I believe abandoned babies deserve a fighting chance at life and someone to love and care for them despite the circumstances they are born into. The name Bags of Hope suggests that even though it’s temporary assistance, there is hope for another day.
Pretoria, South Africa (12 August 2021) – Students and staff from the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Radiography in the Faculty of Health Sciences have set up a project to help abandoned babies in Tshwane. Called Bags of Hope, the project involves collecting items to make up packages to help hospital staff care for these infants.
The project leader, who wishes to remain anonymous, explained how the project came about.
“The newborn starter pack project was started in response to the high number of abandoned babies in the Tshwane district’s Pretoria West, Kalafong and Mamelodi Hospitals. These babies are either abandoned at hospitals or in the community in a visible area where they can be found, or they are hidden away in the hope that they do not make it. When the babies are found, they are taken to the nearest district hospital, often presenting with chest infections from being left in the cold. In addition to this, there are mothers who give birth and have absolutely no essentials to take care of them, often leading them to abandon the baby in hospital or when they reach home.”
In cases where X-rays are requested for chest infections, UP’s Radiography Department steps in to interact with the babies.
“The department is directly involved with these patients, which presents a great opportunity for staff and students to engage with them and assist where possible,” the project leader added.
“The project consists of 20 volunteers who are second-and third-year Radiography students as well as one UP alumni.”
To date, the project has created 36 care packages and distributed them to 16 babies. This would not have been possible without donations from the public.
“The project received great interest from the community, which donated an overwhelming number of items,” said the project leader.
The packs contain toiletries such as nappies, cream, soap, powder and oil; new and second-hand clothes like bibs, vests and hats; blankets; and toys. A thorough identification process takes place before a baby is assisted.
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The care packages are extended to various people who are in need of assistance.
“The circumstances range from mothers who abandon the baby in the hospital and those who have twins but are unable to take care of both babies, to single, unemployed moms who don’t even have clothes for the child when they leave hospital.”
The project leader said that Nelson Mandela’s legacy – which includes the creation of the Nelson Mandela’s Children Fund, which helps orphaned and vulnerable children, as well as being honoured with the World Children’s Prize – has been an inspiration.
“All these accolades speak volumes about his love for children and, more specifically, about his love for children who can’t fend for themselves when they are most vulnerable. This has also been one of the inspirations for the newborn starter pack project. I believe abandoned babies deserve a fighting chance at life and someone to love and care for them despite the circumstances they are born into. The name Bags of Hope suggests that even though it’s temporary assistance, there is hope for another day.”
If you would like to make a donation to the Bags of Hope project, please contact the Department of Radiography’s administrator, Petro Bester, at [email protected].
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