Family Homes of Hope 'Casas de Esperanca'
The Family Homes of Hope is IMAGINE's first childcare programme involved in providing full-time care for children.
The project was developed in complete partnership with
the Dept. of Women and Social Action in KaTembe.
The objective of the homes was to provide full time shelter and care
for orphaned and vulnerable children, who have nowhere else.
With outstanding evidence of the negative impacts of institutional orphanages,
it was the vision of IMAGINE and Social Action, that the children
would grow up in stable, loving environments
that represented a family home.
5 houses were constructed, each with the capacity for 12 children and
2 full time foster parents.
The first two homes formally opened in 2007
and now in 2011, 4 houses are bustling family homes filled
with children and young adults.
The capacity still exists for more children to be provided with care.
All children cared for at the Family Homes of Hope have been
referred by the Dept. of Social Action
after a thorough assessment of their circumstances.
Many children are orphaned, some were abandoned
and others vulnerable in their family situation.
At the Family Homes all children are given the
emotional and practical support
that they require to move forward after their difficult beginnings,
and they are all expected to help around the house and in the garden, and
of course, do their homework, just like in any other busy family household!
IMAGINE have developed a 'machamba' or agricultural area at the Homes and in addition are keeping goats, rabbits and ducks.
These are managed by staff and the foster parents but provide the children with opportunities to learn how to grow crops and keep animals. A sewing centre and bakery have also been built on site to again, supply the homes, and provide vocational training for the older children.
IMAGINE are committed to continue to supporting the children
through to adulthood and currently have one young adult
from the Family Homes, at boarding college,
engaging in academic and vocational training courses.