“If Amahle would not have come to us, she would have been dead now.” Emily and Michelle speak enthusiastically about the little girl they consider a miracle child. She is only one of several children who have been given a new chance to experience a loving family environment through their care.

We are visiting the two women, one warm summer morning to have an honest conversation about their involvement in Give a Child a Family Africa’s Temporary Safe Care (TSC) Programme. We meet in the living room and through the open door we can hear children playing in the background.

Emily and Michelle, with their different backgrounds and dreams of family life, shared a common understanding of the situation faced by many South African children in need of stability and care. What makes them stand out is their decision to actually take that step that would change their lives completely. United by a shared calling, they are today fully invested in creating a warm, loving home where every child is cherished and valued.  

Michelle describes how everything began with an empty, quiet house that today is a household filled with activities and toddler laughter.  She did not know how it would turn out but wanted to create a warm and safe environment for children in need of a family. Today, Michelle is a mother of two adopted children, and since Emily came along with the same vision, children are welcomed on a short-term basis. Currently, with the help of sponsors and donations, they care for six children removed from their parents awaiting permanent decisions about their futures. 

Reflecting on their experiences, Emily expresses, “I get so much from the children and I know they get something from me too. They are my family now.”

Observing the young children from a distance, it is clear how safe they feel and how they are flourishing. Briefly knowing what the children already have been through in their short lives, it is remarkable to see how they thrive. Neglect, malnourishment, health issues and severe family complications, all seem so far away.

Thinking back at the arrival of the very first child, Emily shares how exciting it was. She felt ready to care for the little girl, whom she immediately felt a connection with. She had to learn quickly and in hindsight, she believes that added background information about the baby would have been more settling for everyone.

Emily and Michelle have experienced how TSC is a continuous process, children are coming and going and they have continued to learn as they go. They fully support children returning to their own families but are 100% open to giving them a permanent home if needed.

“We don’t want to rejoice in someone else’s agony, but we are grateful. Children’s stories are thread into ours now.”

One of the children who first came for a short-term placement is now in foster care with one of them and another child is soon to follow the same path.

It is a lie to say that everything is always running smoothly. Michelle shares, “It can be frustrating sometimes. We don’t always know where cases are going, things can change fast. Relatives come from nowhere. But, I don’t want to stand in the way, that would be selfish. I have love and an open heart.”

Both complement the support of Give a Child a Family Africa’s TSC team. They describe how they appreciate the organisation’s engagement, the many home visits and how their guidance has been invaluable.

“No offense to the social workers, but unless GCF would not follow up with them not much would have happened.”

As living proof that love knows no bounds and families come in all shapes, Emily and Michelle’s story is one of resilience, compassion, true commitment and hope for children in urgent need of a home.

(Note that all names are changed.)