Like most people with HIV/AIDS in South Africa, Shadrack Mvelase receives a disability pension. But it is not enough for a single father raising four children.

The Mvelase family lives in Roosboom, a district of Ladysmith, South Africa. Roosboom is situated in a rural part of the country, far from the industry of the city. Shadrack has cared for his whole family—a pair of twins, a child and grandchild—since his wife died of AIDS in 2010.

Shadrick with his family (2020).

When the CERI team first met Shadrack in 2016, we planted a food gardens in his neighborhood to help families become self-sustainable and rely less on the government.

We invested in Shadrack and his family so that his children could stay with him, rather than transitioning to an orphanage or facility out of necessity. In turn, Shadrack has invested in his children and works hard to support his family.

CERI also built a new house for the Mvelase family in partnership with Mpilonhle Sanctuary Organisation and continues to provide counseling and health assistance.

Mvelase family’s new home (left). Their previous house (right).

Around the world, CERI helps families of all kinds find ways to stay together. CERI has helped families for 20 years in locations like South Africa, India, Moldova and Sri Lanka through the sponsorship of children and the help of local staff who can offer direct care and meet families where they are.

CERI staff visiting Shadrack.

CERI continues to stand by the Mvelase family, but more importantly, Shadrack continues to protect and provide for his family.