The iThemba team will always remember the warmth and care from Isaac and Christine, who were the first foster parents at iThemba and headed Joseph House from 2006 to 2009. Through them a historic beginning was created. The love and care they showered on the six Joseph House children was endearing. The children under their wings grew from strength to strength and they witnessed the two eldest girls, Promise and Peaceful, embarking on tertiary study and their careers.

Towards the end of 2009 they retired to the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast where they have encouraged the Joseph House children to visit them during the school holidays as they will always have a special place in their hearts for them.

Visiting at least once a year from the United States, Paul and Lauren, are very much embedded in the iThemba family. They have enjoyed a dynamic relationship with iThemba commencing in May 2004 when they attended the first Vision Africa experience in Durban. The couple is integral to the sustainability of the organisation and steer the dynamic fundraising arm entitled ‘Friends of iThemba’ based in the US.

They are simply passionate about iThemba and each and every child. The children anticipate their annual arrival and the couple immerse themselves in daily life on the campus.

“I can’t see our lives without iThemba in it,” said Paul.

“We call ourselves ‘grandparents’. We just want to be the extra adult in the children’s lives that loves them unconditionally,” said Lauren. “It is wonderful to see the children evolve and accept their new family and find a place to belong.”

Oltine and Cynthia anchored Esther House from 2007 to 2009. The duo were centered and welcoming and made dramatic impacts in the lives of the children they care for.

Each child was treated as an individual, yet the true dynamic of the family environment prevailed which incorporated teamwork and sharing. The couple retired at the end of 2009.