Our approach is guided by a singular question: "What is in the best interest of this child?" Whether through reunification with biological family, adoption into a new family, or continued care in our family-style homes, our focus is on the holistic well-being of each child. For some, the journey ends with a joyous day of reunification. For others, it may lead to adoption or foster care. Regardless of the path, we are committed to providing a nurturing, family-like environment, either as a forever family or as a bridge to restoration with their natural family.
The journey of family strengthening and reunification in Eswatini represents a transformative approach to alternative care, one that honors the full spectrum of orphan care while emphasizing the profound impact of family restoration. Through strategic interventions, community engagement, and a comprehensive case management model, Bulembu is not just placing children into homes but fostering long-term, generational change. Our holistic approach seeks to restore the family model and structure in Eswatini, providing children with not only a place to belong but a future filled with hope, identity, and the opportunity to thrive.
The landscape of orphan care in Eswatini has dramatically shifted over the past few decades. In the past, reunification for orphaned and vulnerable children was nearly impossible. The nation faced a life expectancy crisis, with some communities averaging lifespans as low as 32 years due to the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS and extreme poverty. This grim reality left countless children without the possibility of family-based care, forcing a reliance on institutional settings. However, with a rise in national life expectancy to 57.2 years, a new horizon has emerged — one that presents a unique opportunity for family restoration and the reintegration of children into healthy, loving environments.
Bulembu, a beacon of holistic care in Eswatini, has been at the forefront of this transformation. We have established a robust network of social workers, developed deep relationships with government departments, and built trust within local communities. This groundwork allows us to engage in family-strengthening efforts that go beyond mere placement. Our strategy to establish rural community sites within walking distance of every rural family in the nation by 2030 ensures that reunification is not just a singular event but an ongoing process supported by community-based care. This proximity facilitates frequent visits, assessments, and support from our reunification caseworkers, fostering enduring placements that are both safe and loving.
In Eswatini, restoring a child to a family has deep implications. Land rights and inheritance are often tied to family connections, making the restoration of children to their biological families critical not just for emotional and social well-being but for their legal and economic futures as well. For children in Bulembu's care, reunification is more than a return to family — it is the restoration of their identity and rightful place in the community.
Effective reunification and reintegration require a structured, comprehensive case management approach that adheres to best practices and ethical standards. Bulembu's family-based care team, known as Bubele, embodies this approach, encompassing family tracing, relationship building with biological families, home evaluations, placement readiness assessments, sustainable family support, and continuous monitoring. Here are the key steps in our reunification model: