Building Brighter Futures
Where Care Meets Purpose
At Melkbos Care Centre, our work is driven by a deep commitment to uplifting children and strengthening communities through meaningful, sustainable support. Since our founding, we have developed a range of passion projects that address the holistic needs of children—from early childhood education and daily nourishment to safe transport, mentorship, and family support.
Our projects work together to create a circle of care: supporting not only the academic development of children, but also their physical wellbeing, emotional resilience, and sense of belonging. Through the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community partners, Melkbos Care Centre continues to make a lasting impact—one child, one family, and one project at a time.
Our Projects
Each of our initiatives is rooted in the belief that every child deserves access to quality education, proper nutrition, and a safe, nurturing environment in which to grow and thrive. By combining educational excellence with practical support systems, we aim to remove barriers that prevent children from reaching their full potential.
zUMPI DUMPI PRE-SCHOOL
Our Early Childhood Education project is called Zumpi Dumpi pre-school and was established in 2018. We cater for children from 2 to 6 years old (Gr R). A qualified junior primary teacher heads a team of 8 teachers and assistant teachers, all qualified or in the process of being qualified.
Our capacity is 60 children who are educated according to two registered curricula namely CAPS for Gr.R and Kinderland.
Our day starts with the children being collected from home. At Zumpi Dumpi they enjoy a hearty breakfast with their friends.Then it is a full day of learning and fun. In between they get lunch and for some, a time to sleep. Playing and learning makes them tired! After school the children are transported home to go and rest for tomorrow when they come and play and learn again.
The Melkbos Care Centre also make sure all immunisations are up to date. In Gr. R they have their eyes tested and are assessed before going to Primary school. The Centre also assist parents with the online registration for school.
SCHOOL TRANSPORT
Every day, we ensure that approximately 120 children are safely transported to and from school, no matter the distance or the weather conditions. Reliable transport is more than a convenience, it is a lifeline, guaranteeing that children can consistently attend school and continue their learning without interruption.
To make this service accessible to all families, we charge a subsidised fee, removing the financial barrier that might otherwise prevent children from attending school regularly. By providing safe, dependable, and affordable transport, we help children stay on track academically while supporting families who might struggle with the cost or logistics of getting their children to school.
SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM
During school terms, all children attending local primary schools have access to a nutritious breakfast prepared by our dedicated volunteer mothers. A wholesome school lunch is also provided, ensuring that any child in need—whether registered with the Centre or not—receives the sustenance necessary for learning and growth. On average, around 75 children benefit from this program each day.
During school holidays, the care continues: volunteer mothers in underprivileged communities prepare one meal a day for children, using donations that we source on their behalf. This program ensures that no child goes hungry, supporting their health, wellbeing, and ability to thrive both at home and at school.
mentorship and support
All children at Melkbos Care Centre receive support tailored to their needs, including school stationery, subsidised clothing, and mentorship. Every child’s needs are carefully assessed on a merit basis, with resources provided through the generosity of sponsors and the dedication of volunteers.
For older children, mentorship goes beyond day-to-day support. During school holidays, we run targeted workshops to build life skills, resilience, and confidence, while our volunteer team provides regular mental health check-ins to ensure emotional wellbeing. This comprehensive approach equips children not only to succeed academically, but also to navigate life with confidence and support.
During school holidays, the care continues: volunteer mothers in underprivileged communities prepare one meal a day for children, using donations that we source on their behalf. This program ensures that no child goes hungry, supporting their health, wellbeing, and ability to thrive both at home and at school.
gently loved
Sixty percent (60%) of our funding comes from our beloved thrift shop, Gently Loved. Located in the heart of Melkbosstrand’s main economic hub, it has become more than just a store—it’s a community destination. In addition to offering affordable second-hand clothing and treasures to the public, Gently Loved proudly serves as the official second-hand clothing supplier for local schools, helping families access essential items while supporting the Centre’s work.
meals a month
preschool children
kids transported daily
Get In Touch
Location: Block C, 1 Robben Road, Melkbosstrand
Telephone: +27 21 553 0980
Email: admin@melkboscarecentre.org