A brief history of Little Lambs Christian Daycare
From Struggle to Hope: The Story of Imizamo Yethu and Little Lambs Christian Daycare
When most people think of Cape Town, they picture Table Mountain, world-class beaches, and the Winelands. Yet just beyond the postcard views lies a very different story — one of resilience, hardship, and hope.
This is the story of Imizamo Yethu, and how a small Christian daycare called Little Lambs grew into a place of safety and opportunity for children who need it most.
The Birth of Imizamo Yethu
Imizamo Yethu, meaning “Through Our Collective Struggle” in Xhosa, was established in the early 1990s, just as apartheid ended. People from across South Africa moved to Cape Town in search of work and a better future.
Land was set aside on the hillside above Hout Bay, and families began to build homes there. At first, only a few hundred households were expected — but within a short time, thousands arrived. Shacks multiplied far quicker than infrastructure.
Today, over 30,000 people live in this dense settlement. The community is full of energy and cultural richness, but faces daily challenges: unemployment, poverty, overcrowding, and a lack of proper housing, sanitation, and education.
The Need for Early Childhood Development
Amid these challenges, young children are the most vulnerable. Parents working long hours often have no choice but to leave children unsupervised, and many little ones miss out on early education entirely.
This need sparked action. In the late 1990s, a group of Christians began reaching out to local families, offering safe care and teaching for children. What started small would soon grow into a registered daycare centre serving hundreds of families in Imizamo Yethu.
The Beginning of Little Lambs Christian Daycare
Founded in 1999, Little Lambs Christian Daycare opened with a clear vision: to create a space of safety, love, and learning for children in the settlement.
The early days were modest — a few classrooms, a few teachers — but the mission was strong. Little Lambs was never just about keeping children occupied during the day. It was about building foundations for life: education, care, and hope rooted in faith.
Growing into a Place of Hope
Over time, Little Lambs expanded to care for more than 260 children between the ages of 3 months and 6 years. It became one of the few structured early childhood centres in Hout Bay’s informal settlement.
What makes Little Lambs unique is its holistic approach:
Education through play – stories, songs, and activities that prepare children for primary school.
Nutritious meals – for many children, the only balanced meal they receive each day.
Christian values – daily reminders that every child is loved, valued, and created with purpose.
Safe care – a secure environment that gives parents peace of mind while they work.
Why This Story Matters to Cape Town and Beyond
For visitors to Cape Town, Imizamo Yethu is more than a name on a map. It’s a community whose story reflects South Africa’s history — and its future. Many tourists explore townships to understand local life, but beyond visiting, there’s a chance to contribute.
Supporting Little Lambs Christian Daycare is one of the most direct ways to make an impact. By donating, volunteering, or even bringing supplies, visitors invest in the future of children who might otherwise be left behind.