NOT only is Barbara Kavita a school administrator at the Kuisemond Secondary School, but she has become a mother to neglected and unwanted children at Walvis Bay.
Her house, popularly known as the ‘Pap Mansion’, has become home to many children who were lured by her open and loving nature.
Kavita’s house gained the ‘Pap Mansion’ label because there was always a big pot of porridge on the stove to feed anyone and everyone in need.
Over the years, children have come to the house for a meal, or just to hang out, and some have stayed permanently. And Kavita has come to be known as ‘mommy’ in the area.
Once a week, ‘Pap Mansion’ children are treated to Kavita’s famous pea soup, which attracts even older people living in her vicinity.
At any given time, not less than 10 children can be found at Kavita’s small two-bedroom house after school. They are either studying, or just conversing.
“They just show up, and ask to live with me for a week.
This turns into a month, and eventually into years. This is because they somehow find the love that they need here. Who am I to turn them away?” she asked.
She took in the first child, a boy, in 2002. The boy had asked to stay with her for a while in order to get away from unfortunate home circumstances, and ended up a permanent resident in her house.
Soon, more children started showing up, became attached to the kind-hearted woman and “invaded her space”. Among the children who have moved in at the ‘Pap Mansion’ are those who have lost homes in shack fires.
When the children come to stay with her, Kavita informs their parents.
She makes sure that they are clothed, educated and motivated, and are well-behaved.
“I believe that love can elevate hope, and make them better people. It’s all that matters. A single mother also raised me. It is not easy, but children do not have to suffer because of it.
“I’m calling upon our community to look past the fact that they are only parents to their biological children,” she noted.
Amongst the children in the house is Barbara Kavita’s biological son, Yarii Kavita, who is as accepting of others as his mother.
Yarii said he enjoys hanging out with his “siblings”.
“I have older and younger brothers and sisters. It is like hanging out with them, especially when we play games or watch movies,” he said.
Looking at how she treats the children, it’s hard to tell which one is Kavita’s son, as she treats them all the same.
Education is important in the ‘Pap Mansion’, and Kavita said school days are spent reading and assisting each other with homework.
Seven children who stayed with Kavita have finished school with excellent results, and have become pilots, engineers and teachers. “My concerns include getting them into tertiary education, since they need money. They are excellent learners. I would hate to see them end up on the street. They deserve this chance in life,” she added.
She expressed gratitude to some Walvis Bay community members who sometimes show up with food and clothing at her door.
“It really helps a bit, although it finishes quite fast because of the number of people benefiting from it. However, I cannot say that they ever slept hungry.”
Her dream is to raise funds to extend her two-bedroom house so that the children can have proper rooms. She would not mind taking in more children then.
Kavita spoke recently at a Petjofa event, which takes place monthly at Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, and is organised by the Johannes Shikoyeni Trust. The event focuses on inspirational stories of inspirational people in the country.
“I am very happy here. I now speak Afrikaans and English, and I love my mommy very much. I also love my brother,” said 11-year-old Atushe Moses, who came from the north to live with Kavita. Frieda Shikoyeni, of Petjofa, grew up in Kavita’s neighbourhood, and recalled how she always saw children at Kavita’s house.
“She is a remarkable woman with a heart of gold. Everybody just feels welcome there. What she is doing is encouraging us, especially those who are young. You just don’t find someone with so much love,” she said.
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