Leadhome sheds light on Nkosi’s haven

Alternative real estate agency, Leadhome, recently donated eight HRMS UVC lights to NGO, Nkosi’s Haven. Celebrating 20 years since launching in 1999, Nkosi’s Haven offers holistic care and support for destitute HIV/AIDS-infected mothers and their children, as well as AIDS orphans.

Wendy Case, marketing director of Leadhome, says: “Going to Nkosi’s Haven was such a sobering experience. To see first-hand, that there is so much more to be done was grounding in every sense. We are delighted that the lights we donated will help to enhance the wellness of the residents and staff, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg.”

Gail Johnson, founding director of Nkosi’s Haven, says that there is always room for improvement, and the Nkosi’s Haven team are thrilled to receive the Leadhome donation: “Used in the sickbay, kitchen and dining area, the lights not only illuminate but purify the air using UVC, a subtype of ultraviolet light to kill airborne germs and pathogens.”

She says that while things have improved when it comes to HIV/AIDS, there is a concern around teenagers and young adults in the 15 to 25 age group, as HIV infection rates among the youth seem to be on the rise: “The panic around an HIV-positive diagnosis is not nearly as drastic as it used to be. However, the stigma around HIV is still pretty intense, and people are still dying when they shouldn’t be.”

Nkosi’s Haven says there are currently 107 children, 28 mothers and 12 resident caregivers at Nkosi’s Haven, as well as a resident manager. Johnson says that although the NGO receives international funding and support, there is still a great need on many levels.

“We had a very tough time towards the end of last year. We don’t receive government funding, so exist purely on donations. Everyone is going through a difficult economic time, and it just has a ripple effect,” explains Johnson.

Creating income-generating projects is essential for Gail and her team, and one of the initiatives is the building of an early childhood development center with four remedial classrooms. Unfortunately, the builders that were working on the center absconded without finishing the job at hand, and more funds are needed to complete the building.

“We were planning on opening the remedial center to non-resident children in the area. More and more of our kids are experiencing learning difficulties. Of course, early childhood development is one of the buzzwords of the moment, but very, very needed.”

Nkosi’s Haven village has 17 resident cottages, a baby day-care facility, a sickbay, workshops and classrooms, a library, music and arts center, a sports field, a kitchen, bakery and administrative offices.

Johnson also has a vision for the future and is passionate about the dilemma faced by abandoned babies: “I want to look at adding one or two more cottages for kids from teenage pregnancy, so the babies are not thrown down the drain.”

Case says that Leadhome understands the plight of Nkosi’s Haven and will look at other initiatives that will further assist the NGO to continue its incredible work within the community.

“Our company, ethos is one of supporting communities first and foremost. We especially recognize the importance of NGOs and the vital role they play. In terms of Nkosi’s Haven, it’s not just about the children, but also the rise of HIV/Aids and the unnecessary lives lost. Leadhome has committed to supporting Gail and encouraging more people and corporates to help her to take care of her extended family at Nkosi’s Haven,” says Case.