My Mitzvah Project - Tyla Baker

I usually volunteer at an animal shelter, but for my Mitzvah, I decided to do something that is also close to my heart. I went to visit the children at the Christine Revell Children’s Home in Athlone.

They take care of 49 children, who have been abandoned, abused, orphaned or neglected, irrespective of race, religion or HIV status. These children are taken in from birth to five years of age.

I used some of my birthday money to buy colouring books, reams of paper, paint, paintbrushes, pencil crayons, kokies, and playdough as well as some toiletries that they needed. I also donated some of my favourite childhood story books to them.

I got to look after the babies and played with some of the older children. We played on the swings and the jungle gym. They taught me you don’t need a phone or a TV to make you happy, you only need your family or the people who love you. They have the brightest smiles and biggest hearts I’ve ever seen, even though they have nothing, they have everything. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to be part of their lives, even if it was only for a while.

The second reason I chose this for my mitzvah was because my dream is to become a pediatrician. Even though I didn’t necessarily heal them, I feel that I made a difference in their lives by showing them love.

I intend to continue supporting this worthy cause and look forward to my next visit. I am extremely grateful that I was able to spend time with these wonderful children.

It is simply about giving. It is about recognizing a void or need and filling it. It is every individual doing his or her own part in making the world a better place. One action by one individual can spark a chain of positive events.

“Every second brings a fresh beginning, Every hour holds a new promise, Every night our dreams can bring hope and every day is what you choose to make of it.”