Our Story
In 2010, a group of friends in Surrey were deeply moved by the courage and kindness of Elizabeth, a retired social worker in Zweletemba – a township outside Cape Town, South Africa. Despite limited means, Elizabeth was using her pension and small local donations to feed and care for vulnerable children in her community: children who were orphaned, abused, or simply going hungry. Her tiny one-bedroom home became a place of refuge, hope and love.
Determined to support her, we began raising funds in the UK. What started with a handful of supporters and a few pots of stew has grown into something much bigger.
When Elizabeth died suddenly in July 2012, the community was devastated. But we knew her work couldn’t end there. In her honour, we founded a UK charity – Elizabeth’s Children Charitable Trust – and in July 2013, we were granted official UK charitable status. In South Africa, the project has since evolved into a fully established and independently run local organisation: Sinetemba, which means “We have hope.”
We continue to work hand-in-hand with the incredible team at Sinetemba, providing grants and support to sustain the legacy that Elizabeth began. Today, between 80 and 200 children are cared for at the centre each day.
What We Support at Sinetemba
Daily meals: For many children, the hot meal they receive at Sinetemba is their only proper food of the day. The centre provides this five days a week.
After-school enrichment: The centre runs arts, crafts, music, reading and play sessions – giving children creative expression, confidence, and tutoring support in a nurturing space.
Employment & dignity: Sinetemba now employs nine local staff – including teachers, assistant teachers, cooks and gardeners.
For £3 a week, 3 of Elizabeth’s children receive 5 hot meals a week. We have a team based in the UK and one in Zwelethemba however most of the fundraising is done in the UK.
They have many more plans to expand, but for this they need funds, every penny we raise goes directly to care for the children.
Sinethemba’s Story
Sinethemba now feeds around 120 children, 5 days a week.
The children are fed from a kitchen in a container in the grounds of a local school. There are 4 other containers in the school grounds where the children are being taught and cared for. And all donated by various local businesses and a very kind member of the public. They also employ 1 qualified teacher, 3 assistant teachers, 4 cooks and a handyman. All of these staff members were previously unemployed.
The facility also has:
- A wooden playground donated by Rotary for the children to play on.
- A container kitted out with 12 computers, also donated by Rotary, where the children can do homework and learn valuable IT skills.
Sinethemba’s Wish List
Please refer to www.zwelethembakidscare.org.za for their wishlist.
Our Trustees
NICKY
Nicky serves as the charity’s chairman, and is helped by an amazing group of trustees to keep the charity alive. Alongside her charitable work, she is a GP in Surrey. She lives near Guildford with her husband; they have three children, and a lively household that includes two dogs and two cats.
PAUL
Paul has been a trustee of Elizabeth’s Children Charitable Trust since its inception. His career has been in fundraising and marketing for good causes for over three decades. The early part was in agencies working with charities and then he switched to senior roles at Cancer Research UK, Age UK/Age International, NSPCC and The Children’s Trust, before joining Shooting Star Children’s Hospices as Chief Executive in September 2021. His previous trustee experience includes Surrey Youth Focus, The Fairtrade Foundation and Beanstalk (then called Volunteer Reading Help).
MANDY
Mandy is a retired British Associate Chartered Accountant and serves as Treasurer to Elizabeth’s Children. She was born in South Africa and met Nicky at the University of Cape Town in 1991. They have remained good friends ever since and now both live in Surrey. Mandy is now a full-time stay at home Mum having worked as an auditor and tax advisor at PwC London prior to having children.
SUE
Sue has been a trustee of Elizabeth’s Children, a charity close to her heart, since it was founded. Originally from South Africa, Sue cares deeply about the country and the children growing up there. She believes that education offers a real pathway out of poverty and is passionate about giving young people the support, stability and encouragement they need to reach their potential. Alongside her role as a trustee, Sue works in marketing and events, and brings her creativity, energy and practical experience to support the charity’s work and help it continue to grow.
CLAIRE
Claire is our charity Secretary and has been a Trustee for Elizabeth’s Children since its registration with the Charity Commission in 2013. She was a PA for many years before having a family and since re-training to support children with special educational needs and learning differences. She lives in rural West Sussex with her family enjoying all that the countryside has to offer; often walking her dogs through the South Downs. Claire is a passionate advocate for improving the lives of disadvantaged children, both at home and abroad. It has been a joy for her to be part of the Elizabeth’s Children journey and see the difference our support has made to so many young people over the years.