Promoting ethical service delivery and quality education where children and animals matter

Advancing empathy and animal welfare through humane education, collaboration and community outreach

Training ECD practitioners and community-based facilitators as child development and parent support mentors

Advancing the best first 1000 days and early childhood development through nurturing care practices

Welcome to Ezrah

Grow Today. Lead Tomorrow.

Our Solution

Did you know that serious child developmental delays, child abuse cases as well as animal abuse and neglect often share the same root causes?  Unfortunately, South African communities experience high levels of violence and trauma, where children and animals suffer the most. According to the recent Child Gauge, 42% of children in South Africa have experienced some form of maltreatment (sexual, physical, emotional abuse or neglect) by an adult who was supposed to take care of them. In the past year, Cape Good Hope SPCA alone responded to almost 11 000  animal cruelty cases. In addition, 58% of children in early learning programs in South Africa fail to thrive by five.

In order to address these challenges holistically, Ezrah, an innovative South African non-profit organisation, is integrating child development workshops with child protection training and humane education. Through collaboration and creative play-based learning,  we are able to change the trajectory for  at-risk children, their parents and animals.

We do this by training ECD practitioners, social service professionals and community facilitators as hands-on child development and parent support mentors as well as animal ambassadors.

“Ethical values by definition are positive and they often require that we stretch outside of our own interests to respect, protect, serve and help others.”

~ Linda Fisher Thornton

Our Projects

First 1000 days

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BuildSmart play challenge

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Child protection

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I can choose substance abuse prevention

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Humane education

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LEAD TRAINING

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How do we create impact?

We implement our key projects in four focus areas

INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE

We value and care for people with a strong focus on children’s best interests.

STRATEGIC CLARITY

We implement purpose with clarity and endurance.

COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS

We achieve social cohesion with a solution-focused attitude.

ETHICAL COMMITMENT

We promote value-based education and disciplined, ethical service delivery.

Latest News and Resources

LEARN WITH US

  • To Learn More about our in-person training and upcoming workshop dates, email us at: info@ezrah.co.za

  • To stay updated on training opportunities – SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter and follow us on social media

Visit our Learn Online Page

Blogs & reports

Learn more about our work

Visit Blogs and Reports Page

resources

To download valuable child development, faith-based and humane education resources

Visit our Resources Page

Affiliations

What do people say about our training…

First 1000 Days

“I’ve learnt a lot that I did not know. Moms’ health is important and loving care towards a baby in the first 1000 days plays a huge role in a person’s life as adult. I am going to implement it in my own life and make people aware of how important the first 1000 days are.”

Irma Hanekom
(ECD practitioner, Haasbekkies Kleuterskool)

First 1000 Days

“Every mom should attend this type of training. It was very interesting. The first 1000 days of a baby are very important. Babies need to be treated with love and moms should get the necessary support when they are pregnant.”

Lu-zaan Boer Owies
(ECD practitioner, Haasbekkies Kleuterskool)

First 1000 Days

“Received a lot of information. Throughout the whole pregnancy, stimulation must take place in all aspects. Good interaction between parents and child is important. I will use this in my facilitation with ECD students.”

Anna Cloete
(West Coast College Vredenburg)

First 1000 Days

“I’ve learnt the importance of love for the child, the effect of violence on a child and a child’s well-being. I enjoyed the group discussions and the interaction with the rest of the team.”

Thobeka Zondi
(ECD practitioner, Ubuntu Riverview Rising)

First 1000 Days

“I will never look at babies through the same lens again. I will pay attention to their needs. I learnt that babies are aware of their surroundings even before birth. Babies need all the love and support from as many people as possible. Thank you for educating educators and helping them to educate the community.”

Maryke September
(ECD practitioner, Ubuntu Child Development Centre)

BuildSmart Play Challenge

“I have learnt that children are important and that we must treat each child with respect and discipline. I can apply many of the aspects that I have learnt today in my daily programme”

Veronique Stellenberg
(ECD practitioner, Swartrivier)

BuildSmart Play Challenge

“This was exciting and I have learnt a lot. Always give love and a calm atmosphere takes anger away. There is always a reason for a child’s behaviour.”

Ronell Bosman
(ECD practitioner, Graymead Créche)

BuildSmart Play Challenge

“The workshop was very exciting and well facilitated. I have learnt to build connection with kids and to seek for the gold in every person. Thank you so much for today, I enjoyed it thoroughly.”

Beauzelle Plak
(ECD practitioner, Nuwedrift)

BuildSmart Play Challenge

“Information was very interesting and educational. I have learnt classroom management: how to maintain positive discipline and to be a good role model. I have learnt good skills today to implement with my children.”

Ursula Joubert
(ECD practitioner, Niel Joubert)

BuildSmart Play Challenge

“Good training, always well organized. I learnt again the importance of giving cues when transitioning from one activity to another. I will share the information with the ECD practitioners at the centers.”

Feruschka Damon
(Pebbles Project mentor)

Child Protection

“This training was insightful, practical and deeply relevant. It provided a clear understanding of our role in safeguarding children and the importance of a proactive approach. It was an excellent refresher on how to recognise signs of child abuse and the correct procedures for reporting it responsibly and legally. This course deepened my understanding of child safeguarding, which enhances my leadership role in promoting safe environments for young children through our projects. Well done to the Ezrah Community Group for developing a practical and empowering online course—your commitment to child safety is commendable.”

Irma Duvenage
(Project Manager at Inceba Trust on our Online Child Protection Course)

Child Protection

“I rate this course highly, it’s clear, informative and well structured. It clarified my responsibilities in a clear manner, ensuring I understand and are up to date on the correct procedures. This is crucial for compliance with legal and ethical standards. I’ll apply the knowledge firstly by printing and displaying the Informatics available in all educational, and public places to keep others informed, helping to promote a safer environment for children. I will apply the knowledge when working in our community and definitely encourage others to do this course. Thank you for your efforts in putting this course together and making it available to all.”

Jill Watson (Born to be free)

Child Protection

“It is everyone’s responsibility to care for children and report abuse – we need to develop a culture of protecting children. I also learned about the various forms, how to fill them in and where to send them. It is helpful to know what specific laws apply, how to refer to them and how to relate to the various legal entities. It was a very helpful step in expanding my knowledge. I appreciate that as a Child Protection Officer, I need to continually grow in this area and add to my knowledge. Thank you very much for making this course available. It is sincerely appreciated and I hope it will contribute to increased child protection in South Africa.”

Kathryn de Smidt
(St. John’s Church, Wynberg)

Child Protection

“Excellent! The course sets out South African laws applicable and assists with how to practically apply/ adhere to the law. The training equipped me with knowledge on how to strengthen our safeguarding policies in a way that upholds both the law and the values of compassion, accountability, and integrity that guide our work as a faith based organisation. It has enhanced my ability to guide religious leaders in understanding their duty to report abuse, respond appropriately, and promote a culture of zero tolerance.”

Simoné Traut
(Bible Society of South Africa)

Child Protection

“This is an excellent introductory course for anyone looking to build their knowledge and capacity in the field of Child Protection. It’s a valuable training resource that I highly recommend for all NPOs working with children in any capacity. Our organisation is currently in the process of developing a Child Protection Policy, and this information is incredibly valuable in guiding us. It will help ensure that our policy thoroughly addresses every critical step—from identifying and reporting abuse to integrating these measures into our project implementation guidelines—so we can protect the children we serve with the highest level of care and dignity. Thank you for providing this essential training! There’s truly no excuse for anyone working with children not to be equipped in this are —Ezrah has made it so accessible to upskill.”

Courtney Jacobs
(Bible Society of South Africa)

I Can Choose

“I’ve learnt a lot today that I am taking with me. Facilitators did an excellent job of conveying the game and purpose of it – knowledge about substance abuse, positive talk and mindset and to be able to teach these things to the children; while being a source of encouragement to them. I will be using these skills and knowledge in the programme we have for afterschool care. Thank you for a very enriching and informative workshop. Very professionally done.”

Janine Baadjies
(Goedgedacht Trust)

I Can Choose

“I am excited to implement this with children at my workplace. Our community’s children will benefit a lot from this. Our children go through a lot and for us as the educators and aftercare management it is important to know how to solve their challenges. Thank you for the warm welcome and beautiful training venue.”

Ashton Mark Arendse
(Goedgedacht Trust)

I Can Choose

“Very interactive. I work with kids that come from communities where many feel that they don’t have any choices. I want to help them to see how they can change that. I understand better now how we with exploratory services and open minds can help our clients. Very good training, which will also help my colleagues.”

Stephanie Martin
(ACVV Strand)

I Can Choose

“Prevention is better than cure! I’ve learnt that a person determines the direction of their life through their choices and that it is never too late to change your decisions. I am planning a week-long program to work through the sessions with the children on our farms.”

Lorraine Strauss
(Mouton Foundation)

I Can Choose

“I’ve learnt to emphasize the importance of choices and positive role-models. Every child has the right to respect, honesty and positive connections. I will use this in our aftercare.”

Alvania Ayford
(Saratoga Afterschool)

LEAD

“Thank you very much for the training. I learnt how to better approach my clients, who are children and reflecting on how I can do better to achieve goals. It improved my knowledge on how I can apply models and theories in my work. I again realise the importance of self- care and using play as a tool to form a bond with children.”

Afton Cornelissen (Badisa Villiersdorp, 19 February 2026)

LEAD

“Excellent. So inspiring and touches on topics we don’t always think about. A lot of food for thought. Rethinking how situations can be managed differently. Thank you for filling my cup!”

Riëtte Annandale (Principal of Akkerdoppies Pre-Primary, 19 February 2026)

LEAD

“Good content and well presented. The difference between mentoring and counselling was
valuable and spot-on.”

Maré Smit (Akkerfikelela, 19 February 2026)

LEAD

“Excellent. This has broadened my view on interacting with others. The cards are mind- blowing! Every organisation has leaders. This training trains leaders to build a generation of leaders. I loved everything about it!”

Esté Schoeman (Strong Schools Community Collaborative, 19 February 2026)

LEAD

“Mentoring is very important in our lives. As people we depend on one another and we all need someone to guide us so that we can succeed in life. Children are leaders of tomorrow and they need to be mentored now, so that they can be better leaders. I have learnt a lot today about developing as a person and how I can act at work towards my colleagues.”

Siyathemba Stemela (TEARS Animal Rescue, 19 February 2026)

Humane Education

“The workshop was very informative. I have learnt more about empathy and how it affects children and animals. Where abuse of children occurs, there is a chance that animals abuse also occurs. We will work together with other organisations to teach people about humane education.”

Menziwa Sonwabile
(Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter)

Humane Education

“I enjoyed the practical part of the workshop a lot. I learned about the connections between children and animals in terms of abuse, neglect and violence – also the shared challenges that children and animals face daily. This workshop taught me the importance of humane education and that we should always be empathetic and kind.”

Christelle Roems
(Goedgedacht Trust)

Humane Education

“Very well presented and lots to think about. Great ideas. Love the games too! I realized how important teaching empathy is and also linking animal and child welfare – something we need to include in our education session. This is a great start to making a positive change.”

Clair Tuttelberg
(Hermanus Animal Welfare Society)

Humane Education

“Engaging and interactive. I learned that empathy should be the cornerstone of your humane education plan as well as making sure that the organization has the resources to link community members to help. It introduced me to a new approach to humane education.”

Heidi May
(TEARS Animal Rescue)

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