GCU Academy

GCU Academy is a non-profit based in Heideveld, a township located 15 minutes outside of central Cape Town, South Africa. The organization was founded in 2001 by former gangster, Mario van Niekerk. After recognizing the violent reality that children faced due to gang violence, he vowed to implement change within his community. This led to the creation of GCU academy, which provides a soccer club, after-school program, and tutoring opportunities for the kids in Heideveld. GCU uses their coaches and tutors as positive role-models for the kids, again working to change the community as a whole. Since then the Academy has expanded by adding a day-care, kindergarten, and a weekly food drive for the community. 

Despite the positive impact that Mario has had on the community, it is really difficult to continuously fund resources including: adequate sports equipment, school supplies and even sufficient meals for each child. In addition, their play area is a beat-up concrete slab filled with broken glass, scattered trash and dangerous play equipment. The area is not enclosed, allowing random strangers including potential drug addicts and gangsters to walk through soccer games, etc.

We want the children of Heideveld to have the basic necessities that all children deserve. The lives of these amazing children can be changed by your donation. Whether large or small, your contribution will continue to help GCU grow and impact the lives of hundreds of children. Just $7 or € 6 can help feed one child for an entire month. Please help us give back to these kids who have, despite their circumstances, given us so many smiles and laughs throughout the past month.