Thandanani Childrens Foundation

by Brittan Smith

Walking up the steep hills of rural villages to help a grandmother get a government grant for the orphans she cares for. Building a food garden for a local community to give them vegetables for their dinners. Supporting Early Learning Centers for vulnerable children who otherwise would not be prepared for school or even have a meal that day. Teaching Life Skills lessons about support and bereavement to recently orphaned children… these are just a few of the many things Thandanani does to help communities become more self-sufficient in their fight against the poverty, illiteracy and HIV/AIDS that continues to dominate the lives of millions of South Africans.

I arrived on a 24-passanger plane and immediately was on my way into the field. My suitcase in the back, we were on the uneven dirt roads of a typical South African township. Within half an hour of getting off the airplane my mind was already overwhelmed trying to comprehend everything that my eyes were seeing—small houses built of mud and sticks, rondavels with grass roofs, barefoot children walking unpaved roads, women waiting in line to get clean water.

I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.

I am a volunteer at Thandanani Childrens Foundation in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Founded in 1989 after more than 70 children were abandoned at a local hospital, Thandanani strives to help communities provide safe and nurturing environments for orphans and other vulnerable children (particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS) within their communities of origin.

Since my arrival I have been exposed to the reality that each day brings a new challenge. Thandanani undoubtedly has an incredible impact in the lives of the individuals and communities they serve. Everyday the job is different, and this work is exactly what South Africa needs.

Brittan Smith On behalf of Thandanani Childrens Foundation