ZenZele
Pas à Pas Aftercare Centre
What We Do
Educational Engagement and Safety
At Zenzele Aftercare, our mission extends beyond mere supervision; we embody a commitment to nurturing the potential in each child we serve. Established in response to the urgent need within impoverished communities, our center offers a safe haven where primary school children can thrive away from the perils of street life. By fetching children from school and providing them with supervised homework assistance, we ensure they remain engaged in their educational journey, emphasizing not just academic learning but holistic development.
Mentorship and Role Modeling
Our dedicated staff, comprised of youth from the local community whose own studies are supported by the Carraresi Foundation, are at the heart of our program. They serve not only as caregivers but as role models, illustrating the tangible benefits of education and community support. In this nurturing environment, children receive the special attention they need, which is often unattainable in their home settings. This individualised support helps cultivate a foundation of knowledge and confidence that will serve them throughout their lives.
Community Empowerment
Our impact extends beyond the children; Zenzele Aftercare acts as a catalyst for community transformation. By employing local youth and providing for their education, we create a cycle of opportunity that uplifts entire families. Each staff member’s success story becomes a beacon of hope, inspiring both current and future generations to strive for better lives through education and community involvement.
Extracurricular Development
Moreover, Zenzele Aftercare is committed to fostering well-rounded development through our extramural resources. We offer music lessons that provide a creative outlet and encourage self-expression, as well as a computer center that equips children with crucial digital literacy skills. These programs are designed to open new avenues for learning and personal growth, giving our children the tools to navigate the future successfully.
Building Leaders through Ubuntu
At Zenzele Aftercare, we do more than just educate children; we empower communities and build future leaders. Our approach is rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu; we believe that nurturing the individual will inherently enrich the community. By supporting our children today, we are investing in a brighter, more resilient tomorrow for everyone connected with Zenzele. Join us in making a lasting impact in the lives of these young minds.
Building Leaders through Ubuntu
At Zenzele Aftercare, we do more than just educate children; we empower communities and build future leaders. Our approach is rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu; we believe that nurturing the individual will inherently enrich the community. By supporting our children today, we are investing in a brighter, more resilient tomorrow for everyone connected with Zenzele. Join us in making a lasting impact in the lives of these young minds.
Community Empowerment
Our impact extends beyond the children; Zenzele Aftercare acts as a catalyst for community transformation. By employing local youth and providing for their education, we create a cycle of opportunity that uplifts entire families. Each staff member’s success story becomes a beacon of hope, inspiring both current and future generations to strive for better lives through education and community involvement.
Extracurricular Development
Moreover, Zenzele Aftercare is committed to fostering well-rounded development through our extramural resources. We offer music lessons that provide a creative outlet and encourage self-expression, as well as a computer center that equips children with crucial digital literacy skills. These programs are designed to open new avenues for learning and personal growth, giving our children the tools to navigate the future successfully.
Mentorship and Role Modeling
Our dedicated staff, comprised of youth from the local community whose own studies are supported by the Carraresi Foundation, are at the heart of our program. They serve not only as caregivers but as role models, illustrating the tangible benefits of education and community support. In this nurturing environment, children receive the special attention they need, which is often unattainable in their home settings. This individualised support helps cultivate a foundation of knowledge and confidence that will serve them throughout their lives.
Educational Engagement and Safety
At Zenzele Aftercare, our mission extends beyond mere supervision; we embody a commitment to nurturing the potential in each child we serve. Established in response to the urgent need within impoverished communities, our center offers a safe haven where primary school children can thrive away from the perils of street life. By fetching children from school and providing them with supervised homework assistance, we ensure they remain engaged in their educational journey, emphasizing not just academic learning but holistic development.
“The first happiness of a child is to know that he is loved.” —Don Bosco
What we Do
At Zenzele Aftercare, our primary commitment is to the educational success and well-being of each child.
We begin by ensuring safe transportation from school to our facility, where our dedicated staff provides supervised homework assistance.
This step is crucial in maintaining daily educational engagement and supporting academic performance.
Supportive Network and Resources
Recognizing the challenges faced by children from the poorest communities, often without parental support, we create a nurturing and stable environment. Our facility acts as a second home where children feel secure, supported, and understood. This stability is vital for their emotional and social development.
Creative Growth
Understanding the importance of holistic development, we offer a variety of extracurricular activities. Our programs include music lessons and access to a computer center, both designed to cultivate creativity and critical thinking skills. These activities not only enhance educational outcomes but also provide children with opportunities to explore their interests in a supportive environment.
Grooming Tomorrows Leaders
Our staff, comprised of local youth whose education is funded through the Carraresi Foundation, are integral to our operational model. These individuals are more than just staff; they are mentors who share similar backgrounds with the children we serve. Their journey of growth and success acts as a powerful motivator for our children, showcasing the possibilities that education and dedication can unlock.
Community and Future Focus
Zenzele Aftercare is committed to not just immediate needs but also long-term community transformation. By empowering the youth and employing community members, we foster a cycle of positive change that benefits not only the children but also their families and the broader community. Our approach underscores our belief in Ubuntu, emphasizing that the growth of the individual directly contributes to the health of the community.
90
Kids from a resource-poor community in ZenZele Aftercare.
Full-Time Staff
high-school Learners' sponsored
INTERNS With Sponsored Studies
AMAZING DREAM TO CHANGE THE COMMUNITY
We Create Future Leaders
We Improve Literacy
We Touch Lives
One Smile at a time
Our Staff
From left to right:
John Rondganger, Principal, Deswadine Claassen-Grade 1 Facilitator, Voney Fortuin-Grade 3 Facilitator, Eva Muller-Cook/Cleaner, Vernice Botha-Manager, Jastine Gelderbloem-Grade 2 Facilitator, Romaine Booysen-Grade R Facilitator, Elzenith Williams- Admin/Teenage Facilitator, Shan-Dee Cloete- General Assistant
Teenagers Camp
Amazing camping experience for our teenagers at the Don Bosco Dysselsdorp.
Teenagers Excursion
Overlooking the whole George and surrounding areas, Kids were afforded an opportunity to see the Montague Pass and go on various hiking trails at the Outeniqua Power Van.
Literacy, Career Exposure and Achievements
Some highlights of our efforts to improve children’s reading and comprehension include exposing them to a wide range of careers to spark their interests and awarding them for various milestones.
Grade 1 Class Educational Excursion
Grade 1’s were treated to an educational excursion that focused on reading, computer literacy and engaging in fun activities.
Our History
2005
Founded
Founded by the visionary duo of Genie Pietersen and Heather Stead, Zenzele began as a humble job-creation initiative. Its mission was simple yet profound: to uplift impoverished and unemployed women in the community by equipping them with the skills needed to kickstart small businesses from the comfort of their homes.
2011
Needs Identified
In 2011, management identified the community’s pressing need for after-school care for young children. Without such support, many children faced the risk of being unsupervised on the streets, lacking meals and adult guidance.
2012
Aftercare Established
This realisation prompted the establishment of the Zenzele Aftercare Centre in 2012, housed generously by the Anglican Church. The center’s primary goal was to furnish a secure space for children post-school hours, offering both nutritious meals and academic assistance with school projects.
NOW
Impact & Future Goals
Today, Zenzele Aftercare nurtures 80 primary school children each year, offering educational programs, extracurriculars, and mentorship. We now have a home, enabling us to expand our reach and facilities to support more promising teenagers and strengthen our community impact. Our commitment remains strong as we continue to empower future leaders and foster a resilient community.
Our Sponsors
It takes a community, and our community has only been phenomenal.
Thank you to all our donors.
Want To Get Involved? Donate Here
Zenzele EVents
Christmas Concert - 10 December 2025
Fancourt Links Golf day - 27 February 2026
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Our News
Projects
– Recycling
– Community Outreach Projects (Soup Drive, Carols)
– Local Clinic Soup Kitchen
– Vegetable garden to supply kitchen
Reach out to us.
Get in Touch: Whether you have questions, need assistance, or want to learn more about how you can get involved, please reach out to us. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children in need
Reach out to us.
Get in Touch: Whether you have questions, need assistance, or want to learn more about how you can get involved, please reach out to us. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children in need
