The story of LITTLE EDEN is one of faith, love, dedication and perseverance which goes right back to 1967 – when Mrs Domitilla Hyams started a day care facility for three little girls with intellectual disabilities.

Shortly afterwards Domitilla, a woman of profound faith, saw a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary, motioning a number of children towards her. ‘I leave these children in your care,’ seemed to be the message the Madonna wished to convey.

It is a message Domitilla has since devoted her life to carrying out, with the support of her husband Danny and her own children, now grown up and actively involved in the organisation.

Nothing is simpler than her objectives: to allow these special children – some of whom have been abandoned by their parents or rescued from indigent homes – to live in a peaceful, loving environment.

Today, LITTLE EDEN consists of two homes, one at Edenvale and a 43ha farm in Bapsfontein, which together are ‘home’ to 300 children and adults with profound intellectual disabilities.

Sadly owing to failing health Domitilla, who is now over 90 years old, has recently had to relinquish her participation in day to day activities at the homes. But she continues to pray for her angels every day.

Planning ahead
With foresight, Domitilla insisted in 1970 that land be purchased for future development to accommodate the children as they grew into adulthood. A 43ha farm in Bapsfontein was purchased, but over a decade would pass before the Elvira Rota Village (named after Domitilla's mother) was finally built, owing to lack of funds.

1984-1985
A borehole was sunk with an initial flow of 19 000 gallons per hour. Irrigation was laid and the pecan nut orchard was established. Eskom electricity supply was connected. A small building was erected for staff and the farm workshop, and farming operations began on a small scale - vegetables for the children and maize and beans for sale.

1991
Phase I of the building to accommodate 70 residents was officially opened by the Apostolic Delegate Archbishop Ambrose De Paoli. Without separate kitchen and laundry facilities, there was daily transportation of food and washing to and from Edenvale. The following year, the staff quarters were enlarged and a temporary laundry installed.

1993
Government finally approved the necessary subsidised loan to enable us to complete the kitchen, dining room, laundry and hall sections (Phase II), and the 'turning of the first sod' was performed by the MEC for Health, Gauteng, Mr Amos Masondo in 1995.

1997
An invitation was extended to President Nelson Mandela to perform the official opening of Phase II on 25 July, and we were now able to accommodate 70 residents at Elvira Rota Village. Planning of Phase III got underway – to accommodate young people who, together with profound intellectual disability, also have mental illness, resulting in challenged or aggressive behaviour.

1999
Work began on Phase III - Pino’s Place comprising two self-contained units, (one for “aggressive challenged behaviour” for 12 residents and one for “challenged behaviour” for 28 residents). The facility was officially opened the following year, bringing the total number of residents at the Village to 110.

2004
Work began on the task of creating a natural wetland area below the settling ponds. Over the years, this has grown to provide a peaceful sanctuary for the enjoyment of residents, staff and visitors.

2006
Official opening of the labyrinth at Elvira Rota Village on Arbor Day.

2007
LITTLE EDEN celebrates its 40th Anniversary.

2008
Domitilla Rota Hyams receives the Bene Merenti Papal Award for her work with intellectually disabled children and adults in South Africa.

2010
Opening of the New Holy Family Chapel at Elvira Rota Village