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After Lerato’s mother passed away, she did her best to care for her younger sisters on her own. When a Starfish social worker visited, they found the girls exhausted and hungry — and quickly mobilized the support they needed.

Recalling the heartbreaking event, the Starfish social worker said, "I knocked (on the door), and when there was still no answer, I realised that there was something terribly wrong.  I reported the incident to the police, and when they came, they broke down the door.  We found the three girls lying weak on the floor.  Lerato couldn’t walk, and baby Anna was so weak that she was unable to cry anymore.  As we entered, Phindile crawled into my arms with tears streaming down her face. These poor children had been so overcome by depression and sadness that they’d locked themselves in their little shack with hardly any food and water for two whole weeks.  The windows had been covered with blankets to block out the horror of the outside world, and the smell of urine was just awful. They couldn’t cope without their mum.”  

The girls were brought to a project centre for food, care, and counseling. A screened foster family stepped in, and Starfish staff began the process of obtaining birth certificates for the children, which is required to apply for welfare grants – a crucial step towards helping the children achieve stability and independence.

Today, the sisters are safe, learning, and supported—because someone like you made it possible. 

How can you help children like Lerato, Anna, and Phindile?

• Donate now to provide urgent food, counseling, and case management services.

• Become a Greatheart (monthly donor) to sustain a child’s support all year.

• Start a fundraiser and rally your community to protect vulnerable children.