The Door of Hope is celebrating a milestone: Four more of its children started school this year, bringing the total of its children currently attending school to seven.

In 2025, three children began their schooling at the Francis Vorwerg School. This year is especially significant, as the four are the first children from the faith-based organisation to attend a mainstream school, namely Mulbarton Primary School.

Staff and caregivers at the Door of Hope are proud and took care to prepare the children for their big day, with spotless uniformsand the girls’ hair braided. For many, it was emotional.

“It has been such a gift to watch these little ones grow and begin integrating with other children at school,” said Door of Hope’s donor engagement manager, Kathy Groome.

“Our caregivers were like proud, nervous mothers, seeing their children off to school for the first time.”

The Mulbarton Primary School helped ease the transition by hosting an orientation day. The children met their teachers and became familiar with their new environment. Back at home, the caregivers, lovingly known as aunties, spoke to the children about how much fun school would be and the new friends they would make.

The Door of Hope children live sheltered lives within the home, and many feel overwhelmed by strangers and unfamiliar children. Because of this, the Door of Hope strongly believes in play, speech and occupational therapies to help the children adjust. The organisation has therapists who offer their services at reduced rates.

The organisation was traditionally a home for babies under the age of 36 months. In the past, most were adopted by that age. However, Covid-19, which slowed adoption processes, and a general downturn in adoptions have meant more children are staying longer and reaching school-going age.

Support is vital

Thanks to donated school uniforms, stationery, school bags and lunch boxes, funds that would have been spent on these items can now be used for extra-mural activities and additional therapies.

“At the Door of Hope, each child is seen as a valuable individual with incredible potential. Like all children, the sky is the limit. We encourage them to dream boldly and believe in their future,” said Groome.

When asked about her hopes for the learners, Groome answered, “I hope they grow up with a deep sense that they are loved and valued, and that they believe they can achieve whatever academic goals they set for themselves.”

The Door of Hope currently cares for 66 children, and ongoing support from the community is vital.

“To ensure more first days like this are possible, we ask the public to continue donating to us,” Groome added.
“Your support helps us care for every child and give them the opportunity for education and a future.”

For more information or to donate, contact 011 432 8273 or info@doorofhope.co.za