Khothatsong – Foster Care

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

– Matthew 19: 14

Other Projects

Project Overview

The foster care program is organized by a subcommittee of volunteers from the Free Reformed Church in South Africa. They are responsible for the operation of two foster care homes in Shoshanguve. The East house has five children, four of whom are school aged and the west house currently has two preschool boys and is awaiting even more children. The committee hires, trains and supervises the local house mothers who provide the day to day care for the children. They are either HIV positive or have been abandoned by parent(s) who were not able to look after them because of their own struggle with HIV/AIDS. As a consequence the committee organizes for special supports to deal with their trauma. As the children become school aged, they are supported to attend Christian school.

Prayer Requests

For the mothers, who took up such a loving task to bring up children, who are already damaged in life. We pray to the Lord to give them wisdom to teach the children to see Jesus Work in their lives. He died so that we can live.
For all these foreign mothers, who leave their babies anywhere to die or to be found. And others who sign their children off. We pray that they learn about God`s love. In the deepest darkness, He is their Saviour. We also pray that the socio-political situation in South Africa will change so that foreign people feel they can offer the children a future in this country.
For the babies, who never knew their earthly mothers and fathers. May our foster mothers be their mothers and our Father in heaven their father.

Project Details

Foster care is provided in two forms: short-term and long-term. Short-term care lasts up to two years, allowing time for possible family reunification. Long-term care supports children until age 18, or up to 21 for those pursuing further education.

Location

South Africa

Project Start & Partners

These foster homes have been supported for over 10 years in partnership with the Khothatsong Association.

Highlights

The education support that has been provided to the children – even those with special needs – that has allowed them to succeed in their studies.

Challenges

Retaining staff who have the skills and aptitude to nurture the children.
Supporting the cultural differences among staff members and encouraging them to work past cultural practices that prevent them from working in the best interest of the children.
Supporting children as they heal from the trauma experienced before arriving at the foster home.