Little Eden
Children in Edenvale

Homes for mentally disabled children and adults run by registered NPO.

Our special children may not experience the world in the same way that we do, but they have so much to teach us! From them we learn about the power of the human spirit, the joy to be found in simple achievements, the satisfaction of caring for those who are weaker than ourselves, love that seeks no reward. Although the average age of our residents is 26 years, the average intellectual age is that of a one-year-old. Some function at new-born level and have to be fed, carried, changed and bathed. Others are able to manage tasks like feeding themselves, brushing their teeth, dressing and using the toilet. The children are grouped according to their abilities and behaviour. They are cared for in specific groups where they feel comfortable and safe. To care for, develop and enhance the quality of life, with love and understanding from a dedicated staff, persons with intellectual disability of all races and creeds entrusted to us, by providing with trust in Divine Providence and in cooperation with the parents, the community and the State the necessary spiritual, nursing, therapy and stimulation services in as an efficient and economic manner as possible. Our core values are encapsulated in a series of symbols that guide the way the staff and volunteers at LITTLE EDEN respond to children and adults with intellectual disability; to each other as staff; to the environment; and to the larger community. Just because a person has an intellectual disability does not make them less worthy of respect and consideration. We value each person in our care and celebrate their uniqueness. This includes 24-hour nursing and medical care, specialised therapy, food and clothing. Any contribution towards this cost is greatly appreciated! With a workforce of 272, LITTLE EDEN is fortunate to have a staff to resident ratio of almost one to one. It is inspiring to witness the commitment and dedication of each and every employee in fulfilling their role and responsibility in caring for our residents with intellectual disability. We provide specialised training and team building functions to encourage staff to build strong connections with one another. We also have a Caring for the Carers programme which takes place on a weekly basis at both DDHH and ERV. How we’ve grown In 1967, LITTLE EDEN was a day care centre with just three little girls but today, working through our values of Respect,Sanctity of Life and Love & Care, we are a full time Home to 300 children and adults with profound intellectual disability and we are proud of our Society’s reputation as a leader amongst similar organisations. Without doubt LITTLE EDEN is where it is today through Divine Providence and great influence from our valuable supporters. We are grateful for many things, including the legacy left behind by our founders and that, in spite of all the challenges over the years, our core mission remains the same, which is to provide quality care to our residents. Its prime purpose is to safeguard (ring-fence) all properties and investments of the LITTLE EDEN Society, in order to manage and grow assets for the benefit of the Society, whilst at the same time to reduce its operational risk. The LITTLE EDEN Foundation operates under its own Constitution, is subject to the applicable statutory financial audits and controls, and is managed by a Board of Management (BoM) made up of members independent of the LITTLE EDEN Society.