Cooperation between Colours for Kids e. V. and Frank’s Heaven

Imbali & Dorise’s Pot

Imbali Western Cape is a non-profit organization based in Kylemore, near Stellenbosch, South Africa. Its goal is to improve the quality of life for the children of Frank’s Heaven.

Our main focus areas:

  • Early childhood support: Art and educational programs for children aged 3 to 12 (e.g. the Visual Literacy Art Project).

  • Parental support: Workshops for families, teachers, and staff – at least one per year, organized and funded by Imbali.

  • Food assistance: Fresh vegetables from our own garden are used in the kindergarten and soup kitchen.

  • Afternoon care: Support for children in the Aitsa After-Care Program (homework help, recreational activities).

Cost coverage:

  • Frank’s Heaven: approx. R 600/month for babies, R 500/month for children aged 3–6. Additionally: warm winter clothing, shoes, and blankets (R 100 annually).

  • Aitsa Program: R 330/month – ideally R 500 to also cover school uniforms and local outings.

  • Regular maintenance and repairs of the facilities.

Dorise’s Pot – sustainable support

Since not all sponsors can donate long-term, we created Dorise’s Pot – a shared fund that ensures children continue receiving support, even when individual donations stop. This is especially important for children with FASD, who need longer-term assistance. Once there are enough funds in the pot, we can support another child. This model allows for better planning and consistent care.

Every donation helps!
A yearly contribution of € 600 covers the full support for one child – but smaller amounts make a big difference too.

Thank you for supporting Frank’s Heaven!
Warm regards,
Dorise Hettlich & Family

Frank’s Heaven Kindergarten in Memory of Dr. Frank H. Hettlich

The Zulu word Imbali symbolises the blossoming and thriving of life…

Let me introduce you to Kylemore, a small village located near Cape Town. With a population of around 4,000, Kylemore is nestled along the famous wine route. While a well-established community, it grapples with significant economic challenges. Approximately 60% of the adult population faces unemployment, and the village lacks adequate community facilities. Issues like substance abuse and poverty are pervasive, leaving many families caught in a cycle of hunger and hardship.

For the past 30 years, the Hettlich family has been deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in this community.Our focus is on the children. We aim to instil in them a sense of purpose, dignity, and hope for a future where they can support themselves and their families.

Currently, around 120 children attend Frank’s Heaven Kindergarten. We provide care from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ensuring that every child receives breakfast, lunch, and a small snack before heading home.

A unique aspect of our kindergarten is the vegetable garden. High school students are trained to tend to this garden, gaining valuable skills in agriculture. The produce grown is not only used to feed the kindergarten, the school, and the Aitsa After Care Center, but it also equips these students with practical knowledge that can lead to future employment opportunities in agriculture.

Day Nursery for Babies

We also care for 12-15 babies and toddlers. Many of these infants were left unattended in their homes while their parents worked, a situation unimaginable for most of us. Our care offers these children far more than their parents can provide due to the high unemployment rate. Many parents are only able to secure temporary work during the grape harvest season.

Art Center

The Art Center is a true source of pride. Every Friday, a volunteer art teacher conducts lessons for the children. In the mornings, younger children from the kindergarten participate, while in the afternoons, 40-60 children from primary and high school join in. The center also opens its doors every Saturday, drawing 100-120 children each month.

The children’s artwork is nothing short of remarkable. Many pieces have been sold, and we have published a book showcasing the incredible art created at the Kylemore Art Center. You can view it here: https://www.grasbeisserbande.de/

Our Achievements:

  • Nearly 50 children from the kindergarten are now part of Aitsa’s After Care program.
  • We regularly sponsor five children to attend college or university.
  • Over the past 20 years, we have supported more than 100 children in completing their college education.

None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and the unwavering dedication of our volunteer friends. Our heartfelt thanks to all.

The School Project – Frank’s Heaven
Built by Dr. Frank Hettlich and Family

Frank’s Heaven Asibuyeni Primary School s located at the border of Mozambique, at the “end of the world,” or the farthest edge of South Africa. Over the course of nearly 30 years, the Hettlich family has gradually built one classroom after another. Today, the school consists of seven classrooms and serves between 200 and 250 students. The school is thriving, with more children wanting to attend, thanks to well-equipped classrooms, educational materials, and even hot meals.

Despite its success, the school still faces financial challenges. Many children must walk several kilometres to reach the school and look forward to a warm meal upon arrival. However, funding for food is often lacking. Many of the children are AIDS orphans, making them especially dependent on support.

In 2019, a hurricane devastated much of the school. However, thanks to a generous donation from patients of the Hettlich Practice and the expert guidance of Karin from Colours for Kids, the school was completely rebuilt and is now in excellent condition.

With regular inspections by Karin van Rooyen, the school’s long-term maintenance is secured. Colours for Kids has also added an additional classroom.

Our goal is to provide children in rural areas, with limited infrastructure, the opportunity for a solid primary education, paving the way for a brighter future. We need your support to continue expanding and sustaining the Frank’s Heaven project for years to come.

We sincerely thank you for your support of this shared mission.

Dorise Hettlich and Family