A Design educator at Curro Heritage House has transformed a plain wall into a vibrant symbol of hope and love for The Domino Foundation’s Babies’ Home. Melissa Gouws used her artistic talent to brighten the newly renovated dining room, driven by her belief that every person possesses unique, God-given gifts meant to serve others.
During the school holidays, Melissa painted a mural inspired by a quote from American writer and artist Suzy Kassem: “Family is like branches of a tree. We grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one.” The artwork, a beacon of family, growth, and unity, depicts a strong, flourishing tree with visible roots, symbolising the deep connections of the home’s children.
She was assisted by her mother, Carol Harris, and a former pupil, Kiera Clements. Over eight hours, the team brought the mural to life. Kiera added a profound personal touch by creating stickers with the names of all 182 children who have lived at the home, placing each one on the tree’s leaves. Every name represents a child who found refuge at the transitional home before joining their forever family.
Precious Thabethe, a Crisis Mom at the home, shared her joy. She said: “It not only is very decorative but it also says so much about what we aim to do here. Psalm 128 says that our children will be like healthy young trees, and we want the little ones we nurture and love here to have strong roots before they leave us.”
The once-sterile dining room is now a warm and inspiring space, echoing the home’s mission. Melissa reflected on the experience: “We really feel that, with this project, we stepped into the purpose God designed for us, and we believe that this mural will have a true impact on all who live here, work here, and volunteer here.”
Through her dedication, Melissa Gouws has left an enduring message of love, belonging, and hope, etched in every leaf of the symbolic tree.
