Every 18 seconds a child is orphaned by HIV / AIDS

In developing countries, the norm is for about 2% of children to be classed as orphans, but in South Africa, that figure is more like 17%. ( United Nations Children Fund)

In African countries that have already had long, severe epidemics, AIDS is generating orphans so quickly that family structures can no longer cope. Traditional safety nets are unravelling as more young adults die of AIDS related illnesses. Families and communities can barely fend for themselves, let alone take care of the orphans. Typically, half of all people with HIV become infected before they are aged 25, developing AIDS and dying by the time they are aged 35, leaving behind a generation of children to be raised by their grandparents, other adult relatives or left on their own in child-headed households.

In 2007 it was found that South Africa had over 1,400,000 children orphaned due to the AIDs pandemic ravaging the continent. The number is expected to climb to as high as 3,000,000 by 2010. By 2025 the number is projected to be a staggering 10,000,000. The Kwazulu-Natal region of South Africa is home to 26% of the country's orphans.

Makaphutu's goal is to not only provide the “whole person” needs for the children that they care for, but to also bring a light to the whole Valley of 1000 Hills, with a population that has the highest HIV prevalence rates and the most children in the world, who are and will be affected by AIDs.

Makaphutu is an orphanage that is focused on each child as a unique individual in need of care and development—spiritually, mentally, socially, physically, and culturally. By appointing a housemother for each cottage, the children are able to identify with one person who they can turn to for love, care, and affection.

Each cottage has four rooms with a central kitchen and eating area and a central living room / play area. A house mother lives with the eight children in each cottage. A central games room and a community hall is used for social gatherings. The old church building also on the property has been revamped for use by Makaphutu and the local community.

Their dietary requirements are supplied by well balanced meals ensuring adequate quality and quantity of food. Education is ensured by our own Day Care Centre for the pre-school children where they are stimulated by a trained caregiver. The older children attend schools in the local community.

Our South African partners deeply appreciate the role that Loving South Africa serves in connecting them with many churches and individuals in Indianapolis. We respectfully request that you honor our partners' wishes by contacting LSA for further information about them, rather than contacting the partners directly.