“I deliberately say that I live and breathe social work, because to me, it’s so much more than just a profession,” says Elize Sauer, who has been practising as a social worker for 36 years. For the past ten years, she has been part of the team at Abraham Kriel Children’s Home Nylstroom.

Her career began in an unexpected way. Elize had originally planned to study archaeology at the University of Pretoria, but an open day at the Department of Social Work changed her mind.

“I realised that my path lay not among rocks, but among people,” she recalls.

Over the years, Elize has gained experience in various fields of social work, including care for the elderly and working with unmarried mothers, to which she devoted ten years.

I realised that my path lay not among rocks, but among people,” she recalls.

Over the years, Elize has gained experience in various fields of social work, including care for the elderly and working with unmarried mothers, to which she devoted ten years.

After her family moved to Modimolle, she initially planned to spend more time at home. However, in January 2016, she joined Abraham Kriel Children’s Home, where she has since guided many children and families through difficult circumstances.

For Elize, successfully reuniting a child with their family remains one of the greatest rewards of her work. Yet it is often the smaller moments that stay with her the longest. “Sometimes a child comes into my office feeling broken, discouraged and hopeless, but leaves later with a smile.”

Elize is also grateful for the support she has received over the years from her husband, Willem, and their children, Marike and Wiehann.

Looking back on her career, she is thankful for the unexpected turn her life took. “I’m grateful that the Lord rolled a rock into my path, not to make me stumble, but to lead me in a different direction.”

Today, Elize works not with rocks, but with people. And even after 36 years, she still finds great satisfaction in helping children look towards the future with renewed hope.