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About Us
Break-Through Centre is a registered non-profit organization (NPO) with a Public Benefit Organization (PBO) status. Our objective is to empower vulnerable beneficiaries, improve their living conditions, and better the plight of vulnerable children, adolescents, and young people (AYP) in our communities. We primarily focus on fighting the impact of HIV/AIDS and poverty through psycho-social support services, education, material support, empowerment programs, child protection, and mentoring. We operate in Ward 51, including Tshongweni, Nhlapo Sections, neighboring informal settlements, as well as Ward 61 & 62 in Zonkizizwe.
Our goal is to ensure that individuals entering our program, vulnerable due to HIV/AIDS and poverty, exit as stable, emotionally balanced, positive-minded, and responsible citizens of South Africa who contribute value to their country. We aim to enhance the capacity of vulnerable people to function optimally in their environment.
Through our experience with vulnerable families, we recognize the effectiveness of social and behavior change activities, sports, arts, and recreational programs as therapeutic interventions. To empower our beneficiaries, we strive to be resourceful, possessing the necessary skills, knowledge, equipment, and human resources to implement planned activities.
We understand that without proper interventions, the cycle of vulnerability and pain will persist, impacting not only the children but also the community, businesses, and the nation as a whole. Our programs aim to break this vicious circle
The beginning of our story
Where it all started
March 2000
A support group for women begins, providing prayer and counseling sessions to address their daily problems and sufferings, including HIV/AIDS, orphans, Child-Headed Households (CHH), neglect, substance abuse, marital problems, teenage pregnancy, and more. Sessions are held every Tuesday at a member's house.
Over time, the support group expands to include men, youth, and other members of the community seeking help. The Tuesday meetings become insufficient to address the needs of all attendees.
The support group members start donating useful items like clothes to help each other and those in need.
2003 - 2004
In 2003, recognizing the need to be more effective and make a greater difference, the support group decides to formalize as an organization.
July 2004 the organization begins the process of applying for registration as a Non-Profit Organization (NPO).
January 2005
The organization successfully registers as an NPO with the Department of Social Development in South Africa.
June - July 2005
A needs analysis is conducted in Ward 51 and surrounding informal settlements to understand the impact of HIV/AIDS and poverty. Door-to-door visits and structured questionnaires are used to gather information.
Findings reveal issues such as overcrowded informal settlements, lack of access to early childhood development (ECD) due to birth certificate and unemployment challenges, orphans cared for by stressed grandmothers, financial constraints, strained relationships, alcohol abuse, and more.
Based on the findings, the organization decides to focus on helping vulnerable children and minors, especially orphans and those deliberately neglected by their parents/guardians.
August 2005
An Early Childhood Development Centre is established, admitting children who are orphans, HIV-positive, or deliberately neglected. The center provides free admission, healthy meals, and snacks through donations from Woolworths and Albany. Children are also required to contribute a bag of vegetables.
2006
Two staff members receive training on OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) Care and Support from Heartbeat.
The organization secures funding from the European Union (EU) for its OVC program.
The EU requests the organization to extend its OVC Care & Support services to Zonkizizwe, one of the poorest areas with limited resources and poor infrastructure in the East Rand. The organization establishes an office in Zonkizizwe.
The organization participates in the "War on Poverty" campaign organized by the Health & Social Development department, gaining further exposure to challenges such as illiteracy, poverty, lack of identification documents, and information ignorance in Zonkizizwe.
The daily home-visits system reveals the appalling living conditions and challenges faced by vulnerable children and youth in the community.
Pain and poverty have become the norm for many OVC families, perpetuating a vicious cycle. Children adapt to their impoverished environment, leading to emotional suppression and potential behavioral and learning difficulties.
2006 - Present
The organization remains dedicated to its mission, making a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their families. It continues to receive support from various government grants, private donors, and community collaborations, enabling it to expand its reach and deepen its impact in the community.
Our Purpose
To maximise self-sustainability to achieve positive impacts.
Our Values
- Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions and decisions, ensuring that we serve our beneficiaries effectively.
- Transparency: We are open and honest about our operations, making sure stakeholders understand our actions and intentions.
- Professionalism: We uphold a high standard of practice, ensuring quality in all our programs and initiatives.
- Ethics: We always act with integrity, prioritizing the well-being and rights of those we serve.
- Child Protection: We are committed to safeguarding children from harm, ensuring they grow in safe environments.
- Community Value: We aim to uplift and add value to the South African community, focusing on the development of children and youth.
- Passionate Team: Our team is deeply committed and driven to make a positive impact in the lives of the vulnerable.
- Collaboration: We work alongside other organizations to amplify the support and care for children and their related initiatives.
- Divine Guidance: Our actions and decisions are guided by our spiritual beliefs, seeking direction and wisdom from the Holy Spirit.
- Adaptability: We regularly review and adjust our goals to best address the evolving needs of the children in our community.
Our Goals
Our goals are to:
- make a difference in an orphaned vulnerable child’s life by showing him / her the way, truth and life through an exposure to an experience and parental care that is filled with hope and successful future.
- expose an orphaned or vulnerable child / youth to an environment conducive to learning, growth and development.
Our driver motto: “Children are a cornerstone of a nation, they are the future. If we don’t take care of the children, we are wiping the nation.”
