Saving Futures

NGO Photography in The Valley of a Thousand Hills, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

During a recent trip to South Africa in May 2023, I had the opportunity to work with an incredible organization called Saving Futures, which is the outreach program of the Upper Highway Baby Home. The outreach team consists of Kerry, Gary, and Thobile, who are working to address the root causes of baby abandonment, growth stunting, school dropouts, and violence against women and children.

In South Africa there is a high rate of baby abandonment, with an estimated 40,000 babies abandoned every year. However, Saving Futures is helping to counteract this trend by working closely with the community of the Valley of a Thousand Hills. The organization delivers essential supplies to over 500 teenage mothers, many of whom have been abused or traumatized and lack the means to care for their babies.

The mothers in this region are often very young and faced with numerous challenges, including violence and a lack of support. Many of them have become pregnant as a result of rape, incest, or a refusal to use contraception. Despite the challenges, the material support that Saving Futures provides has encouraged many families to support the young mothers and help them get back to school.

South Africa is a deeply patriarchal society with high levels of gender-based violence. In this context, it is heartening to see organizations like Saving Futures working to support women, girls, and children. During a special needs home visit, I was particularly moved by one teenage mum and her three-year-old son, who has cerebral palsy. The team at Saving Futures is advocating on her behalf to help to improve her son's quality of life and enable her to return to school.

Photographing this work was a humbling experience for me. As a mother of three, I understand how challenging parenthood can be, even with support. I was moved to see the tenacity and resilience of these young girls, and inspired by the dedication of the Saving Futures team.

Under the acacia trees, in homes, and community halls they gather every fortnight to deliver food, nappies, clothes, and much needed emotional support, ensuring that the young mothers in the area are able to continue with their schooling, building a future for themselves, their children, and ultimately the wider community.

As a photographer, it is a privilege to document the life-saving work done here against the breathtaking beauty of The Valley of a Thousand Hills. If you're interested in volunteering or donating to UHBH & Saving Futures, please visit their website for more information.