Ikageng Itirileng Aids Ministry

Organizational Profile 

Who We Are

Founded in 2001 in Orlando West, Soweto, Ikageng is a community-based welfare organisation rooted in humanitarian values. We exist to serve and uplift orphaned and vulnerable children, particularly those impacted by the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Our mission emerged in response to the growing vulnerability and marginalization of South African children, especially in high-density suburbs and informal settlements.

For over two decades, Ikageng has been a beacon of hope in Soweto—bringing care, compassion, and practical support to the most disadvantaged. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, thrive, and fulfill their potential regardless of their background or circumstance.

Our Approach

At Ikageng, we take a community development approach that emphasizes collective empowerment. We address the deep-rooted imbalances of our history by facilitating inclusive processes that help the poor and vulnerable regain control over their lives. Our interventions are guided by the belief in the inherent potential of every human being, and we work to unlock this potential through integrated programming in:

• Health

• Nutrition

• Education

• Psychosocial support

These are not just services—they are tools for social transformation. Our experience has shown that with the right support, every young person has the ability to rise, thrive, and succeed.

The Challenges We Address

Children in our community face severe and intersecting challenges:

• Cramped, indecent, and unsafe living conditions

• Poor sanitation and inadequate nutrition

• Rampant exposure to drug and alcohol abuse

• Limited access to quality education

• Lack of emotional and psychosocial support

• High rates of HIV/AIDS and related trauma

Most children we serve come from single-parent, grandparent-headed, child-headed, or youth-headed households. These households often rely solely on social grants or state pensions for survival. Within these families, the drive for education is diminished as the struggle for daily sustenance overshadows long-term aspirations.

Our Vision

A community where every child enjoys the opportunity to live a full and joyful childhood. We envision a socially cohesive society grounded in Ubuntu, where every child is protected, nurtured, and empowered to realise their full potential.

Our Mission

Ikageng exists to improve the quality of life for orphaned and vulnerable children in Soweto through effective, evidence-informed programming in education, health, and social services. We work to restore dignity, hope, and opportunity to those most at risk.

Our Target Groups

• Orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC)

• Adolescent boys and girls

• Young women

• People living with disabilities

• People who use or inject drugs

• People living with HIV (PLWH)

Why Support Ikageng

Ikageng is not just a service provider—it is a pillar in the community. Our team brings together years of grassroots experience, unwavering commitment, and a deep understanding of the issues facing Soweto’s children and families. We have consistently demonstrated that with targeted, compassionate intervention, vulnerable youth can break cycles of poverty, trauma, and exclusion.

We invite you to partner with us in this vital mission. Together, we can build a society where every child—regardless of where they come from—has the opportunity to live, learn, grow, and lead.