WE ARE KINDLING
We believe that when you give, you receive far greater in return.
Maria Gaba
Maria is why Kindling exists. She is the head mamma at her home and works closely with our team to ensure the right support and projects are taking place to provide the best outcomes for her family and surrounding communities. Maria is principal of Windmill park daycare, runs her home with 28 children, manages Dennilton creche, is on the board of directors of Boksburg High School and Laerskool Van Dyk Park Primary School and is regularly called on by community and social workers to solve problems in the Windmill Park community. Maria is Kindling’s manager on the ground in South Africa.
"I was abused as a child and I could not let any other child in my community go through what I went through. I won’t turn a child away when they are in need and make it my job to make sure they are safe. It’s important for a child to be with their biological parents when possible, and I do all that I can to make sure that children go back to their parents by providing support to encourage a healthy and safe family life. If that is not possible then these children are welcome to be part of our big family.”
Rebecca Gaba
Beautiful Rebecca is the head counsellor at the Angel of Hope Counselling Centre in Windmill Park. Rebecca is a trained counsellor and provides free counselling to all members of the community, runs support groups focussing on domestic violence, sexual health and family planning issues and assists in getting families back together. This wonder woman is all heart and helps Maria at her home to care for the 28+ children she has taken into her care.
“I love my community but they suffer deeply. I want to use my life to help others in need. My passion is to assist with shame and denial around HIV in our community. I want people to know that living with HIV they can still have a safe, healthy and happy life. Running the Angel of Hope Centre is a dream of mine.”
Jen Kyna
Meet our director of kindness, Jen. Jen is the little spark that was the catalyst for massive change in the lives of Maria and the kids. She’s the driving force behind the projects and initiatives that create sustainable change in the lives of others.
“Meeting Maria and the kids for the first time changed the course of my life, as it has done for so many other people who have shared in this experience over the years. They’re part of my family now and after seeing the struggle they were in I felt so called to help. They have helped me open my heart in more ways then I can express. I feel like I equally get so much in return. What started with small donations from friends has turned into something really special and the impact it’s had on the communities of South Africa is incredible.”
Grant Dowling
Meet the brains behind the operation and the guy that gets stuff done, Grant. Grant's role is to keep everything ticking over to ensure we follow the rules of a registered association and regularly exceed the expectations of our supporters - he's the business guy! He also works closely with Jen on ideas, partnerships and programs that further the crucial work of the Kindling Foundation. Grant first visited Maria and the kids in 2011 and knew right then that he was committed to their wellbeing.
"Once you meet the kids and feel their energy and see how your contribution can mean so much, it changes the way you see your own life and your place in the world. I feel like I have received way more from Maria and the kids than what they have from me. I just have to keep giving, it’s as simple as that."
Wade Horton
Meet our new Community Wellness Manager - the ever smiling Wade. Wade volunteered on our recent trip to Africa, he's a qualified nurse, health coach and all-round awesome human. Wade put his hand up to help drive programs within the community to help the kids to stay active and healthy. He also sits on our board and manages the funds and makes sure 100% of your donations go straight into projects that change lives.
"The moment I arrived at the crèche I was overwhelmed with a sense of joy and love. To see and feel a community greet a group of complete strangers with such openness changed something in me. After spending time in this community with the kids, teachers and Maria I knew I could do more for my new family."
Basem Bardan
The wonderful Bas has blessed us with his love, generosity and presence on many of our African trips and has been touched by the stories of Maria and the kids. His epic fundraising efforts have helped support many of our projects over the years and more recently he has offered his energy and ideas as one of our Kindling team members helping to drive initiatives on the ground in Africa that help the children and communities we support.
“I am part of the Kindling family because I deeply believe all people, particularly children, who are the most vulnerable; Deserve to feel safe, valued, loved, important, heard and manifest a future for themselves that only Education can open up to them, regardless of creed, colour or gender.”
