Francesca Villette
RAISING four young children in a community under siege from the effects of drugs and alcohol abuse is not an easy task.
Raising them when you are 65 and 75 years old is even harder, Caroline and Frans Liebenberg, from Hangberg, said.
The couple have been raising their four grandchildren, aged between five and 13, after their daughter died four years ago.
Their youngest grandchild Dylan, attends the Hangberg Pre-Primary School.
Founded by the Hangberg Educational Trust in July last year, the school accommodates 70 children from the community, provides them with a pre-school education and two cooked meals a day.
For the Liebenbergs, the school is a blessing, both for their grandchild, who they said would otherwise have a limited alternative at a pre-school education, and for them, as it gives them peace of mind knowing that their Dylan is in a safe environment.
Their other three grandchildren attend schools in the area.
Caroline Liebenberg receives an old-age pension and a grant for each of the children.
She says with the high cost of living, it is difficult to afford the R50 a month it costs to keep Dylan at the school.
“Even with the grants, I still struggle to pay his school fees. The cost of living is so expensive, there is no room for luxury. The children are young and they have many needs,” she said.
She is in arrears, and owes more than R200. She makes small payments to bring down the arrears as her grandson’s education is important to her, she said.
“The school has made a difference in his life. He comes home and reads and practises his writing.
“It is great to see. There is a lot of bad temptation out there for the children, but it is institutions like the school that gives us hope for a better future,” Caroline said.
Frans Liebenberg works as a car guard at the Hout Bay Harbour every weekend to earn whatever extra money he can for his family.
“The money I earn is not a lot, but if I make at least enough money to butter a bread, then it is enough,” Frans said.