16/10/2026
Birthday memories could not be complete without THIS picture of the kids, children who had the opportunity to study at St Patrick's College, CBC Kimberley through and generous donors.
Second from the left in the front row is one young man, Joy. Now a father of two and fully immersed in his calling in the church, he wrote these words about Kids Haven in 2024:
"INSPIRING PEOPLE SERIES
#2 MOIRA SIMPSON, THE COMPASSIONATE MOTHER
Getting out of your way to make a small act of kindness makes all the difference. This is what Moira Simpson did with street children in South Africa. Seeing the growing problem of street children, she decided to do something. It started with hand outs from the boot of her car, to using church space to meet with them, to founding a children’s home with multiple campuses that help every child with the physical, social, educational, and emotional needs. It also employs many people and has created a lifetime of opportunities for all involved. The children’s home is called Kids Haven.
Thousands of children have been helped by this institution including myself. I spent 8 years of my childhood there. Not only did I get an education, but I was sent to some of the finest schools available, exposed to countless opportunities to speak for disadvantaged children, and grow in my abilities as a leader. My life drastically changed from bleak prospects to a bright future, because, before we had even met, Moira took the initiative back in the 1990’s to feed some street kid she felt compassion for.
During my time in Kids Haven, I got to know Moira as an encouraging mother, as well as the strict disciplinarian you didn’t want to get on the wrong side of. She was always willing to have us hang out in her office and listen to our dreams. Simultaneously, she did not accept bad behavior. Whenever I messed up, I dreaded to see her face because I knew that she always had high hopes for me, and I never wanted to disappoint her. The love and hope that she had for the first kids that she reached from the boot of her car never died. She always saw more than a street kid, orphan, or victim of circumstances. She saw A students, CEOs, and societal leaders. There are four lessons that I have learned from Moira.
First, putting others first adds meaning and depth to your own life. I once read a book on leadership that says that a true leader influences others; and the more people you influence, the greater of a leader you are. If you keep living just for yourself your life will have meaning, but even more meaning and depth is added when you begin to look out for the welfare of others. The ability of one to put others above yourself determines your capacity to lead and how meaningful your life will be to those around you. What Moira started has now taken a life of its own. Thousands of children, dozens of employees, and hundreds of families are grateful for her servitude.
Second, act on your compassion. Sometimes when you see something heartbreaking, all you think you can do is lament and move on. But this can come across as apathy by those who are in need. It doesn't matter what you can do. No matter how small, any act of kindness is appreciated. Moreover, you never know how this one act will lead to a bigger and better solution to the problem that you are addressing. Moira started with handing out food and clothes from her car. Little did she know that she would go on to start one of the most successful child welfare organizations in South Africa.
Third, small things can grow into big things. The age-old adage ‘don’t despise humble beginnings’ rings true in the story of Kids Haven and Moira. The problem of street kids is huge all over Africa. Moreso, in developed urban areas like the province of Gauteng. However, this did not stop Moira from taking action. Big problems should not intimidate you to be idle. Do something, whatever you’re able to do right now. The doors of opportunity will open later.
Fourth, build systems. Moira Simpson’s wonderful work was started by heartfelt emotion, but it needed a level head of rational thinking to keep the momentum going. To have a functioning children’s home that feeds, clothes, educates, and supports hundreds of children at the same time, you need to have effective and efficient systems. Where does the food come from? how does it get to their plates? Where do the tuition fees come from? How will all the employees receive their salaries? All of these and more are questions that Moira and her team answered as they built systems that work. As I speak today, Moira is no longer directing Kids Haven, and it is functioning just as well. Systems ensure that your vision will go on to outlive you and reach more people.
In conclusion, as a child who grew up in Kids Haven and around Moira, I cannot express how grateful I am for what this has done for me. That is what true impact is! I cannot even quantify how much Moira and Kids Haven have done for me. Have this in mind when you are reaching others and pouring yourself into your vision." 💛💙
Moira Simpson Joy N. Elias
