Heartbeat
Heartbeat is a non-profit (Reg: 015-242), and public benefit (Reg: 18/11/13/4841) organization, as well as a Section 21 company (Reg: 2000/001288/08) that was founded in 2000 by Dr Sunette Steyn. The organization exists to alleviate the suffering of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) by facilitating change in communities.
Heartbeat works with OVC in communities. This means that they do not remove children from their houses or communities of origin. They keep siblings together and ensure that they become the legal owners of their late parent(s)' house and then mobilize circles of support around the children. Heartbeat's work therefore, is based on 4 guiding principles, including:
- Children's Rights
- Community Participation
- Sustainable Development
- Partnerships
It aims to empower OVCs to reach their full potential, through quality service provision, development and capacity building by facilitating change in communities. With a staff complement of 190, the vast majority of whom are based in communities; Heartbeat has reached over 34 000 orphaned and vulnerable children through direct and indirect interventions.
Heartbeat continues to grow and has 14 projects in 9 provinces and aims to reach 50 000 orphaned and vulnerable children in the near future. Heartbeat's model ensures that orphans and vulnerable children's needs are addressed holistically. Help them to help the community.
For more information on Heartbeat, contact them on 012 460 2345 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.heartbeat.org.za
