Every child deserves more than just shelter
they deserve love, safety, and a family.
Thandi House is a non-profit foster home in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, where we provide a loving, permanent home for children in need. Founded in 2009 by Mark and Rene Morcom, our mission is rooted in healing, belonging, and unconditional care, because every child deserves the safety and love of a forever family.
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At Thandi House, we create a nurturing, family-like environment rooted in attachment, where children can heal, grow, and thrive. Our approach focuses on providing the emotional, physical, and educational support needed to foster resilience and a deep sense of safety and belonging. Together with a team of professionals, we ensure each child receives personalised care in every aspect of their development.
Our Values
- Full Acceptance: We embrace children with physical and mental disabilities, providing the same love and support as any other child. We take pride in being one of the few homes that welcome children with these challenges.
- Compassion: Treating every child with kindness and empathy in their healing journey.
- Belonging: Building secure attachments to foster emotional stability.
- Personalised Care: Tailoring support to each child’s unique needs for holistic growth.
- Safety: Creating a secure, protective environment for all children.
- Stability: Ensuring consistency to build trust and emotional security.
- Respect: Valuing each child’s dignity and listening to their needs.
- Empowerment: Encouraging children to express themselves and make decisions for growth.
How You Can Help
Our holistic approach ensures that every child receives comprehensive care and support.
GROCERIES
We provide a nutritious diet to support the children’s development, particularly those who arrive in poor health due to neglect and lack of medical care. By focusing on holistic nutrition, each meal is designed to foster physical and emotional well-being, promoting healing and growth. Additionally, some children have life-threatening food allergies, making meal preparation both challenging and costly as we must carefully address their specific dietary needs.
MEDICAL
The children in our care have faced neglect due to gaps in the public healthcare system, particularly children with disabilities. To address these challenges, we provide access to private medical care through medical aid/insurance, ensuring they receive the essential treatments and support they need. This approach enables us to tackle urgent and life-saving medical needs, offering the best care possible for their healthcare.
EDUCATION
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela.
Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and hardship many of our children have faced. We support each child in reaching their full potential. Most receive special needs education to meet their unique learning requirements, enabling them to thrive academically and emotionally, and laying the foundation for a brighter future.
TRANSPORT
Transport costs are essential to the smooth running of our home. Fuel funds allow us to get children to important appointments such as court dates, medical visits, and therapy sessions. They also enable us to collect vital donations of food, clothing, and other necessities. Just as importantly, transport allows us to offer joyful, enriching experiences, from school outings and Sunday hikes to trips to the park and church - all of which bring a sense of adventure and normalcy to our children’s lives.
STAFF
Our support staff, affectionately known as our "aunties," form the backbone of daily life at Thandi House. These dedicated ladies have been with us over 15 years, working alongside us as parents to ensure each child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs are met. Their tireless compassion and commitment are essential to the warmth of our home. To continue providing this care, it is crucial that we maintain a stable payroll to honour their role in our family.
RENT & ELECTRICITY
We feel incredibly blessed to rent a spacious property surrounded by nature—a safe, nurturing environment where children can play, learn, and grow. With plenty of room to roam, explore, and embark on wild adventures, the property offers more than just shelter; it’s a place of healing and discovery. Its size also allows us to welcome more children into our forever family. Rent includes essential utilities like water and electricity, which are vital to the smooth running of our home.
Make a Difference
Your support can help us continue our vital work and change lives.