About

Hands and Feet started in 2015 with three volunteers: Tessa Gardener, Angi Doyle and Leanne Porter. At a time when forced child removals were common in communities in South Africa, these three women wanted to see how their professions of Occupational Therapy, Education and Social Work could come together to make a real difference for young children and their families. Hands and Feet partnered with Marco and Justine Spalke and their team from HOSA NPO (South Africa), and together they developed Hope Centre in the 7de Laan informal settlement, Strandfontein.

Hope Centre, first registered as Hope ECD, was a base from which a Family strengthening and Education pilot  could begin.

In 2016 Hands and Feet was officially established as a Voluntary Association NPO. The pioneering work continued until 2019 when Hands and Feet registered as a Non-Profit Company and Public Benefit Organisation.

In 2020 Hands and Feet took on full responsibility for Hope Centre from their long-standing partner, HOSA NPO (South Africa), which had served in the area since 2014. There was an assimilation of team members and a strengthening of efforts.

In 2021 they expanded their reach to serve multiple communities in Strandfontein, Mitchells Plain, established key partnerships with local organisations and launched innovative programmes such as a hydroponics food tunnel and home food garden training for sustainable food security. Child Protection organisation and Drop in Centre registration were obtained from Department of Social Development. Ten years on, they continue expanding their impact, serving hundreds of families and children while maintaining their commitment to holistic community development and family restoration.