Every day, more than 450 children in South Africa are estimated to become orphaned, leaving a generation to grow up without the guidance, protection, and support of parents and caregivers. For many of these children, poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education create additional barriers to a hopeful future. With approximately 31% of the population unemployed and nearly half living below the official poverty line, vulnerable children face circumstances that can profoundly affect their development and well-being.

In some communities, children and young people under the age of 19 make up the majority of the population. Many live in child-headed households, carrying responsibilities far beyond their years. Children are also disproportionately affected by violence and abuse, with approximately 40% of reported sexual assaults committed against children. For many vulnerable children, the effects of abuse can be devastating, impacting their emotional well-being, education, relationships, and ability to envision a secure and hopeful future. Protecting children from violence and exploitation is therefore essential to creating safe communities where they can heal, grow, and reach their God-given potential.

Starfish is committed to changing this reality by caring for vulnerable children and helping them build brighter futures. Through partnerships with local community organizations, Starfish provides children with the practical, emotional, educational, and physical support they need to thrive.

Support includes safe community centers where children can play and receive nutritious meals, after-school programs, school uniforms, shoes, and stationery that help keep children in school. Starfish also supports HIV education and access to antiretroviral medication, early childhood development programs for preschool children, secure homes, and child-protection initiatives. Equally important, Starfish strengthens local organizations through training, mentoring, and capacity building, enabling them to provide effective and sustainable care within their own communities.

For 25 years, Starfish has worked alongside local organizations to bring hope and opportunity to children across South Africa. Today, Starfish partners with 29 organizations and reaches more than 12,000 children. By providing funding, guidance, training, and resources, Starfish helps local partners deliver quality, holistic care that addresses both the immediate needs of children and the challenges that affect their long-term future. Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, loved, and hopeful about tomorrow. Together, we can help make that possible—one child, one community, and one future at a time.