Equipped with interactive games, books, toys, and virtual reality experiences, the new Dream Room at Steve Biko Hospital will provide young patients awaiting treatment with a sanctuary for healing and relaxation from the reality of their illness.
Pretoria, South Africa (20 March 2026) – In a perfect world, no child should ever have to face the challenges, pain, and countless hospital visits that come with serious illness or injury. Yet, the reality is that many do.
Across the country and the world, these young warriors bravely confront sickness, drawing on remarkable courage and resilience with every treatment and procedure.
Thanks to organisations like the Reach for a Dream Foundation (RFAD), these children don’t have to endure these challenges alone or without moments of healing escape to remind them of the joys of childhood.
Recently, a new Dream Room was unveiled at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital Paediatric Clinic.
The new facility addition brings the total number of Dream Rooms across the country to 58, creating spaces where children awaiting treatment can find comfort and relaxation during their clinic visits.
This new Dream Room provides children awaiting treatment with a sanctuary for healing and relaxation from the reality of their illness. Equipped with interactive games, books, toys, and virtual reality experiences, these spaces provide much-needed relief from the clinical setting, allowing children to engage in imaginative play, social interaction, and creative exploration.
Each Dream Room is facilitated by psychology graduates trained in Early Childhood Development (ECD), ensuring that children receive guided support through carefully curated activities. These trained professionals help young patients reach their developmental milestones while fostering resilience and emotional well-being during their visits to the clinic.
“We’re grateful to Medtronic for partnering with us in transforming this clinic into a space that brings children joy and healing, safety and care while receiving treatment. The educational books, toys and activities guided by our interns will help make the nurses and doctors’ jobs easier,” says Chloe Katompa, RFAD’s Head of Operations.
Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, emphasised how RFAD’s work benefits children.
“Their impact is seen in hospitals across the province and country at large. We hope the Foundation continues to grow and make more dreams come true.”
Reach For A Dream is committed to expanding this initiative, creating safe and inspiring spaces that help children believe in a brighter future. Dream Rooms are places of joy, imagination, and resilience, where healing becomes a positive and transformative journey for them and their families.
Sources: Reach For A Dream Foundation
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