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As we prepare for the 2026 school year, our team is already hard at work.
Die Lessenaar
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Die Lessenaar was established in 2025 by a group of women to help non-profit organisations and children in their community.
Currently, the organisation is a part-time project run by Celestine Smith, Charney Jackson and Cecilia Januarie.
Celestine, Charney and Cecelia's driving force is to support children who are suffering from bullying at school.
To achieve this, all funds generated at Die Lessenaar are used to host art, literature, and poetry classes as well as workshops focused on eliminating bullying and inspiring entrepreneurship.
Die Lessenaar is run by a close-knit team that includes Celestine Smith, Charney Jackson,
Cecilia Januarie and Doreen Nefdt, each adding her own spark to a space built on care and connection.
“I grew up as a barefoot child in Genadendal, with grandparents and parents who were always involved in the community. It felt natural for me to follow in their footsteps.
I know firsthand how difficult life can be when one has to pay so much for basic stationery or travel about 40km just to buy supplies.
In 2007, with others, I started the Genadendal, Greyton Voorville Disability Forum.
The GGV Forum is a non-profit organisation focusing on supporting adults with mental and physical disabilities.
Now, facing retirement without a pension fund, I’m determined to build something sustainable. This is why I have co-founded Die Lessenaar as a Hybrid Pty Ltd / NPC. Not only to give myself a steady income after retirement, but also to create a space that supports and uplifts others in the community.”
“I am a single mom with a young son. I absolutely love working with children, and my time as an assistant at our local primary school has proven over and over again that children are very close to my heart. My time at the school taught me that all children are unique and that they are not always accepted for who and what they are.
At Die Lessenaar, we aim to offer each child a safe space where they can embrace their uniqueness and be accepted within the community.”
“As a single mother of two daughters, I feel afraid of what the future holds, especially with human trafficking being a reality. An after-school program is exactly what parents may need, particularly with teenage pregnancies and drinking parties being the norm. The community needs this service, especially while moms, dads, and guardians are at work.
I would like to set an example for my daughters to think creatively if they are unable to find work, and to show them the good solutions that lie in establishing SMMEs in South Africa.”
Die Lessenaar provides quality stationery and art supplies to non-profit organisations, outreach initiatives, and the wider community.
Surplus stock is available to the public at cost-effective prices, making it easy for learners and walk-in customers to pick up pens, notebooks, or art materials.
School book covering services are also offered to help protect and extend the life of students’ books.
Die Lessenaar’s Art & Literature classes offer children a chance to explore creativity and learning in a supportive environment.
The programme includes art classes for children with learning disabilities, Afrikaans workshops, and poetry book illustration.
By combining literature and art, these classes provide children with a holistic opportunity to develop skills, build confidence, and overcome disadvantages.
Die Lessenaar’s Bright Bench Project provides support and a safe space for teens experiencing bullying.
Through this initiative, young people can connect, share experiences, and find encouragement in a welcoming environment.
Interactive workshops, involvement in projects, and skills guidance help build resilience and confidence, giving teens practical tools to navigate challenges. Beyond support, the project aims to inspire a generation to think creatively and take charge of their own opportunities rather than relying on hope alone.
By combining care, guidance, and empowerment, teens can grow, thrive, and discover their potential.
Die Lessenaar is deeply grateful for every contribution that helps build its vision.
Your donation makes a meaningful difference and supports the growth of this organisation and the work it does.
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