An Applied Psychology student from Holland has developed specific training for Ikamva Labantu that will change the way carers communicate with the children in their care.

Nora Nahumury developed a communication training module that focusses on better communication between the carer – be it foster parents, biological parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents – and the child.

The model, through roleplaying, listening exercises, games, theory and interaction, and group work, teaches carers to better … READ MORE

Every year we have a school drive to make sure children are equipped with school clothes and stationary, and anything else they need to make a success of their school year.

At the beginning of every year, Ikamva Labantu gets ready to support hundreds of children with schooling. This year was no different.

Many children depend on our support to help them with school resources, school fees and transport costs. Every … READ MORE

A thank you to you from the children in our Chess Club and Online Educational Support programme.

As we approach the end of the year we, at Ikamva Labantu, would like to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers, supporters, donors, staff and beneficiaries. Without your constant and unfailing support, we would not be where we are today.

While it has been a challenging year for many other organisations like ours, … READ MORE

We recently held our first ever Trauma Workshop, where the mental health fraternity gathered to discuss ways to support those affected by trauma in the Khayelitsha community, in Cape Town.

Delegates as far afield as the United States participated in our first Trauma Workshop.

Delegates as far afield as the United States participated in our first Trauma Workshop.Many living in the area are not aware that they may suffer from post-traumatic … READ MORE

What do duck walk races, egg and spoon races, sleeping bag races and bowl-a-hole have in common? They were all part of the annual Olympiatrics Senior Citizens Sports Event held during Seniors Month at Vygieskraal Stadium in Athlone, Cape Town.

Serious fun and games during the Olympiatrics.

Hot off the heels of the London Olympics and Paralympics, hundreds of seniors gathered to compete against each other at the 27th Olympiatrics. Seniors … READ MORE

Caroline de Gruchy with some of the over 900 gift boxes donated and collected for our seniors.

A bold initiative by one of our volunteers, Caroline de Gruchy, brought a smile to over 900 seniors’ faces. Caroline created a movement to provide gift boxes for our seniors that include: a toothbrush, toothpaste, a face cloth, a pair of socks, soap, a chocolate and a small packet of biscuits – all … READ MORE

Children from our Orphans & Vulnerable Children department receive free literacy, numeracy and computer literacy classes in our after school programme.

This year the Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s (OVC) department introduced the Online Educational Support programme, which helps children better their numeracy and literacy levels. About 45 children from the OVC department form part of this after-school programme.

The programme uses animation, activities and reward games to keep children motivated and … READ MORE

Photographed in the late 1970s in Gugulethu is Ikamva Labantu founder Helen Lieberman with one of our pioneers Ivy Makosana.

Since our founder, Helen Lieberman ventured into the townships of Cape Town in search of her patients, the organisation has grown into one that many have come to know and love. This year we celebrate 50 years of working, and partnering, with communities.

We have some wonderful and exciting activities that … READ MORE

We would not be able to do the work we do without the generous people willing to donate and help our cause. To make it easier for those thinking about contributing, we have compiled a list of the things we desperately need.

Our Seniors department, which supports over 600 senior citizens in 17 seniors clubs throughout Cape Town, is looking to add some enjoyment by providing television sets and radios for … READ MORE

This workbook was specifically developed for pre-school children and practitioners.

An innovative workbook that teaches children in their mother tongue, as well as English, was officially handed over to our Early Childhood Development department in February.

The workbook was specially developed and designed through a collaboration between Humanwrit.es and Ikamva Labantu.

Before the children can benefit from the innovative learning tool, their practitioners need to be taught how to use the workbook … READ MORE

Trauma affects us all, but not many realise how easily it creeps into our daily lives.

The mental wellbeing of a child’s teacher is just as important as the wellbeing of the child. Because we know this, we have piloted a new psychosocial module, Making Peace With Your Past, to look into the mental health of Early Childhood Development practitioners.

“We understand that because of our country’s past, many people have … READ MORE

The introduction of a new Pre-Grade R class will better prepare our children for school.

A year after opening, we are delighted to be able to add a pre-Grade R classroom to our model pre-school, Kwakhanya – a welcome addition to the three existing and fully-equipped classrooms at the pre-school. Kwakhanya is used as an experiential training ground for practitioners working in pre-schools in the townships.

“We have found that there … READ MORE

The pioneers of Early Childhood Development (ECD) were honoured at a special ceremony at our Kwakhanya centre in February.

These women are the backbone of ECD and form part of the Ithemba Labantwana community forum, which is an informal peer support group representing Ikamva Labantu practitioners in ECD.

These women, who today are principals and practitioners in ECD, started taking children off the street in the early 1960s, welcomed them into their … READ MORE

Our friend and partner Russell Ford, together with his team, visited various pre-schools earlier this year.

Over the years Ikamva Labantu has established strong links with like-minded, international organisations. In the field of Early Childhood Development (ECD), we have been particularly blessed to meet and work with individuals and organisations who provide us with not only material resources (e.g. toys and equipment), but importantly, with their own time and experience.

In … READ MORE

Our Siyakhathala forum uses your empty jars and fills them with canned guavas, peaches and pears.

A canning initiative by members of Ikamva Labantu’s community forums is finally bearing fruit. Members of the Siyakhathala forum, an informal peer support group representing carers in our Orphans and Vulnerable Children programme, received training from an expert canner and have started canning seasonal fruit themselves. The canned fruit – peaches, guavas and pears … READ MORE