Supporting the most vulnerable

The Reach One Teach One (ROTO) centre was established in 2016 when founder, Mpho Matthews, through her own experience with her child, joined up with like-minded individuals who wanted to create a safe space for children with special needs in and around Barkley West.

A special needs survey in 2012 reported that more than 60% of children with disabilities are not registered to receive an education. The ROTO centre exists to change this situation. It currently serves over 20 families in Barkley West and provides various programmes which include: preventative health care and education, nutritious meals, crisis intervention and support groups, recreation and community play time for children with disabilities.

Since its inception, positive changes have happened in the area. Children are now able to learn and be stimulated in a safe space while their parents look for work without having to worry about their children being taken care of.

“The support we receive from the Trust has contributed to us being able to fulfil our vison, which is to provide children with a fair education and to keep them safe.” Mpho Matthews, Founder of ROTO