Blessed Gérard's Child and Youth Care Centre

Mary found a home, discovered her passion for rugby and went on to represent South Africa's women's national team.

When a twelve-year-old left the Children’s Home, she chose a book of short stories. Her love of reading had grown, and she had become one of the most improved readers.

At the Children’s Home, Zama discovered a passion for kickboxing. Two gold medals and a place on KwaZulu-Natal’s team strengthened her confidence.

Samukelisiwe Biyela changed careers from mechanic to childcare worker. At the Children’s Home, she found a team where she could keep learning while supporting children.

On 30 December 2020, the police brought a nine-month-old girl to our Children’s Home. Like the Christ Child seeking shelter, she needed a safe place. We were glad to welcome her with gentle, loving…

Giving presents in our children's home on 24 December 2020

One of the bigger girls in the children's home was asked to write a short note about what she likes or dislikes about living in a children's…

From 14 to 16 December 2020, sixteen of the younger children from our children's home attended an educational camp at Pennington Resort on the KZN South Coast near Scottburgh.

The aim of the camp was…

Our children's home welcomed this seven-year-old girl on 19 November 2020.

We are ready to take care of her and offer her a safe and healing home.

Our children's home welcomed three new arrivals on 5 November 2020. We are ready to take care of them and offer them a safe home.

On 27 August 2020, our social worker Musa Shezi welcomed three boys aged 12, 9 and 8 to our Children’s Home. It is an honour and a responsibility to offer them a new home where they can feel loved and…

One of the most fulfilling tasks for all our staff and volunteers is to help when help is needed most.

Giving an abandoned newborn a loving and good start in life is one such task.

The Youth Ministry…

On a home-care visit, volunteer Julia Abspacher meets a former hospice patient who is feeling better. The care team’s joy stays with her.

In 2019, the Children’s Home gave two sisters safety and opportunities to be close to their mother during a difficult time.

It is our great pleasure to introduce you to our two youngest children from the children's home: The twin girls were born in December 2018 and have been with us at the children's home since 13…

Maresi Rehder remembers Lakhiwe’s shy smile, his small gestures and the comfort he found at the Children’s Home.

Nature walks and an Easter outing gave the children time to explore, play and laugh together.

After the boys’ camp, the girls from the Children’s Home had their own trip to the coast. They pitched tents, cooked together and explored the beach and lagoon.

The Children’s Home welcomed Sandile as a baby. His caregivers and the other children remembered their time with him with affection.

At the Children’s Home, Meagan prepared for her school-leaving exams. She had been offered a university place, and the bursary fund pledged to support her next steps.

In July 2014 the boys from the Children’s Home camped together on the coast for the first time. They pitched tents, cooked their own meals and enjoyed the beach.

Scene from our video film "An Imperishable Brotherhood":

This is Themba. Themba came to us when she was three months old. She was abused by her mother and the social workers took her away from her…

Volunteer Iona Hughan saw the children and carers form a family. A child’s thank-you card stayed with her long after her visit.

During her 2012 visit, Dr Katja Heering saw how shared laughter, listening and an outing shaped daily life at the Care Centre.

A programme by Gaby Kuhn with Father Gerhard Lagleder OSB.Recorded on 7 December 2010Sent on 8 December 2010: 4:30 p.m.  

Good day, dear listeners! Welcome to Radio Gloria. My name is Gaby Kuhn and I…

The atmosphere in both parts of the children's home is friendly and familiar.Today I report on life in the residential group: The twelve to sixteen year old girls and boys live together with their…

In 2008, the Children’s Home welcomed a newborn girl and gave her a safe, caring start.

Deacon Thomas Müller recalls a demanding day of caring for the children that ended with a personal goodnight blessing for each one.

It is July and the night is cold in the African winter. Baby Irene's parents are celebrating some unknown and unimportant occasion. They have been drinking heavily again. Irene's mother is heavily…

Oh, it's so exciting! Soon I will see what there is to discover outside my mummy's womb. But I'm also a wee bit scared because I overheard my mummy talking to a friend recently and saying "I don't…

On 3 September 2005, an eight-month-old baby was found near the public water tap in the local slum. Young girls from the community who had come to fetch water find him. They picked him up and…

Blessed Gérard's children's home has grown enormously in the past year. It currently provides a loving home for 28 children. Mrs Sandy Porter is our new director. We are very happy that we could win…

The story of Thandi and her son Bhekithemba should give you an impression of the terrible situation of many people in our area and show you how we help people in a meaningful and effective way:

Thandi…

This picture was taken on the day I was born, 18 March 2003. Some men were playing football on a sports field outside Sundumbili. They kicked the ball across the pitch and Jakob Ncube, one of the…

On 21 December 2003, a little boy, maybe three days old, was brought to us after being found as an abandoned child. He is obviously premature and very weak, dehydrated, malnourished and has mouth…

At the end of the Holy Mass, Bishop Mansuet blessed the new building for Blessed Gérard's Children's Home.

Finally, Bishop Biyase blessed the new rooms for Blessed Gérard's Children's Home.

The fate of many children in the greater Mandeni area who have been neglected, abandoned, abused and mistreated or orphaned (especially because their parents died of AIDS), made the Brotherhood of…

The 2000 newsletter tells how Nokubonga flourished in the team’s care and received the baptismal name Flora.

Mkhonto - There is hope!

The corridors of our care and hospice centre echo with the laughter and squeals of a little boy of about three years old. This was absolutely not the case five months ago when…