Child-headed households are not uncommon in South Africa. These are households that consist exclusively of children because their parents are deceased or cannot be found. Caring for these children is an important focus of the work in Elandsdoorn. Ensuring that basic needs such as food, shelter, health, care and safety are met is a top priority. If no relatives can be found, these children are taken into specially built houses. Existing houses are also renovated and extended. The shelters have secure windows and lockable doors. They are located in a fenced-in area. The houses provide the children with protection, security and an official residence – the basic requirements for everything else.
