South Africa

Roughly 1.4 million children in South Africa live without one or both of their parents, a tragic result of the high level of poverty (57% are poor) and the HIV/AIDS pandemic that has claimed 7 million people lives.

Some children are rescued by their extended families or members of their community, but this places additional stress on the families that are already struggling to cope. The remainder are left completely alone in the world.  

By working closely with individual families, we aim to prevent family break down and stop children being abandoned due to poverty. We examine five key areas with each of the families: their living conditions, family and social relationships, education, health and household economy. This gives us a good idea how best to support every family and what advice to give them on the basic services available to them. Ultimately, we help them take their first steps out of poverty, and become self-sufficient. Community Hubs have been particularly effective in achieving this. They bring communities together to develop their own solutions and provide practical services such as pre- and after school care, vocational training, nutritious meals and healthcare.

Another important aspect of our work is developing solutions for children with no parental care. We find family-based care for children in emergency situations so they are not abandoned into institutions.

We also work with local social services and state agencies to help them provide better support to families, and with government authorities to develop effective childcare policies and legislation.