Lambano Sanctuary

Lambano Sanctuary was established in 2001 to assist with the HIV crisis in South Africa. At that time, very little was being done for children suffering from HIV/AIDS, so we started a home for abandoned HIV positive children, with special emphasis on medical care.

Through God’s grace, Lambano has grown to the point that we now have 25 permanent children housed in 4 different homes. Although we do not have the capacity to take in any more permanent children, we still provide a medical facility for sick and dying children. Sometimes we are able to build the child up and put them on anti-retroviral and/or TB drugs and get them well enough to

return home to their families. Where the disease is too far advanced, we help the child to die a pain free, dignified death, surrounded by love.

To date we have had 149 children go through the Home: Currently with us: 25 permanent; 3 awaiting adoption; 4 palliative care. Left the home: 23 heaven; 26 foster care; 47 adopted; 14 reunited with family; 7 to special needs homes. We have already had 17 children through the home from the beginning of 2008, so the numbers are increasing.

We now have 9 children in Primary School–six in Grade 1 and three in Grade 2. In January next year 6 more will be starting Grade 1. Our children are really growing up! It’s hard to believe that those sick, undernourished babies that came into our care are now at “big school”—God is gracious.

—Peggy Burger, staff member of Lambano Sanctuary