Our Story

'L Roi was born from a deeply personal journey—a story of compassion, resilience, and divine purpose.

Founder, Sophia Janeke, spent decades serving vulnerable communities across South Africa. From children with autism and disabilities to youth battling addiction and homelessness, Sophia’s work has always centred on seeing the unseen and loving the overlooked.

Her experiences includes:

• Supporting children with special needs at Dorothea School

• Running a shelter for street children in Cloetesville

• Caring for youth in recovery through Abba

• Managing foster homes and aftercare centers

• Working with children with disabilities at Oasis in Elsies River

• Supporting early childhood development initiatives

But 'L Roi's true inception was borne from a family story.

When Sophia’s nephew - once lost to the streets - discovered he had a daughter, tragedy followed. The child’s mother passed away, leaving a six-year-old girl in need of love, stability, and healing. Sophia and her husband, Gary, stepped in, offering care and support. Though legal decisions placed the child elsewhere, the experience ignited a vision:

What if there was a place where children like her could truly thrive?

A place of safety, stimulation, and healing. A place where trauma meets understanding. A place where every child is seen.

✨ The Meaning of 'L Roi

The hebrew name, El Roi , means “the God who sees”. It is sometimes abbreviated 'L Roi as a symbol of reverence to the name of God. 'L Roi is a nonprofit early childhood development and aftercare centre rooted in faith, compassion, and community. It exists to serve children who have experienced trauma, neglect, or instability, offering them a nurturing environment where they can grow, learn, and flourish.