Volunteers and students came together to transform a plain wall into a vibrant space for Somerset West Night Shelter’s youngest.
Cape Town, South Africa (29 September 2025) – A plain wall has been transformed into a vibrant mural, bursting with colours and flowers. The babies’ classroom at a Somerset West Night Shelter has been given a brand-new look, and it is a burst of energy jumping from a wall.
This marks the second mural to brighten the daycare, and it is already making a difference. The creative effort came from a group of dedicated volunteers, which included the talented teachers of Loreto Primary School, some of the shelter’s regular helpers, and four enthusiastic learners from the Parel Vallei High School Outreach Club. Together, they spent an afternoon turning their paintbrushes into tools of happiness, gifting the little ones a cheerful environment to learn and grow in. Now it is a classroom that feels lighter, warmer, and filled with possibility.
Giving their time and a splash of creativity has left a lasting impression on the children, teachers, and caregivers.
Behind this initiative is the Somerset West Night Shelter, which has been serving the Helderberg community since 1988. Originally established to support single adults experiencing homelessness, the shelter expanded in 2020 to include families with children. Today, it provides not only safe accommodation but also skills training, counselling, rehabilitation, and educational support. Their programmes stretch from school transport and life skills training to baby and toddler care, ensuring that families in need have the tools to rebuild their lives.
For many, the shelter is more than just a place to stay.
At its heart, the Somerset West Night Shelter believes in dignity, care, and second chances. And thanks to the bright new mural, the youngest members of the community now have a daily reminder that they deserve colour and hope in their lives.
Sources: Somerset West Night Shelter
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