About us
Making a positive impactfor all our children
Founded in 2022, the Grove Schoombee Foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children in South Africa.
We operate as a Level 1 B-BBEEE enterprise, advocating for social change and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable babies and children in our community.
The foundation is dedicated to advocating for social change and bringing together people to work towards protecting children, who are the future of the country.
The foundation aims to care for and support children in need through three key initiatives:
- Safe house for babies in need
- Raising funds to support of children diagnosed with cancer
- Offering support to children who have been rescued from abusive environments
Your support is crucial. Through corporate sponsorship or donations of goods and services, you can directly impact the lives of these vulnerable children, providing them with the love, care, and nutrition they deserve. As a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), your contributions are tax-deductible.
The GSF Team
DIRECTORS
Gert and Suliztha van der Walt
Gert and Suliztha were born and raised in Pretoria. Gert and Suliztha married in 2008 and have 3 children. Life is a mixture of beauty and grief. During 2021 they witnessed Grove’s suffering and passing from cancer. Our understanding of God and what Christ did for us changed us forever.
We feel fortunate to be part of Daybreak House and we believe that it takes one person to make a difference in a broken world. We know God has a plan for each baby and for our community in Pretoria.
DIRECTORS
DeWet and Marli Swanepoel
We are De Wet and Marli Swanepoel, and we are the parents of three energetic youngsters. We have always been passionate about orphan care and adoption and our own journey with adoption has highlighted the dire need in our country for better refuges for abandoned babies as well as providing good quality care and love for these little ones.
De Wet is a professor in audiology at the University of Pretoria and Marli is a GP working part time while being a full time mom. We are excited to be part of this exciting venture!
DIRECTORS
Wilco and Alfreda Jonker
The Jonker family is a remarkable blend of talent, love, and inclusivity. At its helm, Dad Wilco is a distinguished wealth manager, adept at navigating the complexities of finance. His partner in life, Mom Alfreda, is a dedicated attorney, tirelessly advocating for justice.
The Jonker family is a shining example of how different strengths, backgrounds, and abilities can come together to create a harmonious and loving home.
STAFF
Thinus and Marlene Greyling
We are Thinus and Marlene Greyling, house parents of Daybreak House. We have been married for 30 years and have 3 boys, Jan-Tobie , Thiens and Dewald.
We believe that we have been called to be surrogate parents for these vulnerable babies until they are placed with a new loving family.
We also own and run a nursery school and feel that children fill our hearts with abundance of joy.
We know that with daybreak, when the sun’s first rays hit the earth, that God’s glory shines on all of us and that His grace is enough.
STAFF
Madel Roos
At Daybreak House for Babies, a dedicated and talented woman named Madel Roos devotes her time to nurturing and stimulating our infants, helping them reach their full potential. We believe that the first 1000 days of a child’s life are of paramount importance and have a profound impact on their development.
That’s why we strive to expose our babies to a wide range of activities during this critical period. We utilize sensory integration to ensure that as many senses as possible are engaged in these activities. Our particular focus lies on the vestibular system and proprioception.
Watching these babies explore and discover new things about their bodies each week is truly delightful. We play with a purpose, and it’s incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and development.”
STAFF
Daybreak House Staff
At Daybreak Baby House, our exceptional staff is the driving force behind our mission to provide a secure and loving environment for abandoned and vulnerable infants.
Our team comprises eight devoted full-time nannies: Mpho, Millicent, Dudu, Lydia, Amaniah, Esthie, Saru, and Edinah. These nurturing caregivers bring a wealth of experience and heartfelt dedication to their roles, ensuring each baby receives the utmost care and attention. Ouma, our diligent cleaning lady, maintains a pristine and hygienic environment for our little ones, while our intern, Jané, brings fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our team.
Together, this remarkable group of individuals creates a warm and loving family atmosphere, where the youngest members of our community can flourish and thrive.
Our Story
Grové Schoombee ( 1986 – 2021)
Grové taught us we are not defined by the bad things that happen to us. Grové was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2020. He learned through his illness that every day is a gift. We arrogantly assume tomorrow will be like today, but when you are sick you never know what the next day will bring. Grové took in every moment with thanksgiving and in awe of God.
He cared for others even in his own time of trouble. Grové always prayed for people around him and his approach to life, changed people who knew him. God was his anchor and Grové never blamed God for his illness. He grew spiritually as he made peace with his limitations. He knew he was greatly loved by God. Grové was an instrument in God’s hand, giving hope to us all even when the world seemed dark.
He taught us that with great sadness comes great joy. Joy that will make you full, joy that comes from serving God and living like Jesus.
“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”
PS 30:5b (NKJV)