Safe Haven: Limpopo care centre helps vulnerable children rebuild their lives through love and stability

Located near Tzaneen in Limpopo, the Holy Family Care Centre provides a safe haven for 75 orphaned and vulnerable children. Established in 2001, the centre is run by the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and offers holistic support to help youth heal from trauma and reconnect with their childhood. The children live on the sprawling property surrounding the mint-green church, which features dormitories, study halls, an early childhood development centre, and sports fields.

Upon arriving on Sunday mornings, the youngsters gather for a service that includes songs, readings, and other rituals led by different groups of children. They are greeted with smiles and hugs by the older children, who bring a lively energy to the space.

The children at the centre have faced difficult circumstances, such as neglect, abuse, abandonment, or the loss of caregivers. Sister Sally Duigan, the director of the centre since 2013, notes that the most impactful element for the children is experiencing love and affection, often through hugs and a sense of belonging.

While the HIV/Aids crisis has greatly improved since Duigan first arrived in Tzaneen in 2000, the centre still sees children arriving with untreated or poorly managed HIV. Many of the older children take antiretroviral medication, which can lead to depression. To support the children, Duigan emphasizes the importance of extra love, support, and hope.

Jeanette Lesisa, the manager of the centre, highlights the importance of capacity-building for local staff members. The centre offers various educational programs, sports activities, and other social programs for the children. The staff members emphasize the need for patience and understanding of each child's individual needs.