Orphans and Vulnerable Children
Helping Children to Thrive
Ekurhuleni Center for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (ECOVC)
Ekurhuleni means ‘place of peace’ and this center is indeed a place of peace for many vulnerable children in the community.
Sadly, in Acornhoek one in three people is HIV-positive, and there are thousands of AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children. Many of these children rely heavily on the goodwill of donors and ongoing support from NGOs for food and other basic necessities.
The South African model for taking care of these children is the “Drop-in Center”. Essentially this is a safe space they can visit after school, on weekends and school holidays for a meal, clothing and emotional support.
“Problems like the lack of safe drinking water, sanitation, and health care can be addressed only by projects undertaken at the level of the community.”
– Peter Singer


Love and Ice Cream
Christmas Day at Ekurhuleni Orphan Center 2012
Cubs and Scouts
Children and teenagers living in poverty don’t often have healthy role models or extracurricular activities to enjoy. Seeds of Light has proudly partnered with Keep the Dream 147 to bring Cubs and Scouts to the Acornhoek community.
The program offers at-risk children and teenagers a special sense of belonging and opportunities to learn important skills that will develop their character and self-confidence. Skills development also instills a desire for self-sufficiency, community service and self-discipline.
One Hat One Heart
One of the most heartwarming programs at Seeds of Light is One Hat One Heart. The winters in Acornhoek can be very cold, and the children often do not have enough warm clothing. Veteran knitter Jennifer Traeger was inspired to knit hats for them, and the program grew from there.
Jennifer says, “This project is about creating a bridge of caring and love between communities. While a hat can’t change the life of a vulnerable child, the cumulative effects of these caring actions and intentions are profound.”