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Across South Africa, thousands of children continue to face significant vulnerability due to poverty, family instability, bereavement and limited access to essential services. It is estimated that around 14% of children in South Africa, approximately 2.8 million children, live without their biological mother, father or both parents.
Islamic Relief South Africa (IRSA) works to support, protect and advocate for vulnerable and marginalised communities, with a strong focus on orphaned and vulnerable children. Through integrated community-based programming, we work alongside parents, guardians, caregivers, social services, community leaders and partner organisations to ensure that children receive holistic support that protects dignity and promotes long-term wellbeing.
Every child deserves safety, care and the opportunity to thrive. IRSA remains committed to ensuring children are protected and supported through programmes that prioritise their wellbeing, education and long-term development.
Through our Orphan Sponsorship Programme, vulnerable children have been supported in accessing nutritious food, quality education, healthcare, psychosocial support, and safer living environments. The programme not only supports children directly but also strengthens the capacity of caregivers and communities to create sustainable support systems.
In South Africa, IRSA’s Orphan Sponsorship Programme, recognised as one of the strongest programmes of its kind, has supported more than 500 orphaned and vulnerable children, ensuring they grow up in healthier, safer and more supportive environments.
A 14-year-old orphaned girl from Umbumbulu in KwaZulu-Natal had been living with her grandmother in a government-subsidised home shared by 17 family members, none of whom were employed. The household relied entirely on social grants, placing immense pressure on the family.
Before joining IRSA’s Orphan Sponsorship Programme, she struggled with grief following the loss of her parents while also experiencing severe emotional distress and the social stigma associated with poverty.
After being enrolled in the programme, the household began receiving monthly food vouchers, easing financial pressure on the family and helping ensure the children had regular access to nutritious food. She also received school supplies and essential items that improved her confidence and participation at school.
The support helped create a more stable home environment, improved her emotional wellbeing and restored her confidence, allowing her to re-engage with learning and social activities.
Children require safe environments where they can learn, develop and feel protected.
In 2024, IRSA partnered with the El Hudaa Early Childhood Development Centre in Zuurbekom, Gauteng, a facility that serves children ages 6 months to 12 years. Through this partnership, IRSA funded the construction of a protective perimeter wall to improve child safety and assisted the Centre with processes to secure registration with the Department of Social Development.
This intervention strengthened the Centre’s ability to provide a secure and nurturing environment for children while improving long-term operational sustainability.
Many young people across vulnerable communities face significant socio-economic challenges that limit access to education and employment opportunities.
In Manenberg on the Cape Flats, IRSA began supporting programmes at the Duinefontein Community Centre, a community-led initiative that provides safe spaces and developmental opportunities for youth facing the risks of gangsterism, crime and poverty.
As part of this work, IRSA facilitated the participation of five youth in a specialised training programme through IT Business Campus. Following their successful participation and demonstrated potential, all five participants were enrolled in a one-year government-funded learnership programme providing monthly stipends and commission-based income opportunities.
This partnership created new pathways toward sustainable employment while laying the foundation for future youth development opportunities in the community.
IRSA’s work extends beyond immediate support by strengthening communities through integrated development programmes.
The Osizweni Community Development Project, developed in partnership with Gauteng government departments including education, agriculture, health and social development, has served as a model for holistic community development.
The programme has supported 480 children and guardians through integrated nutritional support, education assistance, health services and developmental programming delivered through the Osizweni Community Care Centre.
Community members have gained access to:
The project has demonstrated how empowering individuals can create wider community transformation. Participants in sewing programmes have used their skills to alter school uniforms for local children, while food garden initiatives have strengthened sustainable local food production and served as learning hubs for neighbouring communities.
IRSA has also supported the Centre by covering teacher salaries, transport costs, learner stationery, school maintenance and feeding schemes, helping sustain quality early childhood development and primary education services.
Mpho was only five years old when she lost her mother and was left in the care of her elderly grandfather. As his health deteriorated, Mpho increasingly found herself carrying responsibilities far beyond her age.
Recognising the difficult circumstances, a neighbour connected Mpho with the Osizweni Community Care Centre, where she was enrolled into school and registered under IRSA’s Orphan Sponsorship Programme.
With the support of a social worker, Mpho was placed with another family member while her grandfather received care in an old age home. Through continued educational support and psychosocial care, she began to thrive academically and socially.
Today, Mpho continues to excel in school and has developed a strong ambition for her future, expressing her desire to one day become a social worker so she can help other vulnerable children facing challenges similar to her own.
Supporting vulnerable children requires more than immediate assistance. It requires safe environments, stable support systems, access to education and opportunities that empower both children and their communities for the future.
Through orphan care, child welfare programming, youth development initiatives and community partnerships, Islamic Relief South Africa continues to work toward building stronger communities where vulnerable children are protected, supported and allowed to thrive.