Jessica’s Wall of Life: giving a future to unwanted babies
Anyone who would like to get involved with Jessica’s Wall can contact Kashenka on 082 347 2461 or Child Welfare on (016) 9332022.
VANDERBIJLPARK. – On 29 July 2006, Warrant Officer Michelle Stephenson of the SAPS found the tiny body of a newborn baby girl on a dump site in Boipatong. Unfortunately it was too late to save the baby’s life but she was registered by Michelle as “Jessica Stephenson” and was buried properly, thus receiving a little dignity after she passed on.
Michelle then approached the Senior Prosecutor at the Vanderbijlpark Court for assistance, with a proposal to provide a facility for women who don’t want their babies to at least abandon them as safely as possible. Michelle proposed that a so called “baby box” be installed at Cormed Clinic where mothers could leave their unwanted babies without identifying themselves.
Up to now 28 babies have since been placed in the box at Jessica’s Wall.
Michelle’s tragic murder by house robbers shook the country in 2016, but her dream to give a future to unwanted babies didn’t die with her. Michelle’s daughter, Kashenka Stephenson, shared her mom’s dream and now functions as director of the wall.
Child Welfare is also involved with Jessica’s Wall and provides assistance with the legal placement of these abandoned babies. Members of the local Vroue Landbou-unie recently donated knitted clothing to Child Welfare, to be used when such a newborn baby arrives in the “box”.
Anyone who would like to get involved with Jessica’s Wall can contact Kashenka on 082 347 2461 or Child Welfare on (016) 9332022.
