Skip to content

Our People

At COLT staff are working with vulnerable children who face multiple challenges in their communities. Teaching skills are necessary but a love for children is key. Our Educare staff, and team of dedicated volunteers need to be open to imbibing the teachings of Yoga, and be motivated to learn new skills.   

Managing Trustee, Principal of COLT Educare

Mala Maitri Makan

My journey began as a student of Integral Yoga at Ananda Kutir Ashrama in 2014. I benefited so much from the teachings and practices of Integral Yoga and felt strongly that these teachings should be extended to children. I believe all children innately have the potential within them to be successful. It is about creating the space to nurture this potential in a loving and caring way.

From 2014 to 2017, whilst working as an Occupational Therapist at a special needs school, a committee was formed to establish an NPO in order to start a school for children from vulnerable homes. The mission of the school is to provide free, holistic and quality education. The first 3 years as a group involved administration, fundraising and conducting a pilot project at Maitland Garden Village. I loved working with children and their families in the community but very soon discovered that this journey required much, much more.

In July 2017, I resigned as I felt that if we were to start a school, this would require full time commitment and effort. The school idea then became an Educare with the focus on children aged 3 to 6 years. With the support from my family, and in the spirit of serving my Guru, I took the leap, and never looked back.

Guidance from the Wise…

 Two words were shared to me by a wise person: ‘commitment’ and ‘dedication’, this is what will be required when working with the children and their families in the communities we have chosen.  I hold those words in my heart when I feel overwhelmed. Another sharing given to me on this journey by another wise person: ‘when doing any work, for example, when working with children, administrative or fundraising, this must be done in the same spirit as it is going to benefit the children’.   I make every effort to imbibe these words in every task I do.

At COLT Educare, the child is the curriculum. I use every opportunity to remain vigilant in order to discover the light within me and allow that light to extend to the light within the child.

Sunflower Class Teacher,
Level 4 Student at Centre for Creative Education, Waldorf Education Philosophy

Juliet Mabhawuwah

Being at COLT Educare, has been an ongoing learning experience for me.  I found myself growing in all aspects of life. My dream, this one thing that I’ve been longing for is finally happening.  I feel so much joy, and also disbelief…. I knew this is what I wanted to do, but I was a bit sceptical about it.  Fears of the unknown, wondering if I would manage financially… all these little voices inside me.   With the encouragement I received at work from Teacher Mala and Teacher Nushfeeka who kept saying “just go and register and everything will unfold itself’ and listening to my inner voice saying, “You can do it”, I am now studying towards my Early Childhood Development NQ Level 4.

Well,  the journey has been amazing so far.  I find myself being more excited to come share & implement what I’m learning with the children.  I feel like a light has been lit inside of me and I only wish to maintain that light and pass it on to the children.  

What stood out for me so far at College, is the Introduction to the Three Golden Rules:

  1. Receiving the Child in Reverence-having a deep respect for the child, understanding where they come from, and accepting them as they are.
  2. Educate the child in love (Love is the greatest thing that you can offer)
  3. Let the child go forth in freedom

With these 3 Golden Rules in mind, implemented every day, the journey of nurturing young children will be worthy, always!   I am so excited to walk on this journey seeing myself grow and acquiring knowledge that I will pass on to the children. Being at COLT Educare has shaped me and prepared me for this journey, as I’m already familiar with some of the things we are learning.

Sunflower class teacher assistant

Ntombikayise Nkompe

The first day at work, I was a bit nervous, I thought I was not going to get along with the staff and children.  I am happy to say I get along with them very well.

The children and staff are lovely and so creative.  I learnt so much in my first four weeks about what the children like to do and how they react to certain things.  I must say that I really enjoy myself at Children of Light Educare, and I am looking forward to working with the staff and children.

Daisy class teacher

Jenine Koopman

Jenine joined the COLT team last year and is currently teaching our Daisy Class. She brings creativity, patience, and a nurturing approach to her classroom, helping each child learn and grow in a supportive environment.

Adminstrator

Laetitia Paulsen

Laetitia has been part of COLT for three years. She began her journey with us as an intern, gaining valuable experience and insight into our operations. Following her internship, she joined the team as an Administrator, where she continues to contribute her skills and dedication to support the smooth running of our organization.

Driver

Stephan Kay

Stephan has been driving for COLT for 2 years. He is responsible for safely transporting children to and from their homes and also assists with the transportation of various items and supplies as needed. He skillfully manages both the care of the children and the safe handling of goods, demonstrating reliability and professionalism in all his duties.

Housekeeper and cook

Mercy Kalavina

Mercy recently joined the COLT team as our Housekeeper and Cook. She has quickly become an invaluable part of our daily operations, bringing dedication, care, and a positive attitude to everything she does. We’re excited to have her on board and look forward to seeing her continue to thrive in her role.

Fundraising and communications coordinator

Anika Singh

In my role as fundraiser and communications coordinator for COLT, I look forward to supporting the organisation’s growth by connecting with donors and partners and sharing the stories and impact of our work.

Trustees of the Children of Light Educare Trust

Volker Rainer Wolf (Swami Vidyananda), Spiritual Head

Mala Makan (Maitri), Managing Trustee

Marchelle Whitebread (Karuna), Treasurer

Administrative Support to Board of Trustees

Kamal Makan (Kavi), Secretariat and Legal Advisor

We like to keep busy.

Subscribe
to our Newsletter