Reach for a Dream Expands Dream Room Initiative to Bring Joy

Photo Credit: Reach for a Dream - Supplied

Reach for a Dream is set to establish and launch eight new Dream Rooms that will provide healing and magical spaces for children battling life-threatening illnesses in local hospitals. These colourful spaces will allow children to rediscover their childhood amidst the challenges of their treatments.

South Africa (24 October 2024) – A brighter future is dawning for children battling illness. Seeking to provide a therapeutic and child-friendly escape for children going through long-term treatments and stays at the hospital is Reach for a Dream through its magical Dream Rooms.

In keeping with its compassionate efforts to alleviate the challenges faced by children with life-threatening illnesses, Reach for a Dream has recently expanded its Dream Room initiative with eight new rooms set to launch in hospitals across South Africa by the end of 2024!

These Dream Rooms feature a wide range of activities designed to spark joy, creativity, development and a sense of wonder, and offer a much-needed respite from the sterile hospital environment.

Here, children can explore their imaginations, engage in playful activities, and simply be children.

These new additions will be located at Tygerberg Hospital, St. Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care, two rooms at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pholosong Hospital, and Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital.

With these new launches, Reach For A Dream will have established 46 Dream Rooms nationwide, to open even more in the future.

These Dream Rooms create a unique therapeutic environment for children enduring extended hospital stays, offering them a much-needed escape from the clinical setting and the opportunity to experience the joy of being a child.

Dreams Made Possibly by Sponsors and Medical Staff

Dr Thurandie Naiker, Senior Specialist Radiation Oncologist at Groote Schuur Hospital, highlighted that the Dream Rooms can significantly reduce the anxiety, stress and mood of young patients.

“The bright colours and playful décor offer a warm, welcoming space for families to spend time together, strengthening their bonds. The child-friendly environment also makes children more receptive to medical treatments, which is another reason the Dream Rooms work so well.”
Related Stories
SPAR Women’s Challenge Funds Turned Into GBV Prevention Programme
Street Lines 2026 Showcases the Best of South African Skateboarding

Natalie Lazaris, Head of Fundraising at Reach For A Dream, expressed her gratitude to the partners who have made these rooms possible.

The success of the Dream Rooms is a testament to the collaborative efforts of medical staff, nurses, and volunteers, who work tirelessly to ensure these spaces are accessible, welcoming, and safe for children.

Together, they create a core element of paediatric care at many hospitals, fostering a nurturing environment for young patients.

Empowering Youth and Communities

Reach For A Dream is also committed to empowering local communities by offering on-the-job training and work readiness programmes.

Through the Dream Room initiative, young professionals are provided with invaluable experience.

The organisation offers on-the-job training and work readiness programs, providing young professionals with invaluable experience and preparing them for long-term career success.