Children’s Shelter
So Much More Than Just a Children’s Shelter
It is often said that children are our future. Yet, when you look at the conditions many children are forced to live in in South Africa, it does not paint a picture of a very bright future. Abraham Kriel Bambanani is a registered non-profit organisation that strives to change this. While we provide refuge to children in need, we are so much more than just a children’s shelter.
We realise that, in order to truly make a difference in the lives of children affected by trauma, abuse, molestation, poverty, neglect, unemployment, crime, and other societal ills, a holistic approach is required. Sure, providing shelter is essential and often one of the first steps in providing a safe, nurturing environment for kids. But, to make a lasting difference, we also need to provide solutions for these children’s development, so that they have the tools needed to build a better future.
Our journey started more than a century ago when, in 1902, Rev. Abraham Kriel established a safe haven in Langlaagte for children who were orphaned during the South African war. From here on, through a series of mergers, partnerships and a dogged determination to make a lasting difference, our children’s shelter has grown to include a number of facilities and locations to offer physical care, rehabilitation, and skills development for beneficiaries.
These facilities include:
- The Langlaagte Campus
This children’s shelter cares primarily for children who have been subjected to severe trauma and children with disabilities, all of whom need specialist care. Most of the disabled children in the home’s care have mental disabilities.
- The Maria Kloppers Campus
In 1908, Maria Kloppers opened a home for unwanted babies in Melville. Through the years, this home continued to do great work, even through tough times. In 1993, the Maria Kloppers Children’s Haven amalgamated with Abraham Kriel.
- The Emdeni Campus
This home was established in 1979 in Emdeni, Soweto, and was transformed into a skills development centre and Drop-In Centre for children affected by HIV/AIDS in 2009. At that point, the centre served 20 children. Today, we serve 100 children affected by HIV/AIDS.
- The Johanna Malan Childhood Development Centre
This centre became part of Abraham Kriel Bambanani in 2003 to stop it from closing down. Today, it’s a beacon of hope for many as it provides loving care together with intellectual stimulation and early childhood education to the children of our home and the surrounding community.
Contact us for more information on the Abraham Kriel Bambanani children’s shelter, the work we do, and how you can support us.
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