About Heart for Children

Heart for Children is putting its passion and love into the orphans of South Africa, who often have to live in horrible circumstances. Many children are abandoned and without a father or mother they are vulnerable for abuse and exploitation. Like every other child, they deserve a good future. However, because of circumstances beyond their control, they have to endure terrible hardships. That is our concern.

Although the democracy in South Africa has brought about positive changes, there is still a high rate of unemployment and millions of people live in serious poverty. In addition, there are currently some two million AIDS orphans. This is not counting the many orphans who are abused or who simply were abandoned. Many of these children end up having to fend for themselves. The enormity of this problem now demands a new approach and a new way of thinking.

In the past, children's homes were established that cared for hundreds of kids at a time and changing care takers. Without the support and love of a father and mother, this often left the child in limbo, without direction. But surely, a child should be allowed to be a child again? With this in mind the founders of Heart for Children came to the conclusion that every orphan deserves a home with a family and individual attention to every child.

The solution to the problem that Heart for Children has found is to place families in the communities where these children belong. In this way mothers/parents are sought who want to be foster parents and who can take care of a family of up to 6 children. So the emphasis is rather on small family set-ups where children can be part of a family unit.

This concept has been proven successful as it re-establishes the family and family life as the cornerstone of society. In co-ordination with the local authorities these children are brought into a loving and caring family, where they grow up in a secure and familiar enviroment. They are a part of a family where a family bond is created. The orphan gets a mother whom they may call 'mama'! 

Of course the foster mothers play a crucial role in this project. They have to be the role model of the real mother in the lives of these children. They will meet regularly with the staff of our partner organisations where they can share knowledge and encourage one another. They will be supported by health- and childcare professionals who will assist them with any "family" problems. Many of these mothers will also need to be trained to handle HIV positive children. Heart for Children has partnered with the Medical Knowledge Institute, SA Cares for Life and Home from Home to provide them with information about HIV Aids, hygiene and other health issues.

In exchange for the parenting of the children, the housemother will receive financial stability for the future. This is a win-win situation. Thanks to our donors, the children will have a regular home, food, a roof above their heads, clothes, medicine, but also gas, water and light. Above all, they get security and love and hope for their future.

Let your heart speak, so that a kid can be a kid again! Make a donation now.

• is a section 21 organization (not for gain), reg. no. 2008 /015012/08
• is a registered public benefit organization, No. 930 030 392, for the purposes of section 18a of the Tax Act (donations are tax deductible)