THOKOMALA gives orphans of HIV and AIDS and other vulnerable children quality care: A better life free from the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV infection; and at the same time, we provide much needed support to counteract the emotional and social scars caused by losing one’s parents. 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.
So what are the BENEFITS?
- Family care for orphans nurtures the development of responsible, healthy and secure adults.
- Opportunity to place siblings together, keeping the trauma to a minimum.
- Language and culture is optimised as children are raised in their community of origin
- No stigma attached
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Provision of caring discipline, security and appropriate identification of gender roles. Instillation of positive self image, and personality development within a family set up.
- Personalisation as opposed to institutionalisation and introduction of the child to a family environment that is rich in care and nurturance.
- Exposure to reality in terms of practical housekeeping and bonding as a family unit so the child learns appropriate social behaviour
- Enhances the spirit of “Ubuntu” (togetherness) amongst the community by developing self-reliance and capacity building to ensure sustainability. Supports existing family structures to prevent breakdown.