Help a single mother and her kids with a home for Christmas

Lazola Tyeku Start Date: Nov 2, 2023 - End Date: Mar 1, 2024
  • Cape Town, South Africa

My Travel Story

by: Lazola Tyeku Start Date: Nov 2, 2023 - End Date: Mar 1, 2024
Hello friends, My name is Lazola Tyeku and I am a 32 year old single mother of 4 Children. I have 1 biological son who is 10 years old and also raising my late sister's 3 kids, ages 13, 16 and 19.

 

My mother and sister passed away in 2009 and have no other siblings. I have been raising and taking care of my niece and nephews since I was 17 years old. It has been difficult raising my kids without any support over the years but it has also been extremely rewarding to see them grow into young compassionate and responsible adults.

However, recently we have been going through a very difficult time in our lives and we're in desperate need of help from anyone who can assist.

I lost my job a few months ago and it has been extremely hard to take care of my 4 kids and making sure that there's food on the table every night and as if that wasn't bad enough, we lost our home and had to move into a homeless shelter where we've been staying for the past 2 months with my kids.

Things have not been going welI for us at the shelter and some of the few items we had left were stolen .( My laptop, a few clothes and my niece's school backpack)I fear for my children's safety and well-being. I can see it's taking a toll on my children mentally and emotionally and I feel so helpless as mother.

I have tried everything I possibly can to get back on my feet. I have been applying for jobs everyday and even started selling perfumes to bring in some income but the money is not enough to cover groceries, clothes , the medication for my niece who is diabetic, and the rent for a place for us to stay. I even sold my furniture which my mother left me and currently have nothing to my nam

I am currently receiving the R350 COVID relief grant and that barely feeds a family of 5 for a full month. We are really really struggling and are barely surviving.

My kids are still doing very well at school despite our situation and I recently took an online Mental Health course and am currently volunteering as a mental health counselor for a national mental health helpline to help and teach people dealing with mental issues and to just give my time and energy to those who need it the most.

We are a family who loves giving back and always go out of our way to help those in need in our community.

I am not ashamed to ask for help. I'm a desperate young mother who will do anything for her children. It breaks my heart to see my children suffering.

My only goal and biggest dream is to have a place of our own that we can call home before the holidays. My wish is to cook a delicious Christmas lunch for my kids in our own home. To celebrate the festive season in a safe, warm and loving space.

A place where my children can thrive and focus on their bright futures. A place to call home. A place they can always run to.

I am desperately asking anybody out there who can please help us raise R10 000 for a deposit and first months rent. We are not looking to stay in any fancy apartment, Just safe space big enough for all of us to be a family again.

I hope and pray that someone out the will hear our cry for help and find it in their hearts to lend a helping hand.Please know that we are deeply and sincerely grateful in advance to anyone who is willing to lend a helping hand.

God Bless 
  • Cape Town, South Africa