Our Mission

The Mission of the St. Martin De Porres Development Project is to make a positive difference in the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) in the Springs, South Africa area, primarily through a professionally supported one-to-one relationship with trained and caring adults, and to assist them in achieving their highest potential as they grow to become confident, resilient and self-confident.

It is no secret that South Africans love soccer.  And the children at St. Martin's are no exception.  There is nothing the children enjoy more than kicking around a soccer ball, organizing games or practicing their shooting skills.  One of our children who is restricted to a wheelchair would not let his condition keep him from playing soccer.  With bricks, bottle caps and a marble this smart little fellow created a mini soccer field to play on.  It was heart warming to see this child's resourcefullness.

St. Martin De Porres was a lay Dominican born to a freed slave and a Spanish grandee in Lima, Peru.  In a time and culture where skin color defined one's social status, Martin was not legally allowed to join the Dominicans, though his prior eventually decided to ignore the law and allow Martin to profess vows.  Instead of responding with anger or bitterness to the injustices he continually faced, Martin responded by caring for the sick and poor regardless of race or skin color.  He established orphanages and hospitals, always treating others with charity and dignity.  St. Martin is the patron saint of race relations and social justice.