Educating the Thabang Children

2025 culminated in a great celebration of 20 years of quality service provided by Thabang Children’s Project to hundreds of vulnerable children within the Thabazimbi area of Limpopo.

The Thabang Child & Youth Care centre was started in 2005.  The work in the local informal settlement of Smash Block started in 2004. Since then, many needy and vulnerable children have been positively impacted and have received opportunities which they would otherwise never receive. Opportunities to receive academic support, tertiary education for some, Driver’s licences for others, and job placements for those who could apply.  All these opportunities were provided after much care, and counselling enabled the children to heal and progress to a point where they can then focus on learning and development.

Founders, donors and partners came from far to join the celebration. Some from Germany and Switzerland, while others from different parts of South Africa. History and memories were shared. Youth who had exited Thabang returned to join in the celebration, remembering the good childhood experiences. 6th of December 2025 was a day of fun and memories and much celebrating!!     See pic 1, 2,3.

When all the jubilation settled down, some children were able to visit extended families for Christmas.  However, many children could not go anywhere but had to remain at the Children’s Home.  This was also exciting as they could do fun things, like go fishing or enjoy some planned fun-activities. See pic 4, 5 and 6

Through the support of other Non-Profit Organisations, Thabang is able to provide individual books to each child with whom it is connected. These books then become the personal possession of that child. They learn to look after it, enjoy it and treasure the contents. See pic 1 and 2

A Toy library was also set up at the Children’s Home. Here, the children learn to care for the toys and also share the toys.  Sometimes there is contention and jealousy- but the children are guided as to how to deal with these emotions in a positive way for everybody’s benefit. See pic 3

A special fashion show helps the children to learn to appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of each of their bodies and how to be satisfied with their differences. This is so important as exposure to social media at large promotes conformity and self-discontent. See pic 4

Learning to appreciate and care for the environment with its special creatures is wonderful in bringing perspective to each child’s life. The children at Thabang Children’s Project, are fortunate to be living in a beautiful area full of amazing African animals. Visiting the local National Park- Marakele National Park- allows them to receive special education and first-hand experience with conservation. See pic 5

Once again, Thabang's Marimba band excelled. on the 19th August, the band played 2 items for the Eisteddfod judges.  The band received 100% for both musical pieces and were the winners of their division. Even with the new players replacing players who have exited the Children's Home, the spirit and quality of the Thabang marimba band carries on!  See pic 6