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Celebrating 24 Years of Making a Difference
Oliver’s Village is celebrating 24 years of uplifting lives and building stronger communities. From a small soup kitchen in Benoni to a thriving centre supporting over 600 people daily, this is the inspiring story of how purpose and compassion can spark real change. Read more about the journey, milestones, and impact of Oliver’s Village over the past two decades.
The Story of Oliver’s Village This April, we proudly celebrating 24 incredible years of uplifting communities, growing together, and creating lasting change. What started as a small soup kitchen in the heart of Benoni has grown into a vibrant hub of hope and support for more than 600 people every single day. It is a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when people come together with purpose, passion and heart. Where It All Began Back in April 2001, Oliver’s Village, then known as Oliver’s House, was born out of a simple dream, to help those who needed it most. Just a few months later, in August, we expanded by taking over the Nomthandazo Children’s Care Centre in the Zenzele informal settlement in Daveyton, reaching even more people in need. Laying the Groundwork In 2004, we reached an exciting turning point. We bought the old Benoni Home Affairs building at 73 Woburn Avenue, where we set up our offices, as well as an Education Centre and a Computer Training Centre. This laid the foundation for long-term, impactful programmes that focus on learning, skills, and empowerment for both youth and adults. Growing with Purpose Then in 2006, we took another big step forward by purchasing 11 acres of land in Putfontein, right next to the Zenzele community. That is when Oliver’s Village truly came to life, our dream of creating a socially self-sustaining community centre started becoming a reality. Today, Oliver’s Village proudly runs four key programmes: • Early Childhood Development Centre • Computer Training Centre • Feeding Programme • Agricultural Training College These initiatives work hand-in-hand to support our community — from early childhood education and digital literacy to food security and agricultural skills. Making an Impact Every Day We’re honoured to support over 600 individuals daily, all from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Our services remain completely free, thanks to the generosity of our incredible donors, volunteers, and dedicated team members. Our mission continues to be rooted in: • Caring and educating those who need it most • Empowering young people to dream big and act boldly • Broadening horizons and opening minds to new possibilities • Creating an inclusive and nurturing environment • Leading with honesty, accountability, and heart Looking to the Future Our vision is as strong as ever to be a dynamic and impactful non-profit that truly helps move our community forward. As we celebrate 24 years of meaningful work, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who has been part of our journey. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us turn dreams into reality. Here’s to the next chapter — to creating opportunity, shaping futures and uplifting lives... one child, one learner, one community at a time.