Abraham Kriel Kinderhuis Potchefstroom: A Legacy of Love and Protection

Abraham Kriel Kinderhuis Potchefstroom is more than just a children’s home—it’s a sanctuary for children who have faced immense hardship. For nearly 70 years, this Child and Youth Care Centre has provided a safe haven for vulnerable youth, building on a legacy that began over a century ago. In this article, we explore its rich history, foundational values, and the heart-centered care model that transforms young lives.

A History Rooted in Compassion and Community

The story begins in 1902 with Reverend Abraham Kriel, who established South Africa’s first children’s home in Langlaagte, Johannesburg, to care for orphans of the Anglo-Boer War. Refusing to call them orphans, Rev. Kriel insisted on the term "children's home" to affirm their dignity and worth.

By the 1950s, the original home was overwhelmed, leading to the founding of a second branch in Potchefstroom. On 18 August 1956, the Abraham Kriel Kinderhuis Potchefstroom officially opened its doors with 168 children. In a powerful start, 80 children were transported from Johannesburg in cattle trucks and lived in tents while construction was underway. The new facility included two residential houses, a hall, and staff quarters. Over the following decades, more homes were built, creating a stable environment for the growing number of children.

In 1981, the Potchefstroom home became independently managed under the Western Transvaal Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church. A dedicated nursery section was later added in the 1990s to care for babies and toddlers. Today, the centre provides care for around 230 children and youth.

Mission and Core Services

The mission of Abraham Kriel Kinderhuis Potchefstroom is simple yet profound: to provide a safe, loving, and supportive environment for children in crisis. But their commitment goes beyond shelter—the centre offers holistic care to meet each child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs.

Key services include:

• Family-Style Residential Care: Children live in small, cottage-style homes with dedicated house parents, creating a stable and nurturing family environment.

• Education Support: Children attend local schools, with academic assistance provided through tutoring and study programs.

• Therapy and Emotional Support: A team of social workers and therapists offers trauma counseling, play therapy, and emotional assessments.

• Healthcare and Nutrition: Regular medical check-ups, balanced meals, and tailored healthcare ensure the children’s physical well-being.

• Life Skills Development: Programs focus on personal development, values, social responsibility, and future readiness through vocational and practical skills.

Children Supported and the Care Model

The children who come to Abraham Kriel have often endured trauma, neglect, or abuse. Most are placed at the home through court orders when their living situations become unsafe. While many still have biological parents, severe circumstances have made family care impossible.

The centre’s care model is based on the "cottage system," where 10–12 children live in a house with consistent caregivers. This setup creates a sense of family, helping children rebuild trust, form attachments, and experience the normal rhythms of childhood.

Each child is supported by a multi-disciplinary team—social workers, educators, healthcare providers, and psychologists—who collaborate to develop individualized care plans. This wraparound approach enables children to heal, grow, and reimagine their futures.

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For decades, Abraham Kriel Kinderhuis Potchefstroom has stood as a pillar of love and care. Through a deeply rooted history, dedicated staff, and a nurturing environment, the home continues to restore dignity, rebuild lives, and bring hope to the children who need it most.