Unifabs has proudly supported Action Change through a corporate partnership for nearly a year, providing the non-profit charity with regular donations. Recently, three of our team members—Jason Austin, Matt Grealy, and Jarek Gasiorek—travelled to South Africa to experience first-hand the difference this partnership is making.
They were joined by Action Change Charity Trustee Phil Day and Petr Simek from WELLEN Retail Experience CZ, who, like Matt and Jarek, experienced this remarkable initiative for the first time.
Revisiting Siyakhula Preschool
The team packed a lot into their short two-day trip, including a return visit to Siyakhula Preschool, supported by Action Change as part of the Bhongolethu Foundation. The Bhongolethu Foundation offers progressive programmes in early childhood development, primary education, and adult learning, with a mission to provide quality education for all.
Jason, who visited Siyakhula Preschool last year, was pleased to see the improvements made since his initial visit. Previously, the centre had suffered from vandalism and theft, losing essential items such as handrails, cabling, taps, and even screws. This year, it was heartening to see a safer and more secure space, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Action Change, donations, and the local community.
Action Change has also worked hard to create safer conditions in the township by building relationships with local gangs, enabling international visitors to access the area once again. This progress has been pivotal in fostering trust and supporting impactful community work. Jason shared “It was amazing to see Trina, the centre leader, again and to see that the kids are able to thrive in a safer, structured environment.”
Discovering The GLO House
A new highlight of the trip was visiting The GLO House, an innovative agricultural and educational project. The GLO House serves as an education advancement centre, providing after-school learning support for local and fostered children.
Located in a remote area, this initiative also aims to teach sustainable farming techniques while addressing challenges such as conflicts with local wildlife. Matt commented “It’s an inspiring place—remote, yet filled with potential. Their focus on sustainable farming and coexisting with nature is remarkable.”
Action Change has supported The GLO House by providing solar panels and constructing a dam connected to ocean water, which will be used in a conservation education programme. The long-term vision is to develop The GLO House into a fully-fledged educational centre, offering structured after-school programmes for children and training unemployed township residents in sustainable farming practices.
Empowering Communities at Bhongolethu School
The team also revisited the Empowerment Programme based at Bhongolethu School, which has now expanded to include men. Initially established to teach sewing skills to women, the programme has evolved into a community-driven initiative with plans to sell handmade products online through Etsy.
Led by Dorkus, a degree-educated Nigerian who relocated to South Africa, the programme demonstrates how small initiatives and passionate individuals can create meaningful opportunities. Jason reflected “Seeing the programme grow and include men has been so encouraging. This kind of initiative goes beyond skills—it’s about creating opportunities.”
Personal Reflections
Understandably, the trip left a lasting impression on the team. Jason observed: "It’s powerful to see the real difference our support makes—not just through photos but in person. Sharing that experience with the team has been incredibly rewarding." Matt added: "The beauty of South Africa against the extreme poverty is hard to describe. It’s deeply moving." Jarek reflected: "It’s eye-opening. These children are so happy, yet they have so little. It makes you truly appreciate the small things we take for granted."
Beyond the project visits, the team explored South Africa’s contrasts—breath-taking landscapes, including Table Mountain, vibrant culture, and stark disparities between luxury and poverty.
The Importance of Partnerships
The team highlighted the critical role partnerships like this play in creating sustainable change. While the needs are vast, every step forward contributes to brighter futures for these communities. Jason noted: "Partnerships like ours are vital. While we know it’s never enough, doing something—however small—is far better than doing nothing."
How You Can Help
One of the pressing issues raised during the trip is the urgent need for funding at Siyakhula Preschool. The preschool recently lost a corporate sponsor and requires £2,000 per month to remain operational. Without this funding, essential programmes such as feeding initiatives will be at risk as funds will need to be diverted from elsewhere to keep it open.
If your organisation is considering a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership or a one-off donation, we encourage you to contact Ty at Action Change to explore how you can contribute. Your support could create tangible, sustainable opportunities for these communities.
Join us in 2025
We are planning to return to South Africa in November 2025 and warmly invite anyone interested in visiting at the same time to consider coordinating their trip with ours. Experiencing first-hand how the charity operates, seeing the tangible impact of donations, and connecting with the communities being supported is an invaluable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of this vital work. Like Petr, we would be delighted to share this meaningful experience with you. If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Together, let’s continue making a meaningful impact.
For more information, visit Action Change.
