Orphanage in South Africa: Annette and the kids

South Africa touched my core.

I´ve been travelling South Africa quite some time a few years ago and met some awesome people there, who will always have a place in my heart.

The beauty of nature and the energy of the earth, of Mama Africa, took my breath away over and over again.

As much as it did seeing so many people living in massive poverty.

Especially all the kids, who have to start their lives with such a heavy backpack.

Listening to their stories made me cry more than once.

So many are born into townships, the poorest communities of South Africa.

Often they are abandoned because their parents are not able to take care of them- financially, emotionally (a lot of Trauma there) or because the parents are still kids themselves.

What adds to this downspiral is that quite a number of these kids had a really hard start into life being born infected with HIV/AIDS.

What a gift for 24 of these children that my dear friend Annette van Pletzen and Pastor Leonard Gcabashe are taking care of them with their NON-PROFIT Organization "Philakahle Children’s Home".

The organization is a residential facility, caring for children and youth. They provide support for orphans and other vulnerable children ensuring that they have shelter, clothing, food and that their basic needs are met. The kids live in groups with 2 tutors each, who are oftentimes still kids too.

The children go to school when they are old enough and my friend Annette, the Pastor and other volunteers are assisting with homework and other needs.

Primary goals are nurture, schooling and sexual education to prevent repeating history.

During my last trip to South Africa i`ve been visiting the children´s home and had the chance to witness their wonderful work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE_8TGz5xjQ

This video shows the kindergarden and is taken about 6 years ago. It´s made of pictures and videos I took while visiting.

At that time, I already collected some donations for the next Christmas and was able to provide School Uniforms and Learning equipment.

Over all the years I stayed losely connected to Annette, who helps Pastor Leonard by volonteering and putting lots of her energy into taking care of the childrens needs.

A few weeks ago, she reached out to me and asked for help.

The orphanage is in need of support to feed the children properly and to replace the worn out school uniforms we bought 6 years ago.

(In SA only children with proper, flawless schooluniforms are allowed in school.)

The continuous fight to provide food, clothes and medication is demanding a lot from the volunteers.

For example, for Annette it is very dangerous to go to the township. Her car got damaged, she got attacked, robbed and her phone got stolen several times. In this environment it`s all about surviving. But against all odds, Annette continues.

All the love and effort she is putting into this project inspired me and i feel like supporting her!

Sometimes we need to face stories like this and the vibrations of people like Annette to remind us of what really matters in life!!!

Let´s unite forces and spread LOVE and ENERGY to where it´s needed!

give LOVE

spread LOVE

be LOVE!!!

Any donation will be so much appreciated!

Thank you so much!