Children of South Africa

Hello,
I am asking for help with children in S.Africa. Twice a year we do mission trips through the Airline Ambassador program.  We are a group of airline employees who travel on our own to help spread love to children in need.  I’m the leader of these trips and was gifted money to help refurbish the orphanage.  Unfortunately, it needed to be torn down due to the unsafe conditions of the home.  They have been living in a container this year as we are trying to raise additional money to help.  We are in desperate need of financial support at this time and hope that you will be able to offer some assistance.  

A Safe Haven for Children in Need: Help Us Rebuild Their Home

Meet Maria: A Story of Resilience
Maria Gaba; the founder of Mpumelelo orphanage in Windmill Park Johannesburg S.Africa has a story that speaks of incredible strength. Having faced unimaginable challenges growing up, including physical and sexual abuse, she made it her mission to protect and care for children who have endured similar traumas. Today, Maria has created a safe haven for those most vulnerable—children who have survived sexual abuse, trafficking, and physical violence. She is the true definition of resilience and love, giving these kids the safety and family they deserve.

The Heart of the Orphanage
This orphanage isn’t just a shelter—it’s a home. Maria doesn’t just care for the 34 children currently living there; she embraces them as part of her family. To her, every child she takes in is one more life saved from the cruelty of abuse. Her approach is simple: provide love, safety, and a sense of belonging. These children, along with a few dedicated adults, create a family that keeps growing, built on the foundation of unconditional love.

A Day in Their Lives
Life at an orphanage is difficult, but the children’s spirits remain strong. While resources are scarce, the children help out around the house and support one another like brothers and sisters. Hunger is a constant challenge, with many days where bread is all they have to eat. If funds allow, they attend school, but education is often a luxury. Despite these hardships, they push forward with hope in their hearts.

The Challenges They Face
The children at the orphanage face tremendous challenges. Beyond the scars of their pasts, they struggle with basic needs like food, proper shelter, and space. But through it all, Maria and the children remain strong, supporting each other like a true family.

Urgent Needs: Rebuilding Their Home
Right now, the orphanage is facing an urgent crisis. Their home was severely damaged in an earthquake, and despite plans to rebuild, the structure was too far gone. The house had to be torn down completely. The children are currently living in storage containers as we try to gather enough funds to complete the new house. We have raised $22,000 so far, but we still need $30-$35,000 to finish rebuilding their home. Without this funding, the children will continue to live in these challenging conditions, without the safety and security they deserve.

How You Can Help
Your donations will go directly towards creating a safe, comfortable space for these children to call home. We are working hard to ensure they have a proper house where they can heal and thrive, but we can’t do it without your help. Your support will provide not only a new house but also food, school supplies, clothing, and medicine—basic necessities that will dramatically improve their lives.

A Future Full of Hope
Maria’s goal for the children is simple: to give them a loving, safe environment where they can grow and learn. Her hope is that these children will not only survive but thrive, learning how to build their own futures with confidence and love. With your help, we can give them the resources they need to create better lives for themselves.

A Story of Kindness
Despite the hardships they face, the children in this orphanage are some of the most kind-hearted souls you’ll ever meet. They embody generosity and love. One touching moment we’ll never forget is when we took them to an arcade for the first time. When some of the children ran out of coins, others quickly shared their own without hesitation. One of the older boys, who had won many tickets, decided to give them all to his younger siblings so they could enjoy the prizes. Their capacity for kindness, even in the face of hardship, is a testament to the love they’ve found in this home.

Help Us Rebuild Hope
We are calling on you to help us rebuild their home and give them the safe space they need. Every dollar brings us closer to giving these children the stability they deserve. Please donate today to make a difference in their lives and help them move forward from the hardships of their past. Together, we can give them the future they deserve.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration, if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me,

Cheryl Robinson
AAI Regional Director
517-599-4095