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Me Mariana Eksteen had been involved in Good Samaritan Home based care Association in Bethulie , South Africa from 2001. After finishing full training in palliative home bases care, Me Mariana, with enthusiasm and a open heart went to the field and cared for the terminally ill people of Bethulie. After a few weeks I realized that there is a need for taking care of orphans, left by their parents who passed away due to HIV/Aids. Me Mariana being an artists and having developed her own art therapy course, was very interested in helping the most needy children, often left with grieve, emotional wounds, without love. Me Eksteen put all her heart into this project, “seeing how these children related to her and how much progress they made at school, we as a committee of hospice give a very high opinion and credit to her for the wonderful work”- Father P. Surdel scj Cheirman of Good Samaritan Hospice.

During 2002 Me Mariana assisted the senior social worker in presenting art therapy as group work.

Children, in conflict with the law were the target Group. Especially those who find it difficult to handle aggression. The art therapy focussed mostly on exposure of negative feelings and the skills in handling those feelings. A relaxed atmosphere was created during the sessions resulted in children exposing their secrets through art.

“The success rate of the programme handled by Mariana was 80% even though she did not have training in the field. Her interaction with the children was a positive and life changing experience for the children. “Her insight and attitude in handling those children contributed to positive self esteem. This assisted the social worker in keeping the children out of the criminal justice system.” – Me. V.G.I Grail. Dep. Of social Development.

In 2003 the following paragraph, published in a book on The 10 Best Practices on Home Based Care in South Africa , proved that Mariana's Art Therapy programme gave the Good Samaritan hospice it's outstanding character.

In 2004 Day Care programmes were held during holidays, under capable direction of Me Mariana Eksteen, my assistant , the co-operation of hospice's caregivers, assistance from communal foster parents and other volunteers, this was very successful. Participation was excellent, with the attendance of around 120 children, between the ages of 2 and 17 years of age. The children were involved in various activities such as dancing, drawing, painting, clay work, and self expression through creative writing, story telling and other craft projects.

Me Marian Eksteen believes that “if the heart is right, the rest will fall into place”.

“It is her mission to make a difference in the children's lives and help them to begin the emotional healing process, Dealing with so many children of different age groups proved to be an enormous challenge and a lot of hard work, but a very rewarding experience”. – Manualla Thuman

Greetings,

Mariana Eksteen.