Our History
The story of Little Eden begins with an ordinary housewife and mother of six, who believed she should do something to help children with intellectual disability.
How We Began
In 1947, South African Danny Hyams returned to Italy to marry Domitilla Rota, whom he’d met as an escaped prisoner of war sheltered by her family. Twenty years later, this 49-year-old mother of six embarked on an extraordinary mission with nothing but faith and a R10 donation from Danny.
Little Eden began in a borrowed church hall, caring for three little girls with profound intellectual disability. When Domitilla promised a dying mother she would care for her child for life, the vision expanded from day care to permanent residential care. Despite multiple relocations and limited resources, their dream grew. By 1974, they built their permanent home in Edenglen, later adding Elvira Rota Village in Bapsfontein.
Today, Little Eden cares for 300 residents across two facilities—a living testament to what can be accomplished with love, faith, and determination. In recognition of their extraordinary service, Danny and Domitilla Hyams are being considered for beatification by the South African Bishops’ Conference—two ordinary people whose compassion created something truly divine.
Domitilla (left) with some of her beloved ‘angels’ in the 70s, and below, one of the earliest pictures of the Kempton Park Home
Meet The Founders
Domitilla was born and raised in a small village called Albenza in the province of Bergamo in Italy. During the War, her family suffered hardship but it was the same War that brought Danny Hyams into her life … a South African escaped prisoner of war, who was sheltered by the Rota family.
After the war, Danny returned to Johannesburg, saved enough money to begin married life, and went back to Italy in 1947 to claim Domitilla as his bride. The couple had six children – most of whom have served Little Eden themselves.
Domitilla remained involved in the daily running of the Home until well into her eighties, when failing health prevented her from continuing. She was the longest serving volunteer at Little Eden and, right up until her death on 18 January 2011, she continued to pray daily for her special ‘angels’.
Danny walked beside Domitilla every step of the way in the establishment of Little Eden. It was Danny who gave Domitilla the very first donation of R10 in 1967, which she used to launch the organisation. Although he never sought the limelight or wanted any personal recognition, Danny was not just the man beside Domitilla; he also cared deeply for the children of Little Eden. He served on the Board of Governors from its initiation until shortly before his death, and was Chairman from 1967 to 1974. Danny was called to join his beloved wife in December 2012.
‘I have often wondered why God chose me to start a place like this,’ Domitilla said. ‘There is one thing I know: that people with intellectual disability have great value and that God gave them to us to touch our hearts and make us better people.
‘We are all the hands of Jesus in caring for our neighbours – regardless of race, colour or intellectual ability. Whether you feed a child, make a donation, or give of your time and attention in some way, the important thing is that you make a difference in your lifetime.
‘My greatest wish is that more will be done to ensure the comfort and safety of persons with intellectual disability. And that more communities, families and individuals will come to understand the value of these special people and reach out to them instead of choosing to look the other way.’
All you need is love, faith and determination.
Our Timeline
1967
Little Eden Society is formed by Domitilla with three little girls on a day-care basis in the Methodist Church hall in Edenvale.
1969
The number of children increases and occupation is taken of a rent-free property in Kempton Park. Hostel facilities are started.
1970
43-hectare farm purchased, named Elvira Rota Village after Domitilla’s mother. Self-sufficient home for intellectually disabled remains a distant goal.