Empower to Change is co-founded by Chris Wilkins, a global entrepreneur, and Justine Snyman, who grew up in Kraaifontein, Cape Town—an area still grappling with high levels of poverty, crime, gangsterism, and drug abuse. In Kraaifontein, youth unemployment rates remain as high as 60%, with many children growing up in households affected by these challenges. Empower to Change focuses on providing young children with access to early childhood education, helping to break the cycle of poverty and offering hope for a better future.

Our purpose is to empower families, particularly single parents, by financing access to early childhood education, providing essential learning materials like stationery, and supporting extracurricular activities. Statistics show that children who attend preschool are 50% less likely to repeat a grade and are twice as likely to pursue higher education, making early childhood education critical in shaping a brighter future for all children.

With over 30% of Kraaifontein households living below the poverty line, our vision is to create a society where every child—no matter their background—has access to the opportunities that education provides. We uphold values such as:

• Equity: Creating equal opportunities for all children, regardless of socio-economic challenges.

• Empowerment: Research shows that early education not only builds cognitive skills but boosts self-confidence, helping children overcome difficult circumstances.

• Collaboration: By partnering with educators and families, we aim to build a network of support in communities like Kraaifontein.