Following our exploration of the history and care model of Abraham Kriel Kinderhuis Potchefstroom, we now turn to the powerful community connection that sustains this cherished children’s home. From large-scale public events to quiet moments of giving, this second article highlights the programs, people, and passion that keep the lights shining, literally and figuratively, for the children in care.

Current Programs and Facilities

To support its holistic care mission, the Kinderhuis runs eight integrated development programs, each supported by a multi-disciplinary team. These programs provide daily structure, stability, and support across the following areas:

• Residential Homes: Family-style cottages that house small groups of children with dedicated caregivers.

• Nursery Unit: A specialized space for babies and toddlers, offering round-the-clock care and early stimulation.

• Dining and Community Halls: Shared spaces where children eat, celebrate, and engage in group activities.

• Therapy Rooms: Spaces where social workers and psychologists offer one-on-one support, play therapy, and trauma counseling.

• Study Centres and Educational Support: Homework areas and tutoring programs to help children thrive academically.

• Health and Wellness Rooms: Medical support areas for regular check-ups and treatments.

• Recreational Areas: Playgrounds and sports facilities that promote physical activity and social development.

Each child is part of a personalized care plan that combines these services, ensuring their development is supported from all angles.

Community Engagement and Events

Abraham Kriel Kinderhuis Potchefstroom thrives because of its vibrant relationship with the Potchefstroom community. This partnership is most visible in its flagship annual event:

• Liggiefees@Potch: What began in 2015 as a small Christmas lights fundraiser has become Potchefstroom’s most anticipated event. The campus transforms into a festive wonderland, featuring thousands of lights, synchronized music, food stalls, and entertainment. In 2023 alone, over 250,000 people attended. The funds raised help bridge gaps in government subsidies.

• Winter Wonderland: A mid-year light festival held during the June-July school holidays. It includes live music, food vendors, and another opportunity for the public to support the Kinderhuis.

• Volunteer and Donation Drives: Schools, churches, and North-West University regularly support the home through volunteer work and goods donations, especially on Mandela Day.

These events not only raise funds but strengthen bonds between the Kinderhuis and the Potchefstroom community. In return, the children are taught to give back through community service, instilling empathy and self-worth.

A Broader Legacy

The Potchefstroom home is part of a larger network of children’s homes that began with Rev. Abraham Kriel’s work in 1902:

• Abraham Kriel Bambanani (Johannesburg): The original home, now a large organization supporting children in need across Gauteng.

• Abraham Kriel Kinderhuis Modimolle (Limpopo): Founded in 1959, this home continues the legacy of decentralized, regional child care.

While independently managed today, these homes remain united in purpose: to rescue, care for, and empower vulnerable children through love, stability, and opportunity.

How You Can Help

Abraham Kriel Kinderhuis Potchefstroom is a beacon of hope, built on community support and fueled by compassion. Through fundraising events, volunteerism, and donations, it continues to meet the complex needs of children and give them a future filled with promise.

If you’d like to contribute, visit their social media pages or website to learn how to donate, volunteer, or attend upcoming events. Every gesture, big or small, helps keep the light burning for these young lives. Together, we can build a better future, one child at a time.