It was about three years ago when our founder, Sara, met a little boy named Imi. At the time, he was two years old and living in a poverty-stricken community called Embo. He slept with his mom on a double mattress, along with his two aunties—three adults and Imi sharing a mattress just 130 cm wide.

During the day, Imi could not go to school as his mom was jobless and unable to pay school fees. She tried in vain to find work but had no success. Frustration and hopelessness consumed her. On the days she went out in search of employment, she would leave Imi in their room—bare sand on the floor—with only a bottle of milk and a TV for entertainment, locking the door to keep him safe. Yet he was alone. Only two years old.

When Sara met Imi, he was angry and lashed out, smacking her in the face. His skin was covered in sand flea bites, his ear clogged with dirt. His nails were long and filthy, and his clothes were in shreds. Sara flinched as he stepped out of his room, for just one meter in front of him lay a sheer drop leading down to a river through a mess of broken branches, shattered glass, and litter. Sara’s heart shattered into a thousand pieces that day, and she simply could not walk away.

A gentle conversation with his mother led to her agreeing to let Sara take Imi home with her for a few hours. Imi’s mom knew that Imi would be safe—she had heard all about Sara, and the community trusted her. And so, on that warm summer afternoon, Imi went home with Sara, where he was lovingly bathed and cleaned. Every inch of him was lathered with bubbles, his nails trimmed, his ears carefully cleaned, and each wound tended to with a plaster.

Sara then asked a friend to pop over to Pep to buy Imi some clothing. Meanwhile, Imi learned to hold a crayon for the first time and to sit on a couch. Oh, and he played with Sara’s rabbit, Pancake.

At 4 PM, Imi was safely returned home, and so began a journey—teaching his mother how to nurture him and walking hand in hand with the family as they restored their hearts, their home, and their hope.

Now, here is Imi. He turns five years old on March 16, 2025. His mom has since started a small business and has become a fantastic mother—reading to Imi most days and walking him to Embo Educare daily, where he attends Grade R. Imi’s English is fantastic. He can count and write, and he is a healthy, happy boy with friends. He is no longer alone or angry but is now developmentally on track.

Throughout this journey, Imi’s schooling and needs have been lovingly sponsored by a wonderful family from the Channel Islands. Gilly, a member of this family and a former nursing colleague of Sara, has been a pillar of strength for Imi. In fact, this year, Gilly has asked Sara to get Imi a very special cake, a new outfit, and something fun—like a toy or a book—to celebrate his birthday. Gilly is just wonderful.

Sometimes, our work is incredibly hard, and it feels impossible to quantify. But then, there are countless stories like Imi’s—stories that touch lives and remind us of the privilege we have in being part of such blessings. This is the reason for our monthly blog post – a platform where we can tell stories that have really touched us.

Imi, you are a shining light in your family. May you always know that God has a big plan for you. You came from the poorest of the poor, yet you have grown into a beautiful little isiZulu boy whom we love dearly. Keep shining, big guy!