Premier Sales & Merchandising Provider In The Western Cape

At Coast & Country, we proudly support Baphumelele, an extraordinary initiative based in Khayelitsha that is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children and young adults.

Baphumelele’s vision is to provide a temporary shelter for vulnerable and orphaned children, as well as young adults with chronic diseases and HIV/AIDS. Their efforts extend to skills development for the unemployed, early childhood care, poverty alleviation, and healthcare education within the community. Through these initiatives, Baphumelele aims to help individuals become productive and accepted members of society, making a positive impact.

In 1989, Rosalia Mashale, affectionately known as “Mama Rosie,” moved from the Eastern Cape to Khayelitsha in the Western Cape Province. Shocked by the sight of young children scavenging through rubbish for food, she began taking them into her home. With the help of local women, she started caring for these unsupervised children. Within a week, 36 children were under their care, and the project was named Baphumelele, a Xhosa word meaning “you have progressed.”

From these humble beginnings, the Baphumelele Educare Centre was established. Today, it is a thriving community crèche and preschool, caring for approximately 250 children aged three months to six years. Recognizing the need to support orphaned and vulnerable children, Rosie also founded the Baphumelele Children’s Home. This home serves as a sanctuary for abandoned, abused, neglected, and orphaned children, many of whom are affected by HIV/AIDS.

Baphumelele has grown into a comprehensive community project thanks to the dedication and hard work of the local community and international supporters. Beyond the Children’s Home and Educare Centre, Baphumelele includes the Adult Respite Care Centre, Child Respite Centre, Hospice in the Home, Child Headed Households, Fountain of Hope, and Rosie’s Bakery/Sewing Project.

A Message of Gratitude

“Dear Jay and Fidelia,

On behalf of Baphumelele, I would like to thank you for the extremely generous gift your company gave our staff. They are all so grateful, and at this time of the month, particularly January, it is a real bonus.

Thank you so very much.

Regards, Bridget”

Mission Statement

Baphumelele’s mission is to provide comprehensive support and care to vulnerable and orphaned individuals in Khayelitsha, ensuring their development into productive and accepted members of society.

At Coast & Country, we are dedicated supporters of the Bridges Retreat Centre in Franschhoek. We take immense pride in contributing to their mission of transforming young lives through the Bridges Outdoor Education Camp Programme.

Bridges offers an enriching outdoor education experience specifically designed for children from under-resourced communities. This program focuses on providing these children with valuable life skills and fostering a set of values that will positively influence their future.

Through sponsorships, Bridges provides fully funded camps for Grade 5, 6, and 7 students from a growing network of primary schools in underserved areas. These camps are more than just a getaway; they are a three-day, two-night adventure filled with activities and learning opportunities. The program is structured so that students return annually for three years, which allows for a deepening relationship with both the schools and the students. This continuity helps to nurture ongoing development and progress each year.

Coast & Country is honoured to be a part of this remarkable initiative, which has a profound impact on both the students and their communities.

“For many of our learners, coming to Bridges is like a trip overseas – many of them have never left their own community.” – Principal from one of our Partner Schools.

Mission Statement

Bridges is committed to “empowering underserved youth in South African schools through experiential learning camps aligned with the national curriculum, fostering their social and emotional well-being.”