Foster Care for Vulnerable Children

In our four Sunshine Homes, orphaned and vulnerable children find more than just a safe place to stay—they discover a nurturing environment where they can heal, grow, and thrive. Each home is overseen by dedicated foster mothers who provide not only care and stability but also the love and emotional support every child deserves.

These homes are designed to function as close-knit, communal spaces, fostering a sense of family and belonging. The children are not only given shelter but are also offered opportunities to pursue their education, develop life skills, and access the resources they need to overcome their challenges and build bright, successful futures.

To further support their emotional and social well-being, a full-time social worker is available to provide ongoing psycho-social care, ensuring that every child receives personalized attention and guidance. Whether helping them process trauma, navigate difficult emotions, or build self-confidence, this critical support forms the foundation of their journey toward stability and independence.

Currently, 42 children are under our care, each with their own story of resilience and potential. At Sunshine Homes, we are committed to giving them not only a safe haven but also the tools and encouragement they need to create a better tomorrow.

Education

Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world

All the children living in our Sunshine Homes attend reputable local schools, ensuring they receive a quality education as the foundation for a brighter future. Beyond the classroom, we provide additional support through a range of enriching extracurricular programs. Our homework club offers structured academic assistance, while activities such as yoga, environmental care, and sports promote physical well-being, mindfulness, and a sense of responsibility toward the world around them. These holistic programs help foster resilience, confidence, and a well-rounded skill set in every child.

For our youngest children, as well as others from low-income, single-parent households in the surrounding community, we operate an Early Childhood Development Preschool at our West Street Sunshine Home in Pietermaritzburg. This preschool currently provides a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for 24 children, aged 6 months to 5 years. Here, the children engage in activities designed to develop critical cognitive, emotional, and social skills, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and personal growth.

By offering foundational education during these vital early years, we strive to give these children a significant head start in life, despite the often difficult circumstances their families face. The preschool is not just a place for care and education; it is a beacon of hope, helping young children begin their journeys equipped with the tools they need to succeed and dream of a brighter tomorrow.

Adolescent Awareness and Support Programmes

Our mission is to empower young individuals by providing education, mentorship, and supportive programs that help them navigate the critical stages of adolescence and early parenthood. Through workshops and life skills training, we focus on promoting safe sexual practices, health education, and positive lifestyle choices. By equipping youth with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions, this initiative plays a crucial role in reducing risks such as drug abuse, violence, teenage pregnancy, and mental health challenges. These programs not only address immediate concerns but also foster long-term personal development and resilience, helping young people build a foundation for a brighter future.

Through our ABCD groups (Ask, Boost, Connect, Discuss), we offer comprehensive prenatal and postnatal psychosocial support specifically designed for pregnant adolescents and single mothers. This program goes beyond emotional and practical assistance, creating a safe and nurturing environment where young mothers can access vital resources, share their experiences, and develop essential parenting skills. By fostering resilience and providing consistent guidance, we aim to empower these young women to thrive despite the challenges they face, ensuring a better future for themselves and their children.

EcoAwareness Projects

Driven by the children of our Sunshine Homes in collaboration with our dedicated partners, these initiatives are designed to instill a deep sense of environmental awareness and promote sustainable practices within the community.

Through engaging, hands-on activities, children gain a practical understanding of climate change, its impact, and the vital role they play in safeguarding their environment. Activities range from planting and maintaining trees to recycling projects and creative upcycling workshops, all tailored to teach the importance of resource conservation and ecological balance.

These efforts go beyond education, empowering the children to become active agents of change in their communities. By taking tangible actions to protect and nurture their surroundings, they develop a sense of responsibility, stewardship, and pride in their ability to make a difference.

Through these programs, we aim not only to address pressing environmental challenges but also to inspire the next generation of leaders who will champion sustainable living and environmental care for years to come.