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ABOUT

How we began…

Champions for Change (C4C) was founded in 2014 by two sisters, each bringing years of experience in healthcare, education, childcare, geriatric care, and special needs education, shaped by work across Southern Africa and the UK. 

With our first board of supportive friends, our mission was clear from the start: to stand beside survivors of rape, domestic violence, and GBV trauma, offering both practical support and human connection. Over time, through our work in the local Police station’s Victim Empowerment Centre (VEC) and engagements with fellow NPOs, we realized that isolated efforts could only do so much. Healing  and driving change requires collaboration, trust, and shared responsibility. 

This understanding led us to join the West Rand Multicharity Network, strengthening local partnerships that could create deeper, lasting change on West Rand. 

Champions for change Non-Profit Organization is dedicated to fostering a safer, more supportive environment for vulnerable individuals in our community; and changing the mindset towards the care and support of children at home, at school and in the community.

To do this, we know we need to change how people see children and youth, how people engage with them, and what people can do to make a difference in their communities towards building safer space for our children and youth. When our youth and children grow up with their dignity respected, and their voice heard, they will reciprocate and respect their elders in their communities.

It all starts with us – we are the adults in the room.

Founded by a passionate team of professionals who want to revise the principle of UBUNTU and the meaning of “ it takes a village to raise a child”  within our national culture, our mission thrives on collaboration with local authorities, police stations and fellow non-profit organizations, reinforcing our dedication to creating meaningful community change. 

We sincerely thank the Parish Council of St. Laurence Anglican Church in Discovery for their generosity in providing us with rental of an office space and full access to all church rooms for training, workshops, and events.

Our Team

Gwendoline Pretorius
Managing Director

With nearly 50 years in healthcare, Gwen has worked across Zimbabwe, the UK, and South Africa as a nurse, midwife, clinical instructor, and matron. She has a background in legal medicine, audiometry, and spirometry and has trained nursing students across Africa. Her passion for community welfare led her to volunteer with the Roodepoort SAPS Victim Support Unit, where she started C4C Women’s Centre, offering counseling, art therapy, and legal support for abuse survivors. This initiative inspired Champions for Change, where she continues to drive social impact and empowerment.

Meryl “Myrna” Thomas
CO-Director

Myrna is an educator, mentor, and child protection specialist with 40+ years of experience across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and the UK. She has worked as a teacher, principal, school counselor, and life coach, leading education management and leadership training. She has trained childcare professionals across Southern Africa and managed leadership programmes for SOS Children’s Villages KDI. At Champions for Change, she leads initiatives in child safety training, ensuring schools provide a secure and supportive environment for children.

Miriam Mhazo
CO-Director

Miriam is a public health specialist with over 20 years of experience in HIV prevention and healthcare programme management. She played a key role in expanding HIV testing programmes in South Africa, pioneering mobile and home-based testing services. With a background in special needs education and leadership training, she holds an MA in Education from Birmingham University (UK) and certifications from Yale University and the Zimbabwe Institute of Systemic Therapy. At Champions for Change, she brings her expertise in health advocacy and community development. Her strong education background and Special Needs education expertise helps to strengthen our focus on children’s issues.  

Our Mission

Since our team review session of 2022, the management team made a decision to change how we achieve our vision which is of more empowered communities that champion every child’s needs and where each child is protected and nurtured. The scourge of child abuse, child trafficking and child neglect has grown, and to this end we want to empower those who care for children ( at home, in schools, in alternate care centres) to know the laws, and to know how to implement them, as well as how to make their places safe spaces for their children; and to have in place protocols to make this happen.

So our mission from 2024’s review tightened what we set out to do in 2022, and that is to building stronger communities on the West Rand and beyond through training children’s relevant structures in the community on Child Protection and Safeguarding. This will also include the continuation of our efforts in supporting survivors of abuse through our network contacts. 

Our Vision

Champions for Change Non-Profit Organization envisions a community where individuals actively work to protect, support, and empower children. We begin in schools, uniting teachers, office staff, and support teams to create safe learning environments through shared safeguarding protocols and a common understanding of the law.

Beyond education, we address the impact of domestic violence, abuse, and trauma, equipping survivors with the tools to rebuild their lives. By collaborating with local authorities and organizations, we aim to establish a network of comprehensive support that fosters resilience and dignity. Our ultimate mission is to help break the cycle of abuse, ensuring every voice is heard and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Our Values

Courage

Our beliefs and concerns lead us to action for women & children

Integrity

Our every word and action is guided by ethical principles and practices of good governance.

Reliability

We are reliable and responsible partners.

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