Zodwa was a little girl aged just nine months. She became the inspiration for a larger vision back in 1997 when HOPEHIV founders Phil and Wendy Wall met her on a visit to the Soweto township of South Africa. Zodwa's mum was a sex worker and had abandoned her little girl leaving Zodwa HIV positive and without a place to go that could offer suitable care for her.Four years later, Zodwa's plight had inspired HOPEHIV to build a home in partnership with the Salvation Army for toddlers that had been affected by HIV/AIDS. Zodwa has now been safely placed back into the care of her grandmother but her legacy lives on in Zodwa's house, providing a vital refuge for many like her.
Zodwa's House was opened in February 2001 and is home to over 30 toddlers and young children affected by HIV/AIDS, many of whom have been abandoned. It acts as a safety net for extremely vulnerable children and is part of the Carl Sithole network of programmes operated by the Salvation Army in the heart of Soweto, the largest slum in South Africa.The purpose built centre and its dedicated team provide all the affection and support that the children’s families can no longer offer. The adjoining crèche, school, and community based activities offer a holistic package of care. The program seeks to find appropriate extended family or foster care placements in the community for longer term care of these children.
HOPEHIV's ability to continue to support Zodwa's house is thanks to the Boeing Foundation's generous grant.