Thandanani House of Refuge: Restoring Hope for Abandoned and Abused Children

In Johannesburg, South Africa, there is a beacon of hope amidst the darkness – Thandanani House of Refuge. This remarkable ministry is dedicated to rescuing and restoring the lives of vulnerable children and teenagers who have been orphaned, abandoned, abused, or neglected.

The story of Thandanani began over 40 years ago, when a compassionate Christian woman noticed the plight of young children in her neighborhood who were not attending school due to the lack of compulsory education during the apartheid era. Driven by a deep desire to make a difference, She started a small school in her garage, which quickly grew and eventually found a home on the premises of the Honeyridge Baptist Church, becoming the Kingsway Christian School.

In the early 2000s, the school’s leadership recognized that many of the children were being hindered in their education due to their difficult home circumstances. Some had no access to electricity, others were in situations of abuse. Determined to address this issue, the school decided to open a home called Thandanani House of Refuge in 2003, providing a safe and nurturing environment for these children to live and thrive.

Today, Thandanani House of Refuge is providing a loving home and support for school-age children and teenagers. The ministry is committed to sharing the transformative power of the gospel with the children in their care.