Pinocchio Creche

I was introduced to the work and impact of Pinocchio Creche by a business associate and friend. I met with Helen, who’s running the creche and was blown away by the initiative, history and professionalism of this NGO that has a really authentic story to tell which spans over 40 years.

Maggie Oewies-Shongwe

Pinocchio Creche began in 1984, but the cause and passion started long before with the creation and commencement of the Domestic Workers’ Association of South Africa in 1974. Who is behind this passion and drive to bring a better life to our children? Mrs Maggie Oewies-Shongwe. As a mother herself, working as a domestic worker, she knew full well the stress and strife of leaving your kids behind in a township whilst you went off to work. Pinocchio Creche was opened as a project branch of the Domestic Workers Association, in order to bring a safe place for domestic workers' children, and also a place where they could learn, grow and be nurtured.

Helen Shongwe-Phillips

Helen, Maggie's daughter, who was one of the first to enrol, and essentially grew up inside Pinocchio Creche, now runs the creche. With keen foresight, she is on a mission to increase the headcount and also to reach out to corporates in the surrounding vicinity of the CBD, Green Point and Sea Point, to encourage them to either invest in the Association or cover the cost of schooling for their cleaner's children.

Should you be interested in either enrolling your children or contributing in any many, you can find all the info right here. http://pinocchiocreche.com/

We had fun taking photos of Helen and her staff - if you too, wish to be included on our list of NGO photo shoots, please let us know - or if you want your corporate photos upgraded, reach out today.