It’s easy to forget that our precious Daniella and Candy are grown women

 

They’ve been at LITTLE EDEN since they were children. And their minds remain child-like, because of their disability. Yet, they possess many of the best qualities of women.

 

Despite having been born with Down Syndrome, Daniella has the biggest, kindest heart. If you’re feeling a bit down or out of sorts, Daniella is sure to notice – and do her best to comfort you and cheer you up. She doesn’t like to see anyone sad or alone, especially her best friend, Candy, who is in a wheelchair. She also likes to keep busy, washing the dishes, baking and (with the help of the care worker) making evening coffee and snacks for her house mates.

 

By choice, Dorothy lives with younger children at our Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home. Although she can never have children of her own, she is a real mother to the little ones. They all know who to run to for comfort and cuddles. There is no one more patient and caring. Dorothy will pick up the toy that’s fallen off a child’s wheelchair tray. Again and again and again. She never gets irritated or fed up.

 

At Elvira Rota Village, Pinky is the mother hen, handing out the bibs and getting the plates ready at meal times. Pinky runs ‘morning ring’ every day and reads to the others during quiet time. Meanwhile Jade will be busy in the laundry, folding clothes ready for the Housemothers to come and collect. She’s one of those women who makes sure her ‘family’ never runs out of fresh, clean clothes.

 

Daniella, Dorothy, Pinky and others create an extra layer of warmth and love in their home. A home we’ve promised they’ll have for the rest of their lives.

DONATE NOW
It’s a promise we can make because people like you support LITTLE EDEN.

 

Throughout the 55 years of our existence, we’ve always been able to turn to generous people like you to help provide food, clothing, toys, warm beds and wheelchairs, special therapy and a safe, well maintained home … in fact everything our family of 300 children and adults with profound intellectual disability needs.

 

Please will you renew your support now? Your special women’s month contribution – made right now – means the promise of love and friendship, safety and security for Daniella, Candy, Dorothy, Pinky and everyone else at LITTLE EDEN for the rest of their lives.

 

Thank you – and Happy Woman’s Day to you and your loved ones!

Share
Tweet

Women like Pinky and Jade
may not understand everything –
but they know the importance
of loving and caring for others.

Latest News

Holiday Fun
Holiday Fun
Our residents rarely get an opportunity to ‘sleep out’. So you can imagine the excitement when a small group went to Dullstroom for a few days recently. Being in a completely new and different environment … enjoying the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities like walking, braaiing and fishing, is something they’ll remember for the rest..Read More
September 23, 20220
Mandy starts school for the first time!
Mandy starts school for the first time!
With support from the Department of Basic Education, one of our special angels Mandy*, was identified as a child who would benefit from attending a special school. It’s taken three years to finalise the process – but on 10 August, Mandy set off proudly for her first day of school. Waiting for the school bus..Read More
September 23, 20220
Spring Day at LITTLE EDEN
Spring Day at LITTLE EDEN
There’s nothing like the arrival of spring to encourage everyone to get out into the fresh air and sunshine … and start planting. At Elvira Rota Village, we celebrated spring day by planting a new flower garden. Active and mobile residents put in the hard work of digging and planting under supervision, while their less..Read More
September 23, 20220
Gone to be with the <em>angels</em> in heaven
Gone to be with the <em>angels</em> in heaven
On the last day of July, long-time resident, Brigitte, slipped away to be with the other angels in heaven. It was a sad day for everyone at LITTLE EDEN. After 51 years with us, Brigitte was so much a part of our family. Her passing leaves a huge gap. She was one of the first..Read More
September 23, 20220
Building project on track
Building project on track
Over the past few months we’ve become used to living on a building site, as walls came down, and new ones went up in front of our eyes. Some wings have been completed and our angels are already enjoying their bright new accommodation. We look forward to the completion of the new medical centre, which..Read More
September 23, 20220
‘Through my Eyes’ – our <em>angels</em> star
‘Through my Eyes’ – our <em>angels</em> star
Every year, during Intellectual Disability Awareness Month, the South African Federation for Mental Health helps raise awareness around the rights and needs of persons with intellectual disability. Among the most marginalised people in society, they face discrimination and exclusion in almost all spheres of life, including education, employment and community involvement. This year, SAFMH worked..Read More
September 23, 20220
Who’s for delicious veggies fresh from the garden?
Who’s for delicious veggies fresh from the garden?
Twenty years have passed since we last grew vegetables at Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home, due to space constraints. But now, thanks to the building renovations, we have the perfect spot for a new veggie patch. We chose spinach for our first crop in June, as this is packed with vitamins and has become expensive..Read More
September 23, 20220
Farewell to our volunteers from France
Farewell to our volunteers from France
After almost two years helping with the care and stimulation activities at Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home, Fidesco volunteers, Camille (left) and Soline (right), returned to France recently. They will be missed by all of us at LITTLE EDEN. Thank you to them and to Camille Coupey (2nd from right). Since 2013, we’ve welcomed no..Read More
September 23, 20220
‘Big Move’ goes smoothly
‘Big Move’ goes smoothly
Getting 30 children and their wheel- chairs safely to their new home at Elvira Rota Village took all the planning and precision of a military operation, but we got there.It’s all part of our ongoing strategy to provide more space and a higher level of care for the children at Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home...Read More
September 23, 20220
OUR HOMES

LITTLE EDEN has two residential homes, providing 24-hour care for children and adults with profound intellectual disability – Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home in Edenglen, suitable for younger and more severely disabled children, and Elvira Rota Village, a farm in Bapsfontein ideally suited to those who are more mobile, older or higher functioning.
(Click for more)

MEET THE CHILDREN

Sindi has severe intellectual disability caused by birth complication. She was admitted to LITTLE EDEN when she was 7 years old as her mother, who works full time, is unable to provide the care she needs.

Although she cannot speak, Sindi understands much of what is said to her and she is eager to learn. She has a lovely, gentle nature, and is always smiling.

(Click for more)

PLACEMENTS

LITTLE EDEN caters for people with profound intellectual disability – those who are classified as uneducable – of all races and creeds. Priority is given to those who have been abandoned or abused, or who come from severely disadvantaged backgrounds. Once accepted into the LITTLE EDEN family, they remain with us for life.

(Click for more)

VOLUNTEER

Students wishing to do community service at LITTLE EDEN should note that community service hours may only be accumulated during weekdays, from 08:30 to 12:30. Afternoons, weekends and public holidays are NOT available. School holidays are ideal. Please contact Nichollette Muthige on 011 609 7246 to make arrangements.

For more information about local and international volunteers, contact us at info@littleeden.org.za

8 ways to support LITTLE EDEN

Find out more

Visit us