Blankets of Hope: Saving 30 Children & Empowering Survivors

There are moments in life when we are called to step in - when someone else’s survival becomes our turn.

This is one of those moments.

Through Kamina Kawena - “My turn, Your turn”, a movement was born to restore dignity, hope, and independence to survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Today, that mission urgently needs your help.

The Urgent Reality

At Tawana Orphanage, 30 children are living in extremely difficult conditions.

• Rent of R19,000/month has not been paid for 2 months

• They are at immediate risk of losing their home

• Children are eating on the floor

• There is no transport to school

• Daily living costs are becoming unsustainable

This is not just a financial crisis -

this is 30 children at risk of losing everything they know.

A Life-Changing Opportunity

We have found a new property that could completely transform their lives.

This new space offers:

• A large home with proper rooms for all children

• A separate building for school and learning

• A fully equipped kitchen with tables and chairs

• Borehole water, ensuring reliable and sustainable access to water

• Space to build a structured, dignified environment

This is not just relocation.

This is a foundation for stability, growth, and healing.

Who is Kamina Kawena?

Kamina Kawena was conceptualised to respond to the urgent need for real, sustainable support for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Their work goes beyond temporary aid - it is deeply personal, practical, and empowering.

This initiative is brought directly into GBV shelters, reaching women where they are most vulnerable.

Sister Bettina, founder of Kamina Kawena, personally goes into shelters to:

• Teach women how to make blankets by hand

• Provide hands-on skills training

• Restore a sense of confidence, purpose, and dignity

Through this direct engagement:

• Women are not just supported - they are empowered

• Skills are not just taught - they are immediately turned into income

• Hope is not just spoken about - it is actively rebuilt

Blankets of Hope Initiative

One of their most powerful initiatives is simple - but life-changing:

• Women are taught to make blankets by hand

• No electricity is required

• They are paid for every blanket produced

• Blankets are then sold to businesses, organisations, and individuals

Built for Real Life in Africa

In South Africa, load shedding (electricity outages) is a daily reality -

and for many, it completely stops work, income, and progress.

But this initiative is different.

Because it requires no electricity, production continues regardless of power cuts.

This means:

✔️ Consistent income for women

✔️ Reliable production

✔️ True resilience in challenging conditions

Phase One: Creating Sustainability

This new property is not just about shelter - it is the beginning of a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Phase One will focus on:

• Setting up the blanket-making initiative onsite

• Equipping women with skills to earn an income

• Creating a safe, structured environment for children

• Ensuring access to essentials like water (via borehole), food, and education

This creates:

➡️ Independence instead of reliance

➡️ Stability in an unstable environment

➡️ A long-term solution - not just temporary relief

Why This Matters

Where there are survivors of GBV…

there are often children caught in the same cycle.

By supporting this project, you are:

• Protecting 30 vulnerable children

• Preventing homelessness

• Empowering women to earn, grow, and rebuild

• Breaking cycles of trauma and dependency

Imagine the Difference

• Children sitting at tables, eating proper meals

• Going to school with reliable transport

• Living in a safe, stable home

• Women creating blankets, earning income, and rebuilding confidence

This is what your support makes possible.

How You Can Help

We are raising funds to urgently stabilise and rebuild this project. Your support will go towards:

• Covering overdue rent to prevent immediate eviction

• Securing and relocating to the new property

• Transporting existing furniture and belongings to the new home

• Providing beds, tables, and essential household items

• Supplying food and daily meals for 30 children

• Funding teachers and educational support for onsite learning

• Setting up the blanket-making programme (Phase One)

• Purchasing materials needed to produce blankets

• Supporting transport and ongoing daily needs

Every contribution helps create:

➡️ A safe home

➡️ Access to education

➡️ Sustainable income opportunities

➡️ Stability for both children and survivors

It’s Our Turn

Kamina Kawena means “My turn, Your turn.”

They have stepped up to do the work.

Now it’s our turn to stand with them.

Every donation - no matter how small - helps turn survival into hope, dignity, and a future.