Seeds of Light

The children are looked after by other relatives or community members at night, but most of these families are simply too poor to be able to provide the children with food, clothing, school uniforms and so forth. Drop-in centers make it possible for the relatives to provide shelter for the children without extra financial pressure.

Seeds of Light partnered with Talitha Mthetwa, a retired nurse who is passionate about caring for children in need, to create the ECOVC in 2012. We collaborated to build a large drop-in center in one of the poorest areas of Acornhoek to support and care for orphans and vulnerable children. We supported Talitha and other community members to form a non-profit organization, which now stands on its own, manages the center and is self-sustaining.

Today the center looks after over 200 children.

Although ECOVC receives some funding from the South African Social Services Department, they still need additional funds to continue supporting the children. Please consider supporting the Ekurhuleni Center for Orphans and Vulnerable Children by becoming a sponsor, making a donation or purchasing something from their wish list.

Since the first Cubs and Scouts troop started at the ECOVC, we’ve noticed improved self-esteem and leadership skills. The older children, some of whom were becoming defiant teenagers and bullies, are now positive role models for the younger children.

Due to a recent drought, Ekurhuleni’s vegetable garden had virtually dried up. While learning the necessary skills to obtain their gardening badges, the Cubs and Scouts brought this garden back to life! They are now producing fresh vegetables and fruit, which are used to prepare delicious, healthy meals for all the children who visit the center. 

We are now expanding the program to other areas in Acornhoek, with exciting results. Keep updated on the progress of our Cubs and Scouts by visiting the Seeds of Light Facebook page and reading our Blog.

Since the start of this program, we have received thousands of knitted hats from all over the world. One kind and generous soul, Jean Giroux from Canada, has knitted over 1500 hats for our children!

Seeds of Light distributes the hats during the South African winter months to the vulnerable children at schools, orphan drop-in centers and day care centers in Acornhoek. We never tire of handing out hats to these special children. Their enormous smiles say it all!

A downloadable tag is available for the knitter to write a message on and to attach so each child knows the hat has been lovingly handmade especially for him/her. This has become a tradition we encourage among all crafters. We offer advice to hatmakers here.

And even beyond the gift of receiving a new hat, the children experience ecstatic joy when given the opportunity to choose the hat that they find most appealing. It is rare for the children to get to choose something for themselves, and this treat can’t be underestimated.

If you knit or crochet, or know someone who might want to get involved with One Hat, One Heart, please contact us at info@seedsoflight.org.