Our Projects

Tjokkertjies for Jesus Pre-Primary School (established 2011)

The education of our children is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. In 2011, THE CRADLE OF HOPE joined forces with Helen du Plessis, founder of the TJOKKERTJIES FOR JESUS pre-primary school. The pre-school is housed in a Government building, previously known as the LAPPIES & LALIE pre-school. After the closure of all the TED registered pre-schools, the building stood empty for 15 years. At great cost and with much hard work, the badly neglected building was transformed into the now highly rated CRADLE – TJOKKERTJIES FOR JESUS PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOL. A Homework Centre for vulnerable and under-privileged children was also added.

Currently, under the leadership of the brilliant Helen du Plessis and her team, approximately 80 children and babies attend the pre-school on a daily basis, following the PLAY WITH A PURPOSE Pre-School Curriculum.

Few of the parents of these children can afford to contribute to their school fees, and we receive no funding from the Department of Education. Yet, daily, with the help of our donors and sponsors we manage to provide these children with free, safe transport to and from school, a healthy breakfast and a balanced, nutritious cooked lunch – often the only meals these children receive for the day. In addition, every day is a learning day, filled with new and wonderful experiences, individual stimulation, laughter – and a little magic.