South Africa – Johannesburg
Restoring dignity and joy at three Soweto crèches
In honour of Mandela Day 2025, Aspen proudly implemented a three-day initiative focused on revamping three Early Childhood Development Centres ("ECDs") in Soweto. The aim of ECDs is to foster children's holistic cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development and ensure they reach their full potential. The project aligned with Aspen’s commitment to advancing community well-being and providing meaningful support for more than 100 young children.
The chosen beneficiaries included the Tswelelang Day Care Centre in Meadowlands Zone 3, which accommodates some 35 children aged 6 months to 5 years. The Katlehong Day Care Centre in Meadowlands Zone 1 was selected as it is home to 40 children, many of whom are from households impacted by poverty or unemployment. The Diepkloof-based Nhlanhla Day Care Centre also received support as it provides early learning and care services to 31 children daily.
Each of these no-fee Day Care Centres rely heavily on government grants, donations, and community support. They provide a safe, nurturing space for children of unemployed, teenage, or deceased parents.
Over 40 Aspen employees volunteered across the three days, offering hands-on support in a variety of ways. At each centre, volunteers deep-cleaned classrooms, painted walls and fences, and revitalized gardens and playgrounds. Meals were lovingly prepared and served to the children, and much-needed donations such as groceries, hygiene packs and learning materials were handed over.
A new JoJo water tank was also supplied to assist with water security as the schools often experienced a limited water supply which impacts daily activities such as cooking, toilet use and general hygiene. These efforts not only enhanced the physical environment but offered meaningful engagement between Aspen volunteers, the children and beneficiary staff.
Aspen has proudly supported Mandela Day activities since 2011, and this year’s impact reaffirmed our ongoing commitment to making every day a Mandela Day.
