Children shouldn’t be working, but for some, it’s a reality they need to face.
And amid this face of struggle, there are still pockets of respite where humanity shows the best of itself. It shows that most of us will not hesitate to reach out and give whatever we can.
One such person is South Africa’s BI Phakathi.
He is a well-known figure through his philanthropy and kindness. But despite his popularity, no one knows his face. All they know is the feeling they get when they find themselves on the receiving end of random kindness.
In a video he posted on YouTube, Phakathi showed the heartbreaking reality that some kids have to face.
He was on his to Pretoria, Tshwane, when he encountered a group of kids. They approached his car carrying their teddy bears with them.
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It seems strange at first until they shared the reason why.
When the girl’s older brother was explaining where Phakathi could ask for directions, the little girl mustered her courage and piped up.
She asked if Phakathi could support them.
Curious, Phakathi asked how and the little girl explained that they’re selling their teddy bears.
At that moment, Phakathi stepped out of his car so he could get to the bottom of the situation. As he was talking to the first two children, two more approached him. Both of them were carrying teddy bears too.
They were of different sizes and prices, but they were all being sold for the same reason – rent.
The kids explained that their mother was seriously sick so they didn’t have any money for rent. The money they were raising with the teddy bears could only cover the rent though. It didn’t include food, utilities, and other needs.
Phakathi knew he had to do something.
He asked the youngest of the bunch if she knew how to count. The little girl enthusiastically said that she could and was handed a bundle of cash.
The kids got more excited as their little sister counted one bill after the other. One of the older siblings hugged Phakathi when they realized how much he had given them.
He didn’t stop there, though.
Phakathi asked one of the girls to count another set of bills. He said that they could use it for food and other needs. He also asked the older siblings to look after the younger ones no matter what.
The other girl asked for his number but maybe to remain anonymous, Phakathi said he’ll just see them instead.
Phakathi also insisted for them not to sell the teddy bears anymore and asked for the girls to keep them.
With full hearts and high spirits, they parted ways with the promise of seeing each other again. And hopefully, Phakathi’s kindness is only the beginning of a better future for the kids.
It might just be a temporary kind of help but it was more than enough to make the children believe that good still exists in the world. That whenever they look at their teddy bears, they will be reminded of that “kind uncle” who didn’t hesitate to help them when they needed it the most.
Watch the video below to the siblings’ reactions to Phakathi’s act of kindness!
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