Education for maria’s kids

Maria Gaba takes in children from the streets who have been orphaned, abused or abandoned. Her home acts like a foster home where these children are cared for and supported. Kindling makes sure every child attends school so they have the chance to build a better future. These are the children your donations are supporting.

Spotlight Story: Palesa’s Journey

In 2010, when baby Palesa was just one week old she was abandoned by her mother and unable to be cared for by her father who struggled with alcoholism she had nowhere to go. That’s when Maria Gaba stepped in with no resources of her own, Maria took Palesa into her home and did whatever she could to keep her alive. She didn’t even have money for formula and fed her water from a bottle in those early days. But she gave her something far more powerful: safety, love, and a chance at life.

As the years passed, another challenge emerged. Because Palesa was not born in South Africa and had no birth certificate, she was not allowed to attend school.

Then in 2019, everything changed. Our co-founder, Grant worked tirelessly to find a way to get Palesa and two other children in Maria’s care into school. Using funds generously donated by our community, with Maria, we hired a lawyer who helped navigate the complex process. And it worked. Palesa started Grade 1 that year, only one year behind. A miracle made possible by Grant determination, Maria’s love and our communities support.

And now… can you believe it? In 2025, Palesa started high school with the dream of being a flight attendant.
A moment that once felt so far away is now her reality.

Her journey is just one of many made possible through consistent care, community support and belief in what’s possible when children are given the chance to learn, grow, and dream.