Mama Mirriam

In a township in the Western Cape of South Africa within a small building is a room lined with rows of bunkbeds, here sleep over twenty orphans. Some were left on her doorstep, others were found abandoned in empty homes, or even dumped in a trash bag on the side of the road. 

But here, in this orphanage, they have found a home, cared for by Mama Mirriam, who turned her own suffering into determination that these children would not be left behind. Through tragedies both natural and manmade, she has persevered, ensuring that her children have roof over their heads, food, medicine, education, and love. 

Since a 2012 visit by Bishop Scarlett, St. Matthew’s Church has been partnering with Mama Mirriam, helping her to take care of the needs of her children. 

She has been loving these children since March of 1994. Children who have been abused, abandoned, and in some cases left for dead on the street. They find their way to her loving arms through the police, community members, and social workers.

She is determined to change the narrative of these little lives, and to teach them the value of a loving, stable home. She has dedicated her life to caring for them, providing them with counseling, meals, and a variety of activities to keep them off the streets.

Mama Mirriam’s compassion toward her others doesn’t stop with the children, she also started a catering project with her sister and employs 28 members of her community, as well as opening a hair salon, sewing center and bakery. She has a passion for sharing all her knowledge with others and is committed to transferring her skills to them so that they can improve their circumstances and ultimately become self-sufficient.