Thando’s journey began with great loss when her mother passed away during childbirth. Fortunately, Thando was given a loving home at Khayelihle Children’s Village when she was just seven months old.
Receiving the love and care she needed, Thando grew up in a nurturing environment surrounded by a housemother and friends she called siblings.
While Khayelihle Children’s Village in Zimbabwe provides care for vulnerable children, it also operates on a reconnection model. It actively seeks to connect children with their relatives and support reunions when safe and appropriate.
For Thando, this journey took time and dedication.
It wasn’t until September 2024—over a decade after Thando joined the village—that a social worker successfully found her maternal aunt.
This breakthrough allowed Thando to visit her aunt multiple times, creating opportunities for Thando to connect with her grandmother and other family members.
Khayelihle Children’s Village has supported Thando in completing her schooling and pursuing further education, including a vocational training course in hospitality.
Khayelihle Children’s Village will continue to support Thando as she makes decisions about her future and embraces her independence as a young adult. She is also hopeful about the reconnection with her family and the new opportunities it will bring.
Your generous support of Khayelihle Children’s Village has profoundly impacted 65 children, who have been lovingly reunited with their families. This re-connection brings joy, hope, and a sense of belonging back into their lives. Your support truly makes a difference.