One of the orphanages that we visited was Beautiful Gate. The care centre is for abandoned and HIV/AIDS-affected children. It began in 2001 to provide care for abandoned or orphaned babies around Maseru. As of March 2006, they have cared for a total of 111 babies and facilitated 48 adoptions. Of the 111 babies, 26 babies have been returned to families. They work closely with hospitals in the area and the police, who often discover abandoned children, as well as the departments of Social Welfare and Health. There were 21 babies under their care while we visited.
Needless to say organization is of utmost importance especially when it comes to laundry!
The laundry is never ending!
Sadly, even with wonderful care, 16 babies have passed away from HIV/AIDS related illnesses. A wall of remembrance honors those children.
We were able to give some infant size shoes to Beautiful Gate. Later we purchased newborn clothes, more shoes, and nappies (diapers).
