Little Eden, one of South Africa’s most respected and longstanding organisations supporting children and adults with profound intellectual disabilities, enters the 2026 CSI Legacy Awards as a finalist in the Best NGO category—a testament to nearly six decades of unwavering compassion, specialist care, and community impact. Founded in 1967 on the principle that every human being deserves dignity, respect and unconditional love, Little Eden continues to embody the values of its founder, Domitilla Hyams, whose vision of inclusive and holistic care remains the organisation’s guiding light to this day.
At the helm of Little Eden’s mission-driven work is Ann, an accomplished leader with deep expertise spanning both corporate and non-profit sectors. With a background in strategic management, business development, fundraising and organisational transformation, she brings a rare blend of heart and strategy to one of the country’s oldest disability-focused NGOs. Her belief that meaningful results depend on building strong, empowered teams underpins her leadership philosophy. Guided by her Christian values and a servant-leadership approach, she champions the principle that lasting change begins with serving one person at a time. Her extensive work with vulnerable children—from those affected by maternal substance exposure to children living on the streets of Western Cape townships—has shaped her deep commitment to families facing extreme hardship. Through her leadership, Little Eden continues to uphold its promise of creating a home where every resident is valued and loved.
Little Eden today provides 24-hour, year-round care to 300 residents aged between four and 70 years, the majority of whom have been abandoned or come from families unable to meet their specialised care needs. Over 58 years, more than 1,200 individuals have called Little Eden home. Many rely on mobility assistance, and nearly all require comprehensive support. What sets Little Eden apart is its holistic care philosophy, which nurtures the whole person—body, mind and spirit. Residents receive personalised stimulation programmes, custom therapy plans, specialised seating, and access to occupational, hydro-, music-, and physiotherapy, as well as spiritual care. Every detail, from adaptive equipment to stimulation toys, is designed to help each person reach their fullest potential, however small the milestone may seem.
The programme Little Eden entered into the CSI Legacy Awards—their unique Stimulation Programme—captures the essence of their approach. Instead of offering only the basics, the organisation has developed tailored activity plans that meet residents exactly where they are. Staff assess each individual’s abilities and design programmes that encourage progress through sensory engagement, communication skills development, therapeutic play, movement exercises and emotional support. These interventions make measurable differences in mobility, cognition, interaction and overall well-being. For residents who cannot speak, move independently or express themselves easily, these carefully structured activities become lifelines, opening up new ways of connecting with the world. It is this deeply personalised approach—where every ability matters and every journey counts—that makes Little Eden a model of best practice within the disability sector.
Beyond its two Johannesburg-based homes, Little Eden extends its reach to vulnerable communities across Gauteng, Limpopo, Free State and the Eastern Cape. Through its partnership with The Paige Project, it distributes refurbished wheelchairs and Madiba Buggies, trains caregivers in foundational therapy techniques, and teaches families to design stimulating toys using recycled materials. These interventions empower communities to support their most vulnerable members rather than face the burden alone. At a time when stigma around disability remains entrenched, Little Eden brings dignity, acceptance and practical support to families who might otherwise be isolated, overwhelmed or without hope.
For Ann, the personal fulfilment of leading Little Eden lies not only in the life-changing care provided to residents but also in preserving and advancing the organisation’s legacy. Moments of transformation—when a resident gains new skills, a caregiver feels empowered, or a family finds relief—affirm her belief that meaningful impact is created one life at a time. Being named a finalist for the CSI Legacy Awards, she reflects, is more than an honour; it is a recognition of the profound work carried out daily by dedicated staff who embody compassion, excellence and resilience.
As Little Eden stands among South Africa’s top NGOs for social impact, the acknowledgement reinforces its commitment to creating a society where every person, regardless of ability, is valued, supported and loved. Through visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, Little Eden continues to illuminate the truth that the smallest acts of care can restore dignity—and ultimately transform communities.
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