Lilian stood in line with many other women at Khayelihle Children’s Village (KCV), Zimbabwe. They were all applying to be a Housemother. As the last one interviewed that day, Lillian didn’t have high hopes of getting the job. When selected for the position, she said, “God chose me out of many.”
Lillian has cared for vulnerable children at KCV for over twenty years. The children are often orphaned, abandoned, or unable to be cared for by their living relatives. Lillian becomes a mother figure for these children. She lives with them and cares for them, helping them to develop emotionally, socially, spiritually, and academically.
One of the children who has been in Lillian’s care is Karen.
Lillian recalls when Karen first arrived at KCV in 2003 as a 9-month-old. “She had no health issues despite not breastfeeding. She was a cheerful baby who loved attention and would always be carried around by the mothers.”
Lillian watched Karen take her first steps at ten months old and start talking at one year. She also observed Karen playing with the other children, teaching her how to share toys. Lillian was proud when Karen received the ‘smartness award’ at primary school.
Lillian cheered Karen on at athletics competitions, where Karen competed with other schools. Then, “at the high school level, she [Karen] had developed an interest in hairdos,” Lillian shared. Karen has now completed her schooling and a course in beauty therapy.
Housemothers like Lilian help the children build self-esteem. So they can develop life skills and receive the love and attention they need to thrive.
“Mrs. Sithole gave me all the love that I needed. I do not remember a day when I felt lonely and felt like an orphan,” Karen shared. If Lillian ever had a day off, Karen eagerly awaited Mrs Sithole by the veranda. “She was approachable, and we were free to tell her anything,” Karen shared.
Mrs. Lilian Sithole, KCV Housemother
Karen, in her former favourite place at KCV
Lillian’s highlight of being a housemother is bonding with all the children in her care. “I remember every child’s background, their names on the first day they arrive at the village, and their different needs,” she said. There are also challenges, “like dealing with children with behaviour issues. Some of the children are short-tempered, some are addicts, and some would not accept me as their new mother.”
Lillian helps to instil values, discipline, and a sense of responsibility in children. Lillian feels happy and most proud to be able to “raise children who can stand on their own and who are hard workers.”
Karen reflected on how Lillian taught the children to work hard at chores and to pray. “At first, we used to think that Mrs Sithole was making us do her work, but as I grew up, I understood that she was training us for our future.”
Karen now lives with her husband and six-week-old baby daughter. Lillian, pleased that Karen is a mother now, confidently says, “She is a responsible person.” With her own child, Karen now appreciates everything Lillian did for her.
“I can manage my household because of the values I received when I was growing up. I take this opportunity to thank my mother, Mrs. Sithole, and all my sponsors and KCV.”
Lillian is not the only housemother at KCV. Nine housemothers care for five households, each with about seven children.
KCV works to reconnect children like Karen with their families or living relatives. They provide support to help families care for their children wherever possible. During this process, the love and care of a Housemother like Lilian help children know they’re not alone and allow them to continue developing in a safe and loving environment. The Great Gift of a Housemother can support housemothers like Lilian. Your gift can empower and resource housemothers as they care for children like Karen and give them a safe and happy home.