Having lived a life without his father, Luyanda Jordan, 34, has committed his life to being a father figure in the lives of 16 children at the Sunrise house of safety.
Jordan, affectionately known as “Daddy Jordan”, is a job evaluation practitioner at Buffalo City Metro.
He recently adopted the home at the beginning of the year when he felt the need to give love and time to children experiencing what he endured growing up.
The children at the home have been placed by social workers from the department of social development.
East London Child Welfare director Soraya Leeuw said Jordan was very hands- on and dedicated to his relationship with the children.
“He’s all about giving back and he is very affectionate and loving towards the children.
“It is amazing how they have all opened up to him, but I understand it is because of his warmth.”
Leeuw said Jordan had also taken the children on outings at own his expense.
Raised by a single mother after his father died when he was hardly a year old, Jordan said it was important that children had a father figure in their lives.
“Growing up with no fatherly love can hinder the development of children. When there are boys there are traits and things you need to learn from your dad.
“Also you can find that children become victims of abuse and are sometimes sidelined and neglected by society because they come from broken homes.
“Furthermore, growing up without a father at times can be detrimental to a child’s behaviour,” said Jordan.
He said although his dad passed away, no other male relative in his family had given him the love and attention a father was supposed to give.
“Being a father is not about giving money and being present for traditional customs, but rather it is about being with your child because you want to, just by availing time and love.”
Mesh Kekana, who nominated Jordan, commended him for the work he was doing.
“He is an active member and coordinator of the Eastern Cape branch of Dads in the Picture, a non-profit organisation that seeks to see an improvement in the state of fatherhood in families, communities and our country.
“Daddy Jordan has over the last few months been hands-on in facilitating the presence of the Dads in the Picture organisation, encouraging active parenting amongst men both young and old.”
Kekana said Jordan had also highlighted the challenges children around Mthatha and East London were faced with. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
Special way to spread a father’s love
Jordan, affectionately known as “Daddy Jordan”, is a job evaluation practitioner at Buffalo City Metro.
He recently adopted the home at the beginning of the year when he felt the need to give love and time to children experiencing what he endured growing up.
The children at the home have been placed by social workers from the department of social development.
East London Child Welfare director Soraya Leeuw said Jordan was very hands- on and dedicated to his relationship with the children.
“He’s all about giving back and he is very affectionate and loving towards the children.
“It is amazing how they have all opened up to him, but I understand it is because of his warmth.”
Leeuw said Jordan had also taken the children on outings at own his expense.
Raised by a single mother after his father died when he was hardly a year old, Jordan said it was important that children had a father figure in their lives.
“Growing up with no fatherly love can hinder the development of children. When there are boys there are traits and things you need to learn from your dad.
“Also you can find that children become victims of abuse and are sometimes sidelined and neglected by society because they come from broken homes.
“Furthermore, growing up without a father at times can be detrimental to a child’s behaviour,” said Jordan.
He said although his dad passed away, no other male relative in his family had given him the love and attention a father was supposed to give.
“Being a father is not about giving money and being present for traditional customs, but rather it is about being with your child because you want to, just by availing time and love.”
Mesh Kekana, who nominated Jordan, commended him for the work he was doing.
“He is an active member and coordinator of the Eastern Cape branch of Dads in the Picture, a non-profit organisation that seeks to see an improvement in the state of fatherhood in families, communities and our country.
“Daddy Jordan has over the last few months been hands-on in facilitating the presence of the Dads in the Picture organisation, encouraging active parenting amongst men both young and old.”
Kekana said Jordan had also highlighted the challenges children around Mthatha and East London were faced with. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
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