An orphan is a child with no mom or dad. As a parent myself, the concept breaks my heart.
In 2010 my family and I visited an orphanage in South Africa. The children at the orphanage were so much more than just statistics; each had a unique story of pain and loss and yet they approached life with a zeal that is rarely seen in children that have all their day to day needs met. I found these little people to be open, warm and full of love and affection. I was humbled and inspired.
It was then that I decided I had to do something, anything, to improve the lives of these lost children and so upon returning to Sydney I established the Eniwe Children’s Fund, a not-for-profit organisation.
Since then we have been heavily involved with a community just outside Empangeni in rural Kwa Zula Natal and have set up several sustainable projects for the community that provide them with education, skills and ongoing revenue.
In 2013 we will be expanding our reach and starting to work with the orphans so in Kayelitsha Township, Cape Town.
I was fortunate enough to grow up with privilege and opportunity, as have my children, and it’s time to give back. As my projects have grown and expanded I have seen real tangible results through the help and support of the Eniwe Tribe and it gives me great satisfaction to know that we really do have the ability to change lives. We just have to do it!
This journey has been both challenging and rewarding, and I wouldn’t change a minute of it!