In many communities in South Africa children are incredibly vulnerable. Some are vulnerable beacuse they have been orphaned (largely due to AIDS). Even those who have a parent are often left unattended during the day. Those who are too young to attend school are often left without supervision while their parent goes off to work. Poverty prevents them from being able to pay for a caregiver and the effects of AIDS has eliminated many of the normal support structures in the family and community. The children are left vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Local community based crèches that can offer day care/preschool services to children in their communities at low or no cost to the family play a vital role in protection and care of these vulnerable children.

• A safe environment
• A daily meal
• A positive learning environment
• Meeting the basic need of children for love and care
• A base project from which other needed "wrap-around" programs can be developed in that community such as:
  • After school programs 
  • HIV/AIDS Education programs 
  • Home care visits 
  • Income generating projects