When Thandile started the crèche in 2015, it was nothing more than a small shack made of corrugated iron. There were no toilets, no electricity, no running water, only a dusty floor where little ones sat to learn. “It wasn’t much,” she recalls softly, “but it was home for the children.”

Her story resonated with people around the world. Eight volunteers from Switzerland, all with full-time jobs, decided to take action. Led by Sabrina, a long-time ForAfrika volunteer, they organised a charity brunch for seventy guests, hosted community markets, and even completed a 100-kilometre fundraising hike. “When I saw photos of how the children were learning, I knew we had to do something,” shared Martha, a 21-year-old nurse and midwife among the team.

Working hand in hand with Kingsley Manyama, ForAfrika’s Infrastructure and WASH Specialist, the volunteers helped transform the site into a vibrant, child-friendly learning space. The new facilities include two classrooms, a kitchen, a sickbay, an office, proper toilets, a water storage system, and a vegetable garden where children can learn about healthy eating.

The joyful handover brought together parents, pastors, and representatives from the Department of Education. Mr. Letswara, Acting Chief Education Specialist, praised the initiative:

“ForAfrika has gone out of its way to give this community something extraordinary. These children are the future of our country.”

Ms. O. Diseko, Social Work Supervisor for ECD, added “This project gives hope and a home to the community.”

Community Pastor Motswako expressed deep gratitude, “ForAfrika has restored dignity to our children and reminded us that we are not forgotten.”

As the keys were handed over to “Mama Thandile,” tears glistened in her eyes. Parents cheered, children danced, and the once-empty space now overflowed with life.