Established in 2002 in partnership with the Durban Children’s Society as a meaningful and holistic response to the plight of children left without parents THOKOMALA provides a number of community family homes each housing six children, cared for by a foster mother. Conservative estimates predict around 2 million AIDS orphans in South Africa by 2010, a figure which overwhelms government and calls non-government organisations to action.

We provide a holistic solution to positively impact the lives of children infected and affected by HIV and AIDS so that they are able to occupy their rightful place in society. This is achieved by providing a unique, independent and professionally managed orphan care programme leveraging partnerships with community organisations, government, donors and donor organisations.

Thokomala situates HIV/Aids orphans within their communities and gives these communities the resources to provide for their physical and emotional needs. Through Thokomala, actual houses are bought to accommodate orphans and housemothers recruited from the community to care for the orphans. Through the children’s society, this care is guided and monitored; and with it the progress made by the children. Thokomala removes the stigma attached to HIV/Aids, and provides children with the warmth and love they need.

 


What We Do

THOKOMALA is a holistic model in that we not only provide shelter, food and care but also the love and nurturing of a normal family environment, essential to raise children to become healthy and emotionally sound adults. Placement of orphans in their community of origin ensures they do not lose touch with their roots and support systems familiar to them. THOKOMALA is about providing a family home for children in such a manner that there is nothing out of the ordinary. The THOKOMALA houses are homes to six children (preferably sibling groups) and a loving foster mother.

However, Thokomala Homes are not just islands of excellence: Our outreach programme and support structures ensure service provision to children and families in the community surrounding the home. Our partner is Child Welfare South Africa, the largest non-government child care organisation in the country. We provide the salary for a social worker employed by the affiliated children's society in the community. This social worker trains volunteers in the community who help identifying orphans and other vulnerable children. Each THOKOMALA set up therefore reaches a further 50 - 300 children.

THOKOMALA offers:

Not only shelter, food and care but also the love and nurturing of a normal family environment essential to raise children to become healthy, emotionally sound adults.
 
Placement of orphans in their community of origin ensures children do not lose touch with their roots and support systems familiar to them.
 
A home within a needful community. Our partner organisation sees to the placement of children and training of the house mother. A dedicated social worker monitors the family and applies for government grants.
 
Provision of the running costs of the home including municipal fees, medical and educational costs to ensure that all human and household needs are met.
 
Volunteers assist in identifying, equipping and maintaining the homes, help with support groups and life skills training and arrange outings, birthday parties and religious celebrations for the children.
 
Mentors guide children, help making choices with regards to further education, professional training and earning a living. The aim is to plant dreams in children so they have a reason to excel in school, develop hobbies and strive for a bright future.
 
The DOW EDUCATION FUND FOR THOKOMALA assists with tertiary education of any kind.