The challenge of dealing with the effects of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and the devastating impact it can have on the lives of innocent children, is a major one in South Africa. Social entrepreneur Roxanne Edson, and her team of supporters at Hidden Halos, are working tirelessly to champion foster care advocacy and support for those children affected by the syndrome.

LoA spoke to Roxanne Edson, founder of Hidden Halos, to find out more about how this inspirational social enterprise came about, and what her vision is for the future.

What does your company do?

Hidden Halos is a non-profit organisation doing work around foster care advocacy and support and Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, as well as exit strategies for children currently in the State’s child welfare system.

"Children with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome have very major behavioural, social and learning challenges that are difficult to understand and even more difficult to deal with. The Western Cape has the highest percentage of children with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome."

What inspired you to start your company?

Working with children's homes as a volunteer since 2011, I noticed that quite a few children were being sent back and forth within the system. Mostly because their 'new' foster families didn't know how to handle them. Also, once a child reaches the age of 18, they return to their communities without much support at all. After fostering two children myself, I began to understand why families would 'return' these children. Children with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome have very major behavioural, social and learning challenges that are difficult to understand and even more difficult to deal with. The Western Cape has the highest percentage of children with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. A lot of the children in the child welfare system are challenged with this syndrome - yet, not many people are aware - and so, I believe that people who are given the right knowledge and support will find the right children in the system that fit their families and the cycle between 'new homes' and the system will stop. Also, these children, without a structured plan and support for when they exit the home, will remain in and out of various social systems (justice system, social grant system, unemployment, poverty, etc.).

Why should anyone use your service or product?

These children are the future of this country and I truly believe that with the correct support, they can become the heroes they dream of - also, every child deserves a loving home and a family who understands and supports them!

"These children are the future of this country and I truly believe that with the correct support, they can become the heroes they dream of - also, every child deserves a loving home and a family who understands and supports them!"

Tell us a little about your team

Hidden Halos was founded by a group of friends and myself. However, as people grow, life changes and so Hidden Halos has seen many new faces lending their time to creating this change. Currently we have a support board, but we are looking for the right team to carry the work forward.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

I have always been an entrepreneur at heart - since I was young I have always said: ''I don't when or how, but one day I don't want to work for anybody else but myself.’' This is still true today - although in the social field, I have always regarded my non-profit as if it were a for-profit entity. Also, I am currently in the process of starting a for-profit business with the hopes of generating a sustainable income for Hidden Halos.

"I plan to have Hidden Halos be completely self-sustainable. A big goal is that Hidden Halos becomes an umbrella organisation for other social entrepreneurs to initiate projects aimed at creating a better future for children in the system."

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

I plan to have Hidden Halos be completely self-sustainable. A big goal is that Hidden Halos becomes an umbrella organisation for other social entrepreneurs to initiate projects aimed at creating a better future for children in the system.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

The fact that I can wake up every morning knowing that I am making a difference and doing it my way.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

Persevere - Even when it seems like there is no way forward, take a deep breath and remember how far you have already come!

Contact or follow Hidden Halos

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | EMAIL roxannedenton@gmail.com

Why LoA loves it….

Social entrepreneurs are driven by absolute passion and a need to make a difference in the world, and in the case of Roxanne Edson, she is certainly doing that. These children impacted by the effects of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome come into the world with challenges that are significant. But Roxanne and her team are proving that with the right care, love and support, these young children can fulfil their potential and become young people who can make a difference of their own one day. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and CEO of Lionesses of Africa