Hout Bay's Angel Starfish Educare Centre: 21 years of empowering dreams

An educare centre in Hout Bay, with roots reaching back to England, is marking its 21st anniversary this year, continuing its mission to empower pupils one dream at a time.

The Angel Starfish Educare Centre was founded by two United Kingdom (UK) school inspectors, Elaine Maloney and her husband Christopher, following a transformative visit to Cape Town in 2005.

While attending the International Confederation of Principals (ICP) Convention, Ms Maloney met Vuyiswa Dlakava, who was caring for 20 children in a dire situation within a shack in the Imizamo Yethu informal settlement.

Mr Maloney vividly recalled the shocking conditions: “She (his wife) was shocked by the very poor conditions under which the children were being cared for in a tiny wooden shack, with no access to running water, no toilet, no food or drink, no toys, and no educational materials for the carers and the children.”

Moved to action, Ms Maloney returned home determined to “do something about this and the dream began.” She appealed to her local community in the UK, leading to donations of clothing, toys, toiletries, and stationery for children in need in South Africa.

They soon established and registered a UK charity, which she named The Angel Starfish Project.

The centre’s poignant name is inspired by the well-known “Starfish Story,” a tale the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu had shared with the tour group. 

The story teaches that while you cannot save everyone, your individual actions make a huge difference to the one you help - a philosophy that became the cornerstone of the centre’s work.

With the necessary funds raised, the centre initially operated from a double garage before moving across the road to its current premises, next door to the Sijonga Phambili community learning centre (CLC).

Angel Starfish Educare Centre continues its work, embodying the message that every child deserves a chance to dream.

The school has a long waiting list and charges a minimal fee. 

Mr Maloney said that they were hard at work to become self-sustainable; to empower women in the community; and to create a virtual global network of donors and recipients of resources and information. 

Manager Jamie Lee Jacobs said they have 130 pupils, from age two to six, including Grade R, which receives funding from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).

She said the centre prides itself on sharing information and resources, and similarly receives donations and assistance from organisations in the area and beyond. 

“We support other educares. We share knowledge and try to maintain a high standard,” she said. 

Ms Dlakava, who now teaches at the school, is proud to be working at an award-winning non-profit organisation.

Last year the centre won an award for being the most dedicated education 2025, from the Acquisition International's Non-profit Organisation Awards.

They were recognised for their impactful, purpose-driven work.

To donate and for more information about the centre, visit their website. 

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