In the heart of Devon Valley, the small but mighty Devon Valley Caring and Learning Centre is changing lives – one child at a time.

The Devon Valley Caring and Learning Centre has been on a mission to keep local little ones safe and get them school-ready, thanks to the generous support of long-time sponsors Schmidhauser, Rosey & Vittori and McGeer Kitchens Cape Town, that mission just got a significant boost.

From a Garage to a Growing Dream

What began six years ago in the garage of founder Chriselene Davids with just seven children has blossomed into an early childhood development centre, now accommodating more than 30 children.

Davids, who was born and raised on a farm in Devon Valley, has dedicated her life to uplifting the very community she grew up in – one deeply familiar with social challenges and hardship. Many families in Devon Valley are made up of seasonal workers living below the breadline.

The centre currently welcomes 32 children under age five each morning for early childhood education, and an additional eight children in the afternoon for aftercare – a lifeline for working parents in the community.

Last year, six of their graduates received awards for being in the top five at the two local schools.

Upgraded Facilities, Brighter Futures

The centre has grown from Davids’ garage to two container classrooms, with plans to add a third. It is these classrooms which regularly receive much-needed upgrades, courtesy of construction, electrical and plumbing specialists Schmidhauser.

The company, which has been run successfully across three generations on the values of family, care, community and unconditional support, stepped in to upgrade all plumbing and electrical systems at the school, as well as install new infrastructure to support future expansion.

Counselling psychologist and teacher Heather Kirkwood, who has been instrumental in the development of the centre, says Schmidhauser’s support has been unmatched. “We don’t receive any support from the government and the parents only pay a nominal fee,” she explains, underscoring how critical this kind of sponsorship is to the centre’s survival and growth.

While Schmidhauser’s work added to the centre’s building and infrastructure, the sponsorship from Rosey & Vittori, a Cape Town-based premium fashion house and manufacturer, means the learners’ parents and other Devon Valley locals are learning new skills. The offcuts from Rosey & Vittori are used to teach locals how to sew and gain new skills, and some upskilled sewers have even gone on to start selling their handiwork.

Kirkwood explains: “With the gorgeous offcuts of fabric we receive, we can provide skills to many of the local seasonal workers. They have created beautiful items for home use (curtains, bedding, tableware), pencil cases, school bags and clothes. They also produce washable sanitary pads to assist in keeping the girls in school. Not only does it mean empowerment for the community, but it also means these fabrics don’t end up in landfills.”

McGeer Kitchens have been exceptional in their continued support with designing and manufacturing premium bespoke cabinetry to upgrade and build new classrooms. Distinctive Spaces have created beautiful spaces through premium artificial greenery, green walls, planters, hedges and décor solutions for commercial and residential use.

Community Still in Need

While the Schmidhauser upgrade marks an important milestone for the centre, and the continued support from Rosey & Vittori, McGeer Kitchens Cape Town and Distinctive Spaces helps both the learners and the broader community, the centre is still in need of support.

The Devon Valley Caring and Learning Centre is a shining example of what passion, community spirit, and the right partnerships can achieve. If you or your business would like to contribute – whether through donations, supplies or volunteering – your support could a difference to the children and families.

• Contact Chriselene Davids on 084 879 1493 or Heather Kirkwood on 082 448 6469.