Cape Town Opens Trauma-Informed Preschool for 100 Kids

What started in Lucinda Evans' garage in 2008 has grown into something remarkable: a preschool designed specifically for children who've witnessed or experienced violence at home.

The Philisa Young Minds Academy opened its doors on March 25, 2026, in Retreat, Cape Town, with capacity for 100 children. Currently serving 70 kids across four classrooms, the center stands next to the Philisa Abafazi Bethu Women and Family Centre, which Evans founded to protect abused women, children, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

This isn't your typical preschool. While children learn colors, shapes, and early reading skills, teachers also focus on something equally important: helping traumatized children "settle their nervous systems."

Evans, a feminist activist with years of experience combating gender-based violence, recognized that young children are often overlooked victims of abuse. "A three-year-old's first bully is an unhealed parent," she said at the opening ceremony, wearing purple to honor International Women's Month.

The center represents a new approach to early intervention. Instead of waiting until children reach primary school to address behavioral issues, teachers at Philisa Young Minds Academy watch for signs of trauma in toddlers and preschoolers. They teach body autonomy and create safe spaces for healing alongside traditional academic preparation.

Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages and the Rotary Club of Newlands funded the construction. Other supporters included Breadline Africa and Corobrik, continuing a partnership that began when the main family center opened during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

The Ripple Effect

More than one million South African children aged three to five aren't attending any early learning program. John Winship from the Rotary Club of Newlands sees enormous opportunity for change as government agencies and nonprofits increasingly work together to expand access.

The center launched a "R99-per-month campaign" where donors contribute the cost of food and care for one child. So far, 54 people have signed up, mostly through Rotary Club connections.

Charl Goncalves, managing director of Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, emphasized that supporting foundational learning aligns perfectly with his company's purpose. His organization has backed Philisa Abafazi Bethu since 2019.

Evans believes servant leadership will transform communities, and her journey proves it: from running a shelter in her backyard to opening a specialized preschool that addresses both education and healing, she's creating second chances one child at a time.