Dr Gigi Ranjana founded iThemba Children's Home to provide specialised care for children with complex medical and special needs. The idea emerged during the Covid-19 lockdown when Ranjana and her family cared for foster children, some with special needs. They recognised a need for a safe home for abused and abandoned children requiring more than basic care. iThemba Home was established to address this need.
The home, located in a natural setting, was gradually built by Ranjana's family and opened to children in 2024. Currently, it cares for six children with special needs, including those requiring complex medical attention and palliative care. The facility provides a supportive environment, and Ranjana emphasises that every child deserves love and care, regardless of their background, disability, or lifespan.
iThemba Home aims to provide a permanent place for children to stay while also helping those who can return to their families or be adopted. For children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, the home offers continued care and support in a home environment. The organisation's goal is to help children who can be reunited with their families or adopted to do so.
The home not only cares for children but also creates employment opportunities for women from disadvantaged communities. It provides training and skills that can be shared with their families and neighbours. This approach supports the local community and helps create a positive impact.
Dr Ranjana, who started the Swiss Board of Aid in 2012, has always been motivated to make a difference despite limited resources in the Eastern Cape. Her vision for iThemba Home is to provide a safe space for children with specialised care needs and to expand the home as more children require such care.
iThemba Home currently cares for children with a range of needs, and Ranjana hopes to expand the facility to accommodate more children. The organisation's work is focused on providing care, support, and a sense of belonging to children who need it most.
Through iThemba Home, Dr Ranjana and her team demonstrate a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children. By providing specialised care and support, they aim to give these children a chance at a better life.
Key points
- iThemba Home provides care and support for abused and abandoned children with complex medical and special needs in the Eastern Cape.
- The home aims to provide a permanent place for children to stay while also helping those who can return to their families or be adopted.
- The organisation also creates employment opportunities for women from disadvantaged communities, providing training and skills that can be shared with their families and neighbours.
