Durban’s angels have been recognised for their work – providing safe shelter for abandoned babies

The Upper Highway Baby Home (UHBH), a beacon of hope and care for abandoned and vulnerable infants, has been recognised as the Best Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) in Durban.

The organisation was awarded with the prestigious Best of Durban Readers’ Choice Awards early this month, reported SA Good News.

“This recognition celebrates the home’s unwavering commitment to providing a loving and nurturing environment for orphaned and abandoned babies,” the publication said.

The home was established in 2019 by Kerry and Gary Stanton who are registered foster parents.

Due to this, the Home has been trusted by authorities to provide both temporary safe care and foster care for abandoned and vulnerable babies.

“These babies arrive with the paperwork necessary to facilitate adoption,” explained the organisation. Some of babies who placed at the home are in a poor state of health while some require both urgent and ongoing care and treatment to ensure successful adoption.

“Besides looking after the physical wellbeing of these babies, we teach the babies how to function in a family environment. They learn to treat pets with care, travel in car seats, go to the shops and out for tea. In addition to this they get to socialise with other children and adults.”

The organisation said it aims to provide all the normal experiences a loving family would offer them. “This way, when the babies are adopted, their transition into family life is a smooth and happy one,” the organisation said.

According to Kerry and Gary, an estimated 40 000 babies are abandoned every year in South Africa and they can only save about 3000 of them.

“The rest die alone after being abandoned in fields, thrown into rivers or toilets etc. A further 10 000 babies are placed for adoption, mostly by young mothers who have been abused or are in a situation where they have no means to bring the babies up in a healthy and stable environment,” they explained.

The kind hearted couple said they believe every child deserves a family that loves them and this is especially important in the formative years.

Editor’s note: The Upper Highway Baby Home (UHBH), a beacon of hope and care for abandoned and vulnerable infants, has been recognised as the Best Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) in Durban. The organisation was awarded with the prestigious Best of Durban Readers’ Choice Awards early this month, reported SA Good News.

Description: The home was established in 2019 by Kerry and Gary Stanton who are registered foster parents. Due to this, the Home has been trusted by authorities to provide both temporary safe care and foster care for abandoned and vulnerable babies.

Editor: Thato Mahlangu
Project manager: Do4SA