Photo Gallery: Makaphutu at a Glance
Posted Jun 28, 2012 by 7 Comments
Imagine the balancing act many families go through to get their kids fed, ready for school, off to play dates, geared up for sports practice…and then multiply that by 38.
That’s the kind of schedule the staff balances on a day to day basis here at the Makaphutu Children’ Village.
The communities surrounding Makaphutu have seen their fair share of hardship. Lack of jobs and financial hardship take a toll on many, and HIV and AIDS affect nearly every family in one way or another.
With so many parents and caretakers dying young, orphan care is critical. Places like Makaphutu have stepped up to care for children. But the staff here not only want to meet their basic needs, but create an environment where children can grow up healthy, loved and spiritually developed.
Have a look at some of the happenings of the village!
- Learn more about Makaphutu and Loving South Africa.
- Think about children in your neighborhood or even your own nieces, nephews or grandchildren. How can you help support children and families who are a part of your community?
- Ever thought about welcoming children into your home who need support? Consider becoming a foster parent or becoming a safe home through an organization like Safe Families.
- Pray for the staff and children here at Makaphutu. Pray for a loving environment, adequate support for kids, and the finances to make keep this place running.
Laura Stump
About the Author: Laura is a journalism fellow with World Next Door. She graduated from the University of Arizona, Tucson with a degree in Animal Sciences and a minor in Spanish. She is constantly learning, making friends, dancing, and trying to understand her role in alleviating the suffering of others. Laura also attracts a lot of awkward situations.
Curtis Honeycutt said...
June 28th, 2012 at 8:55 am
How precious are those kids? That winking one looks like trouble.
JimM said...
June 30th, 2012 at 8:18 am
“Moms” who stand in the void created by a mothers death or absence may be angels…don’t you think?
Every time I meet one of them I feel that I am standing in the presence of someone who is sent from God. It happens every single time! Even looking at photo #8 above I am struck by this same feeling.
Thank you Laura.
Laura Stump said...
July 4th, 2012 at 2:58 am
No problem, Jim! I’m really enjoying getting to know these moms or “aunties” as the kids call them here. Stay tuned for an article about these women…
Jeff Simmons said...
July 2nd, 2012 at 8:34 am
Puts the day to day routine in perspective. Our schedule is task oriented in such an easy world. We don’t have the “emotional over-hang” of HIV, security, preparing food, and simple physical toll that you see from these pictures. It puts the start of my 4th of July (easy week in an easy suburbia community life) in perspective. Thanks for sharing Laura! Jeff
Laura Stump said...
July 4th, 2012 at 3:02 am
Thanks for reading, Jeff. Makaphutu certainly has a lot to show us and inspire us with.
Marcelo Marinangelo Guglielmi ( Brazil ) said...
October 12th, 2012 at 5:22 pm
Laura is beautiful to see people showing up Makaphutu and the reality of the comunity! I have been living there for 6 months, and it were the 6 moust amazing mounths of my life =)
See youu arround!
Marcelo
Laura Stump said...
October 14th, 2012 at 10:31 pm
Obrigado, Marcelo! Makaphutu is an amazing place. I have many great memories of my time there as well!