My name is Joseph. My mom left when I was very young and I was sent to stay with my father’s relatives. There was no routine or discipline in my life or anyone in control to raise me. As a result, I became very naughty and started getting into a lot of trouble. At one stage, I was being transferred from one shelter to another and on a fast path to going nowhere.

Luckily, I ended up at Kids Haven. For the first time in my life, I experienced what it was like to be loved and cared for. All of a sudden, there was discipline and routine in my life, and all because everyone cared about me and wanted to see me succeed instead of falling through the cracks. The team at Kids Haven took the time to get to know me and helped me to get to know myself. I learned new skills, and through that, found out what I was good at. By supporting my dreams, Kids Haven helped me find my purpose.

Life is very hard for an unwanted child, and problems are much bigger than anyone could imagine. However, my experience at Kids Haven helped me put things into perspective and become a productive person again.

I went on to pass my matric with two distinctions and am now employed full-time in residential property sales. I am also a guest house manager and run an events management company.