Our Story
About Mother of Peace
A community rooted in faith, built on love, and driven by the belief that every child deserves a family.
66
Children Supported
20+
Years of Impact
11
Family Homes
100%
Family-Based Care
Mission & Vision
A Home Built on Love, Dignity & Hope
Mother of Peace is a family village near Illovo, KwaZulu-Natal, providing vulnerable children with more than shelter — a real home, with house mothers who love them, siblings who grow up beside them, and a community that believes in their future.
Our model is built on the conviction that children thrive in families, not institutions. Each home is led by a dedicated house mother who lives alongside the children, building genuine bonds of trust, care, and belonging.
We walk alongside each child from the moment they arrive, through education and skills development, all the way into independent adulthood — and beyond.
Section 18A Approved
NPO Registered
What Guides Us
Our Values
Faith
Rooted in Christian values of love, service, and human dignity. Our faith is the foundation of everything we do.
Family
We believe every child deserves a family. Our house mothers create genuine, lasting bonds that children carry into adulthood.
Peace
We create safe, stable environments where children can heal, grow, and discover who they are meant to become.
Education
We invest in every child's future by supporting access to quality primary, secondary, tertiary, and vocational education.
Growth
We nurture the whole child — spiritually, emotionally, academically, and practically — preparing them for a full and meaningful life.
Community
We build community within our village and across our network of donors, volunteers, and partners.
Our Journey
Two Decades of Changing Lives
2002
Mother of Peace Founded
Established near Illovo, KwaZulu-Natal, with a vision of family-based care for vulnerable children.
2006
First Family Homes Opened
Three family homes opened, each led by dedicated house mothers. Children began building real bonds of family and belonging. The poultry project and vegetable gardens were established, providing nutritious food and practical skills.
2008
Section 18A Approval
Received Section 18A tax-deductible donation status, enabling corporate partners and individual donors to maximise their philanthropic impact.
2010
On-Site Primary School Opens
The Mother of Peace primary school opened, providing quality education within the village community.
2012
First University Graduate
A former Mother of Peace child completed a university degree — a milestone demonstrating the long-term impact of family-based care.
2015
Volunteer Programme Expands
Local and international volunteer partnerships grew significantly, bringing new skills, resources, and global perspectives to the village.
2026
Sustainability Programme Launches
The mushroom farm and home maintenance programme were introduced to strengthen long-term sustainability, provide practical skills training, and support food security.
Today
20+ Years & Growing
More than two decades of impact, a thriving family-based care model, four sustainability initiatives, and a growing network of donors, volunteers, and corporate partners.
Our Approach
Why Family-Based Care?
Research consistently shows that children raised in family-based environments develop stronger emotional resilience, improved educational outcomes, and healthier adult relationships than those raised in institutional settings.
At Mother of Peace, every child belongs to a real household — with a house mother, siblings, shared meals, responsibilities, celebrations, and a genuine sense of belonging.
This is not a programme. It is a home.
We believe deeply that investment in a child's early years creates a ripple effect across generations. When children grow up knowing they are loved, supported, and valued, they carry that confidence into every aspect of their future.
The People
Our Leadership Team
The Board
Governance & StrategyOur independent board provides strategic governance, financial oversight, and accountability, ensuring Mother of Peace remains true to its mission and values.
House Mothers
Family Home LeadersThe house mothers of Mother of Peace create safe, loving, and stable family environments where children can grow, heal, and thrive.
Gavin Gradwell
Executive DirectorOver two decades of dedicated service, leading Mother of Peace with faith, vision, and unwavering commitment to every child in our care.
Believe in a Child's Future
Every donor, volunteer, and partner becomes part of the Mother of Peace family. Together, we can provide vulnerable children with the love, stability, education, and opportunities they deserve.
Before You Go…
A single call or message can set a child on the path to a real home, an education and a future full of possibility.