Hope – a seed is planted Hope is a powerful force. It can pull someone forward at their time of need and provide a reason for being. In South Africa the gift of hope is paramount. A Place of Hope exists. In 2003, visionary leader Danie van den Heever, a retired Durban businessman, established a haven for hope. Realising the need for positive action he drove the process to form what is today a respected non-profit organisation. This inspirational organisation entitled, ‘Focus on iThemba’, the isiZulu word for ‘hope’, offers educational and life skills training for families on the campus and beyond and offers a sanctuary for young South Africans orphaned by AIDS. Through innovative foster care the

children experience the true essence of love which radiates from a family hub.

Through generous support from contributors, volunteers and key individuals across the globe, iThemba has grown from strength to strength. The future is clear, as each person whose life is touched carries the message of hope forward.

Mission Statement

• A Place of Hope for shaping future leaders, in providing preventative and educational programmes relating to HIV/AIDS and high risk behaviours
• To implement and manage sustainable cluster foster care homes that will ease the pain and suffering inflicted on children who are vulnerable, mostly as a result of the breakdown of the core family unit due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic

The property is easily accessible by road and is approximately 8 kilometers from Hillcrest itself. It is strategically placed, being adjacent to the large rural Embo community marked by unemployment, poverty and the effects of the AIDS pandemic.

iThemba Academy

iThemba strives to make a significant impact in shaping the lives of future leaders by providing life skills training and educational programmes within a firm family foundation. Quality education is not only essential in developing a child but also a country.
The newly established iThemba Academy, an independent school based on the campus, aims to offer world-class education to the iThemba children and ultimately to the local Embo and Hillcrest communities.
The Academy, driven by the ACE curriculum, caters for the specific needs of the iThemba children and offers a holistic education focusing on developing confidence, strength of character and high self esteem. Carefully selected educators with the qualifications and experience necessary to meet the highest of standards have been recruited.
The goals of iThemba Academy are:

• To establish and maintain an independent school of excellence on the campus
• To develop in our learners the ability to set personal goals and take responsibility for their achievement
• To develop learners into future leaders
• To provide supportive programmes for the parents
• To provide psychological and social support for the learners
• To ensure that iThemba Academy is sustainable in the long term