“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
The El Theos Centre is a critical node in Cape Town’s social safety net, specifically addressing the multifaceted needs of street children and vulnerable migrant families in the Parow district. We operate as a “Home for Everyone,” providing a vital sanctuary of stability and professional care for those displaced by poverty, abuse, or neglect
Our mission is to transform young lives holistically, bridging the gap between the immediate needs of our community and the rigorous standards of global humanitarian aid.
The El Theos Centre was founded by Tresor Nkonko and Bijou Nkonko Bakole with a vision to serve vulnerable and street-affected children in Parow, Cape Town. Rooted in compassion, faith, and a commitment to community upliftment, our organisation has grown to provide holistic care that addresses the physical, emotional, educational, and social needs of children and their families. Our mission is to create a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. We provide access to education, nutrition, life-skills training, social support, and protective services,
We employ a dual-operational model designed to support children from infancy to late adolescence (3 months to 18 years old)
The El Theos Centre is led by a passionate and dedicated team committed to serving vulnerable children and strengthening families in our community. Our staff and volunteers work together to provide care, guidance, education, and social support to the children who attend the Centre. With a shared vision of transformation and social upliftment, our team strives every day to create a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment where children can grow, learn, and build a brighter future.
As the foundational leader of the El Theos Centre, Bijou Nkonko Bakole, brings a legacy of resilience and community advocacy to her role. Drawing from her background as a journalist, she spearheaded the center’s grassroots implementation and program design to support families facing urban displacement. Today, Bijou oversees community liaison and administrative operations, ensuring that the Centre’s resources directly alleviate the "triple burden" of childcare, education, and economic pressure for vulnerable mothers.
As a member of the Board of Directors , Joy Sands plays a pivotal role in the Centre’s "ecosystem approach," integrating El Theos into the broader social development framework of the Western Cape. She specializes in strategic stakeholder engagement, bridging the gap between grassroots needs and the collaborative networks of local government and international philanthropic entities. Joy’s dedication to advocacy amplifies the Centre’s mission, fostering vital connections with partners like the VRCID and the Western Cape Street Children's Forum to ensure a coordinated and sustainable impact for the youth.
As a dedicated social worker, Dominique manages the Centre’s clinical case management and the integration of formal social work services. She operates within a collaborative framework to address the "triple burden" of urban displacement, providing the counseling and emotional stability necessary for children to transition from street-based living to successful school reintegration.
Providing a vital santuary of stability and professional care;
That addresses the needs of street base youth. Stay connected with our mission.
Visit our Blog and sign up for our monthly newsletter.
