Eleven local children living with HIV recently enjoyed an opportunity to play, connect and heal in nature with the Just Footprints Foundation.

The children from the Sinikithemba Foundation in Groutville and Nkobongo Resource Centre were part of a 56-strong group that joined the camp at the Twinstreams Environmental Education Centre in Mtunzini.

Themed “Switch: Alive to Thrive,” the five-day event encouraged children to move beyond survival and embrace a life filled with purpose, confidence and joy. That included interacting with their natural surroundings by paddling, playing in the mangroves and exploring the dune forests.

”For many of these children, it’s the first time they’ve felt so deeply connected to the world and to themselves,” said camp director, Lize van Vuuren. Founded in 2008, the Just Footprints Foundation offers medically supported, free-of-charge camps for children facing serious health challenges including those affected by cancer, chronic illnesses, HIV and disability.

”Our goal is to create a safe space where children can rediscover joy, build confidence and simply be children again,” said Van Vuuren.

To date, the foundation has provided over 17 294 bed nights to 5 323 campers in Gauteng, Northwest, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

The organisation works closely with grassroots community groups and health support centres to identify children in need. Visit justfootprints.org.za to find out more.

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