On Monday, 29 December 2025, the LARAKAKA Foundation carried out a heartfelt outreach visit to St. Christopher’s Children’s Home in Johannesburg, reaffirming its commitment to supporting vulnerable children and strengthening community-based care initiatives across South Africa.
About St. Christopher’s Children’s Home
St. Christopher’s Children’s Home is not an orphanage in the traditional sense. Rather, it is a place of refuge for children who have been identified by schools, communities, or social workers as being in need of additional care and support. Many of these children come from families facing severe economic hardship, overcrowded households, or circumstances where parents are struggling to cope. At the time of the visitation, the children were on holiday with their families and were due to resume residence at the home in January.
The children continue to attend school as normal, but they reside at the home, where their daily needs — including accommodation, meals, education support, and emotional care — are fully provided. The home operates entirely through public donations, partnerships, and community support, making every contribution vital to its continued impact.
A Visit Rooted in Giving
During the visit, the LARAKAKA Foundation team donated essential food and household supplies to support the daily feeding and care of the children. Items donated included: Rice, Maize meal, Cooking oil, Canned foods, Noodles, Tissues and other basic necessities, to name a few.
These contributions were made possible through the generosity of close friends, partners, families, colleagues, and supporters who donated their money, time, skills, and resources to ensure the success of this outreach.
Honouring a Legacy of Service: Jackie’s Story
The visit was especially meaningful as the team had the privilege of meeting Jackie, the founder and long-serving leader of St. Christopher’s Children’s Home, who was preparing to retire on 31 December 2025 after more than two decades of dedicated service.
Jackie’s journey into community work began in education. Having worked for many years at Sacred Heart College, she later played a pivotal role in establishing the Yeoville Community School following the release of Nelson Mandela, when returning South Africans needed access to education and reintegration support.
During the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, Jackie recognised the growing number of vulnerable and orphaned children and, through collaboration with the Italian organisation MICE Africa, helped establish St. Christopher’s Children’s Home. Her approach has always been community-led — listening to what people need rather than imposing solutions — a philosophy that has shaped not only this home but also related projects across Southern Africa.
After more than 22 years of service, Jackie officially hands over leadership of the home to Mrs. Christine Bartleman, a long-standing trustee who has worked closely with her for the past six years and will continue the mission with deep understanding and commitment.
Impact That Lasts a Lifetime
As shared by Omolara, Founder of LARAKAKA Foundation, St. Christopher’s Children’s Home has an extraordinary legacy of impact:
“For over 30 years, St. Christopher’s Children’s Home has been committed to providing love, care, and support to children in need. Many of the children are rescued from the streets, orphaned, or come from families unable to adequately provide for them. The home has successfully raised children from elementary school through to university graduation, and today proudly celebrates former beneficiaries who are doctors, engineers, and professionals contributing positively to society.”
A Message of Gratitude
The LARAKAKA Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who made this outreach possible.
“Thank you very much for your generous donation toward the LARAKAKA Foundation project. Your kindness and support mean a great deal to our work and the communities we serve. We pray for your continued friendship and partnership as we move forward together.”
— LARAKAKA Foundation Team
Looking Ahead
This visit to St. Christopher’s Children’s Home stands as a powerful reminder that collective compassion creates lasting change. As one chapter closes with Jackie’s well-earned retirement, another begins — filled with hope, continuity, and renewed commitment to protecting and empowering vulnerable children.
The LARAKAKA Foundation remains dedicated to partnering with individuals and organisations who believe that every child deserves care, dignity, and opportunity.
