Pictured above: Sarah Potié, one of the Fidesco volunteers at LITTLE EDEN, recently returned to France. We thank her and all our other volunteers for their service and commitment to our special ‘angels’.

The late Founders of LITTLE EDEN, Domitilla and Danny Hyams, attributed the success of the organisation to the concept of “helping hands” … volunteers who gave selflessly of their time and talents to bring joy and comfort into the lives of children and adults with profound intellectual disability.

To this day, volunteers continue to play an important role in our work, providing invaluable support to staff. The volunteers include professionals (doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc.) who provide pro bono services to our angels … ordinary members of the public who read or sing to the children, help them build puzzles or take them for walks in the sunshine … and students performing community service, who undertake a variety of tasks including playing with the children and helping at the annual Fête.

We thank you all for your tireless efforts.

Medical Care

Medical care is supplied by government and volunteer doctors, dentists and psychiatrists, a nursing sister on duty at both facilities 24 hours a day, daily medication (including epilepsy, mental illness), daily chest therapy (which is critical to many of the residents) and emergency interventions as required.

Special thanks to the Pretoria Academic Hospital Dental Department for dental services and the Gauteng Department of Health for providing a GP to attend to our residents. We gratefully acknowledge Dr Kali, who provides pro bono psychiatric consultations at Edenvale. The residents in Bapsfontein are assisted by Kempton Park Clinic. We also appreciate the contribution from Ackerman’s Pharmacy, Primrose. All chronic medication for both Homes is blister packed by them, at no charge.

Sisters of the Imitation of Christ

The Sisters of the Imitation of Christ (SIC) continue to render service and spiritual support at Elvira Rota Village. Currently there are four nuns – Sr Seena, Sr Manonja, Sr Merin and Sr Lucia – who offer invaluable support. We acknowledge their significant commitment and contribution towards the care of our residents.

Fidesco Volunteers

LITTLE EDEN is also grateful to Fidesco, a French based Catholic association which sends volunteers to assist NGOs throughout the world. For the past seven years, Fidesco volunteers have contributed to the care at LITTLE EDEN. The most recent – Blandine Josse, Laure Pinel, Sarah Potié and Adèle Rigoigne – provided support and assistance within the stimulation programme at the Edenvale Home. The commitment of the Fidesco volunteers to the residents, their contribution to the work of LITTLE EDEN and our Values of Respect, Sanctity of Life and Love & Care are a great asset. Thank you!