Langkloof Orphanage has long stood as a haven for AIDS orphans and vulnerable children. Situated in the picturesque Northern Drakensberg, it was established in 2001 as a safe refuge for 50 AIDS orphans, and has grown to incorporate a fully-equipped kitchen, electricity, running water, flushing toilets, a creche, and a primary school. Recently, it underwent a full refurbishment and received some much-needed maintenance.
The orphanage's primary benefactor over the years has been Little Switzerland Resort, which is part of Dream Hotels & Resorts. The recent renovations were sponsored by Touching Dreams, a newly established hospitality industry charity that's pioneered by Dream Hotels to support community-based projects in South Africa.
“When I recently took over the management of Langkloof, it was clear there was a lot of maintenance required. I reached out to Little Switzerland’s new general manager, Gerhard van den Heever, for support and he quickly got Touching Dreams and various hotel team members on board to work on a full refurbishment,” says Maria Mkhonza, Langkloof’s caretaker and principal.
“The maintenance lead, Justin Liebenberg, coordinated everything and none of this would have been possible without all of his hard work. Gerhard, and his assistant property custodian, Shalom Mashiri, were also actively involved. It’s been amazing to see the dedication from this group of people over the last few months,” says Mkhonza.
In the first week of October 2024, Dream Hotels & Resorts hosted an event to spend time with the children and caregivers and to celebrate the newly refurbished premises. The various Little Switzerland team members, who have been looking after the maintenance of the orphanage and the wellbeing of the children and staff, were all in attendance.
In addition to the recent refurbishment, Little Switzerland Resort has also implemented several other initiatives over the years that ensure the orphanage continues to be supported in a sustainable way. Some of these initiatives include:
The establishment of a hydroponic system to grow fresh herbs and vegetables, not only for guest meals but for the children at Langkloof as well.
Assisting with wages for Maria and all the caregivers, providing two daily meals for 55 children, and covering daily operating costs.
Encouraging community action by appealing to local suppliers and guests for donations.
“Touching Dreams was established in 2023 with a mission to create positive change and provide hope to those in need, particularly South Africa’s youth. Our support of Langkloof Orphanage is a perfect example of the kind of work we aim to do as an organisation and aligns with our mission at Dream Hotels and Resorts to have a positive impact on the communities in which our properties operate,” says Chris Godenir, General Manager of Dream Hotels and Resorts’ Peninsula All-Suite Hotel and Touching Dreams Ambassador.
For over 23 years, Langkloof Orphanage has been a beacon of hope and care for many vulnerable children in KwaZulu-Natal. With the ongoing support from Little Switzerland Resort and Touching Dreams, we hope the legacy and impact of Langkloof will continue.
For more information or to pledge your support for Langkloof Orphanage and other community-based projects in South Africa please visit touchingdreams.co.za