Johannesburg, May 6 – The Rob Youth Foundation South Africa in partnership with International Youth Peace Group South Africa on 1 May 2025 visited the Sparrow Rainbow Village which housed and care for over 300 Aids orphans of which 70% are children. Identifiable by it’s distinct architecture Sparrow Village in Maraisburg, Johannesburg is a haven for those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.
Background
The orphanage was founded in 1992 about 33 years ago by the Rev Corinne McClintock to provide free care to children orphaned by Aids and to care for adults with the disease. According to reports Sparrow village takes in children who were left to fend for themselves when the parent could no longer care for them or had died. Many of the children arrive at the village HIV positive and in desperate need of treatment. Sparrow Village takes them in and helps these children regain health while at the same time housing and educating them.
Sparrow Village runs an outreach program aimed at child headed families. Many children find themselves caring for younger siblings after AIDS has claimed the parents, Sparrow Village provides support to these households.
Familiarization visits
The Rob Youth foundation South Africa in partnership with International Youth Peace Group (IPYG) visited the village/orphanage home to establish first-hand information of the challenges the orphanage is experiencing and try to offer a sustainable support which the two-youth organization can come up with.
Findings
Through the visit and site inspection of the facility few critical issues were identified namely: The need to conduct cleaning campaign, hygiene educational awareness and a school which can offer basic education especially to the young children are few critical issues that were identified by the two organization.
Engagements and Networking
The visit was also used to engage with the children, men and women to hear from them as to what challenges experience at the Sparrow Rainbow village.
Birthday Cake
The team also had an opportunity to share a birthday cake for Mr. Rob as a pre birthday celebration for his birthday which took place yesterday 5 May 2025.
