We don’t do this alone.
The work of The Empathologist Foundation has never been about doing everything ourselves.
Some partners bring specialist knowledge. Some open doors to training and opportunity. Some provide a service when someone needs support beyond what we can offer.
Others challenge us to think differently, introduce us to new ideas or simply stand beside us when the road is difficult.
We value these relationships because meaningful change rarely happens in isolation. It happens when people and organisations bring what they know, what they can do and what they care about , and find a way to work together.
Here are some of our esteemed partners:
Abba Child Protection, Social & Specialist Adoption Services is a dedicated provider of adoption and child protection services in South Africa. With a focus on creating safe and loving homes, they stand committed to their role as advocates and supporters for children in need of a family.
Wandisa, Child Protection and Adoption Agency NPC. Wandisa is a specialised child protection organization designated to provide expert social work services to vulnerable children. Uniquely positioned, they intervene to ensure safe care for children in crises and support vulnerable families. Wandisa strives to find a ‘forever home’ for every child in need of a family because they have seen how adoption transforms lives. They believe children add enormous value to families and societies. ‘Wandisa’ in isiZulu and isiXhosa means ‘one who adds to the family.
NORSA Community Care is an NPO and a Designated Child Protection Organization registered by the Department of Social Development. Established in 2006 in cooperation with PROCARE and Children of the World Norway, the organization focuses on changing the destiny of families and children in need. NorSA develops, manages, and facilitates community-based projects, primarily in the townships of Wellington, De Doorns, and Sandhills, investing in the lives of children to ensure they have ample opportunities to develop to their full potential.
Yizani Kuthi is a non-profit organisation based in Dunoon, Cape Town, focused on community mental health support and youth development.
Founded and led by Xolisa Sigenu, a registered advanced psychiatric nurse with a Master’s degree in Psychiatry and clinical research experience, Yizani Kuthi provides free mental health services to people in Dunoon and surrounding communities.
Their work includes individual counselling, family therapy, support groups, youth and school programmes, mental health workshops, crisis intervention and referrals.
Yizani Kuthi is a particularly meaningful partner as Community Conversations develops in Dunoon. Their understanding of mental health, connection to the community and commitment to young people strengthen our ability to listen, learn and respond responsibly.
Colibrí Play, founded by Daniela Iñiguez, uses evidence-informed, play-based approaches to strengthen the capacity of parents, caregivers and early childhood educators to support healthy childhood development.
Its work translates neuroscience and the science of early childhood development into practical, accessible and culturally adaptable tools that can be used in everyday life.
The approach draws on the Building Brains Together framework and focuses on skills such as executive functioning and emotional regulation, which are fundamental to school readiness, resilience and lifelong wellbeing.
We value this connection because the early years matter deeply to the wellbeing of children, families and communities. Colibrí Play brings scientific knowledge and practical tools together in a way that fits closely with our belief that support should be meaningful, accessible and grounded in people’s everyday realities.
Mosaic works to address gender-based violence and domestic and intimate partner violence through response services, prevention education, mobilisation and systems strengthening.
Their work recognises that violence does not exist in isolation, but is connected to wider social, cultural and systemic inequalities.
Our relationship with Mosaic has always been one of connection and referral. We value them not only as an organisation to which we can connect people when specialised GBV support is needed, but also as a source of knowledge and guidance that helps us better understand the realities surrounding gender-based violence.
We have enormous admiration for their work and for the depth of understanding they bring to an issue that affects so many women and children.
The Otto Foundation is a philanthropic trust focused on creating positive social change in South Africa, with a particular focus on early literacy.
Its approach recognises the importance of encouraging children to read for enjoyment and the relationship between reading, literacy and educational opportunity. This is particularly important in a country where unequal access to educational resources continues to shape children’s futures.
The Otto Foundation’s focus aligns with our growing interest in children, learning and the role that early experiences can play in shaping opportunities later in life.
Our collaboration made Dream Readers possible. Together with Tania Kliphuis, the Otto Foundation helped us bring books, imagination and the joy of reading to the girls at The Voice of an Angel Girls’ Club House. Without their generosity, guidance and belief in this initiative, Dream Readers would not have become a reality. We are deeply grateful for their part in helping these young readers discover new stories, new possibilities and, perhaps, new dreams for themselves.
Women in AI Southern Africa is the regional chapter of the global Women in AI network, which promotes the participation and representation of women and gender minorities in artificial intelligence and technology. Its work focuses on advancing inclusion, developing talent and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups to contribute to the AI ecosystem.
Our connection with Women in AI Southern Africa has opened discussions about the potential application of artificial intelligence to community engagement and research. In particular, we are exploring how emerging technologies might support Community Conversations by creating new ways to engage with communities, capture their perspectives and make community knowledge more accessible.
This connection brings an important technological perspective to our work, while reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that innovation remains grounded in people’s experiences and the needs of the communities involved.
Red & Yellow Creative School of Business is a private higher education institution based in Cape Town, specialising in education at the intersection of creativity, technology and business. Its programmes combine academic learning with practical experience to prepare students for professional environments.
Since July 2026, students enrolled in Red & Yellow’s 12-month Digital Marketing programme have been completing their Work Integrated Learning with The Empathologist Foundation. Through this placement, students contribute their communication, research and creative skills to our work, including the development of Community Conversations.
This relationship also reflects our commitment to creating learning opportunities for young people while recognising the value of community-based organisations as spaces for professional development. It brings together formal education and practical experience, while allowing students to contribute to work with a meaningful social purpose.
Oasis Training Centre provides vocational and skills-based training in areas including Early Childhood Development, personal care and beauty.
Our relationship with Oasis became particularly meaningful through The Voice of an Angel.
We supported Ms. P to undertake Early Childhood Development training at Oasis as she developed her vision for working with young children. She successfully completed the programme and received the Best Practical Performance Award.
For us, this is what training should be about: not simply receiving a certificate, but gaining the confidence and skills to turn an idea into something real.
Khethani Women’s Wellness is a non-profit organisation supporting women and girls in the Helderberg region through services including sexual health education, unplanned pregnancy support, family and parenting programmes, and support around pregnancy and adoption.
Our relationship with Khethani has been an important part of the Foundation’s development.
Together, we developed initiatives including Thrift & Thrive and Women Rule, creating opportunities for women to build skills, confidence and connections with one another.
Although our active collaboration has now come to an end, Khethani remains part of our story and of the work that helped shape the Foundation into what it is today.
More than partnerships: StarBaby
StarBaby has been part of The Empathologist Foundation’s journey since our early days, offering support at times when resources were limited and the road ahead was uncertain.
Through its monthly baby competition, StarBaby has donated more than R6 million to date to charitable organisations, helping them continue their work and strengthen their impact on the communities they serve.
The Empathologist Foundation was honoured to be selected as StarBaby’s Charity of the Month once in 2024 and twice in 2025. This support made a real difference to our work, helping us continue to develop our initiatives and reach the people at the heart of what we do.
But StarBaby gave us something beyond financial assistance. It gave us visibility when we were still finding our feet, encouragement when the challenges felt overwhelming, and the reassurance that others believed in what we were trying to build.
For a young organisation, that kind of support can mean more than words can easily express. It reminds you that you are not alone, that your work matters and that there are people willing to stand beside you as you find your way forward.
StarBaby has been part of our story, and we will always be grateful for the support, generosity and hope they have brought to our journey.