Nkosi's Haven

http://www.nkosishaven.org/

One of the first days in South Africa, we drove over to Joburg to visit Nkosi's Haven. We were fortunate to meet the founder of this incredible home for kids and their mothers who are infected with HIV. Gail is quite the woman- such an inspiring leader.

In the early 90s, Gail Johnson became foster parent to Nkosi, HIV positive and 3 years old. She fought to get him in a good school after much resistance, and through this effort led educational workshops re: AIDS for parents, children, and teachers. Her work led to the government passing a law prohibiting children from being banned from school because of having HIV. Soon after Gail took Nkosi in, his mother passed away. This troubled little Nkosi, who told Gail two things: 1) Does everyone with AIDS die? and 2) My mom never said goodbye. He also asked about other kids with AIDS.

This inspired Gail to begin the haven in 1999, for moms infected with the virus, and their children. In the beginning there were 9 mothers and 47 children. Now there are over 300 residents. In 2000, when Nkosi was 11 years old, he was asked to speak at the World AIDS conference. This garnered international attention for Gail & Nkosi's project, greater awareness of the virus worldwide, and finally when Nkosi went into a coma, the world was indeed watching.

Now, Gail's project is changing lives. The Haven is currently working to become self-sustainable through a chicken farm, vegetable farm, and a bakery. Here are some of the things Nkosi's Haven provides:

• a ballroom where the kids dance once a week
• baby daycare center
• parenting classes (as many of the moms are young teens)
• a library
• a Therapy center, staffed with psychologists, play therapists, and counselors who recognize and counter the damaging emotional trauma many children and moms have been through.
• a Sick Bay unit, for residents who need to get on ARVs, and who are very ill
• Sports field
• laundry 
• industrial kitchen
• 12 acre farm
• jobs for mothers, who are employed internally as well as childcare providers from outside the haven.

If you haven't already guessed, this visit was completely inspiring, helpfully informative, and truly incredible. Gail is very tight with her budget and gives her entire life to this project and to the conviction to care for those who have no hope. She is a beacon of light in South Africa. If you feel led please donate! While her ministry is not religiously-affiliated I know she welcomes our prayers and support. Until next time,
Anna

thank you to Nkosi's Haven website for the green pictures, and to Eduan Kitching for the group shot.