“Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story” ~ Annonymous
Unfortunately, many children in the township are orphaned. They do not have a mom to take care of them. Not always because she is absent in body, but often because she is absent in mind. Many are orphaned due to the unhealthy addiction to drugs and alcohol plaguing so many single moms. These moms lose the ability to care for their children when their addictions take over their lives. And because of this self destructive behavior, the defenseless babies are left orphaned on the streets.
This is the very sad and short ending to the life story of so many children. But for a few others, it isn’t. There is a woman of great faith, who lives in the township, and is determined to help write a new chapter in the life stories of many orphaned children. A chapter full of love, hope, faith and family.
Ella Mapurisa, known to many as Mama Ella, has made it her mission to rescue the children abandoned in the township and share Jesus with everyone she meets. To do this, Ella needed a safe house. She calls this home, Lukhanyiso Safe House. In isiXhosa, the word Lukhanyiso means “The Light”. Ella decided to call the Safe House “Lukhanyiso” to bring light to the brokenhearted.
This is one of the many ways The Khayamandi Foundation has partnered with Ella. A large addition was built onto the home to help Ella house more children. Khayamandi funded the project and sent a team to build it.
Ella lives modestly in the safe house with 12 children. She employs two dedicated caregivers who help care for the children throughout the week, as well as a full-time driver who ensures they are safely transported to and from school each day.
Her expenses run around $350 U.S. per child per month, covering essentials such as food, clothing, school uniforms, transportation, school fees, and staff support. Through Khayamandi’s partnership, the education fees for each of these children are fully funded. This gives every child access to consistent schooling and a brighter future.
Ella and her business partner Penny have opened a township tour company called Emzini Tours to try to help cover many of the additional expenses of the Lukhanyiso Safe House.
