Norwood woman transforms children’s lives through love and care
Jackie van der Westhuizen has opened her heart and home to two foster children, turning their pain into progress. With the help of her caring community, she continues to change young lives through love, education, and compassion.
In the heart of Norwood, Jackie van der Westhuizen has turned her home into a place of healing and hope for two foster children, who came from abusive backgrounds.
What began as a simple act of kindness has grown into a lifelong commitment to making a difference.
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“When Didi came, she wasn’t sleeping through the night,” Jackie recalls. “Now, she’s happy, running around and laughing. The growth has been incredible.”
Jackie receives no funding for her foster care work, covering all expenses herself, but the Norwood community has stepped in with generosity, donating clothes, toys, and other essentials for the children. “The community has been amazing. They helped when the kids arrived with absolutely nothing.”
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Beyond fostering, Jackie runs a local crèche, which provides affordable early education to parents who can’t afford regular schooling. Every child from her school has successfully progressed to Grade 1, proof of the love and effort she pours into her work.
Her outreach also extends to supporting local orphanages, and children struggling with trauma and ADD. “I just want to make a difference.” For many children in Norwood, she already has.
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