The girls, the youngest of whom were just two years old, walked confidently across the stage, swayed their hips and won the hearts of the audience to resounding applause.

Behind the scenes, the girls from the children’s home also played an important role. The morning’s refreshments were prepared by girls who take part in the Home’s Baking School. The baking school is a passion project of Gerda, the chief executive, who teaches the girls practical baking skills while giving them an opportunity to develop their talents.

Gerda says the success of the day was thanks to a team that never hesitates to go the extra mile: “I am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this day possible. The people at the children’s home are always willing to do more than is expected of them. Everyone pitches in, helps wherever they can and does so wholeheartedly.”

Sonya Beukes, one of the guests from Gauteng, described the morning as inspiring: “We laughed, enjoyed one another’s company and had a wonderful time, but the day also had real warmth and meaning. Seeing those 20 girls walk across the stage with such confidence, knowing that each of them has already faced sadness and difficult circumstances, touched me deeply and brought tears to my eyes. It is so important to support the work being done at this children’s home.”

The Vonkelvrou Ladies’ Morning was not only a celebration of women, but also shone a light on the opportunities, support and hope that enable the children of Abraham Kriel Children’s Home Nylstroom to face the future with courage and confidence.