Butterfly House, our community resource centre, was built in Fairyland in 2008 (through the generous donation by Ivar Koteng and Paarl Round Table). Fairyland is a previous informal settlement, 10km outside of Paarl. The founding vision of Butterfly House was to address and expand the holistic care practices provided by Drakenstein Palliative Hospice (DPH).
Over 300 children registered from 3-18 are enrolled and participate in the Butterfly House programmes.
A Safe Space
We provide daily meals from our kitchen, access to school stationery, personal hygiene needs and transport. We provide showers and hygiene facilities, homework spaces, facilitation and recreation spaces all in a safe environment.
Holistic Care
Our interdisciplinary health and wellness team (TAC: Team Around the Child) provide psychosocial and physical care and support for patients, vulnerable community children and their families, living with life threatening illness or life limiting conditions with an expectation of living.
Skills & Support
programmes
These are programs that create a supportive, safe learning environment where youth and children are exposed to and can experiment with skills to optimally manage academic demands, health care concerns, social relationships and the future world of work.
THE COMMUNITY WE WORK IN
Butterfly House is situated in the Drakenstein Sub-District of the Western Cape Province.
- 57.9% children will complete school
- 32.9% unemployment
- 47% of people are on social grants
OUR BARRIERS TO CARE
= extreme levels of poverty resulting in family disintegration and hopelessness
Creating a hopeful future
Our pillars of change have been identified to overcome our community barriers. These pillars are used to guide our practice, develop our programs and evaluate our progress and outcomes.
Our programmes
Our programs wings are based on the Danish Youth School concept focusing on Academic Support, Professional Skills and Social Skills. In response to the vulnerability of our community we have developed a Therapeutic Support program which is our unique speciality brought by the partnership with DPH.
My Journey with Butterfly House: A Story of Growth and Transformation
Marius Barends
In 2008, the Butterfly House was more than just a building under construction - it was a beacon of hope and opportunity for me, I was an 8-year-old boy with a shy behavior and an eagerness to learn. As I spent time on the building site, I witnessed the foundation of something special, something that would become an integral part of my life.
Through the various programs offered by Butterfly House, I discovered my passion and talents. I eagerly participated in Craft and Arts, Ballroom, sports and recreation, Sunday school, Drama, Life Skills, where I learned to navigate life's challenges. Computer classes, where I became skilled in technology. Cooking school, where I learned to cook and make something out of nothing, thanks to the late chef Mervin White. We did do hiking in the Paarl mountain, and I remember attending annual events with Butterfly House, such as the Drakenstein Hospice Spring Walk going to the Paarl Minimax Cinema. Butterfly House became my second home, a place where I spent my holidays and formed lasting bonds with staff members like Mr. Stevens, who taught me the value of gardening, Gail Thomas-White, who shared her culinary expertise and cooking skills with me, Petro LM Gordon, who helped me develop my writing skills and express myself and Ann Maralack, who guided me in Sunday school and instilled in me a strong sense of faith and values.
The Butterfly House staff supported me throughout my school journey and beyond, helping me attend college classes that ignited my passion for learning. Their guidance and encouragement played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today. I studied Public Management N4 at Boland College, and I am grateful for the foundation that Butterfly House laid for my academic pursuits. The support and assistance of Butterfly House enabled me to complete several leadership roles, including being the head boy of my formal high school, Charleston Hill Secondary School
As I grew, I wanted to give back to the community that Butterfly House had given me so much. I became a part-time Youth Facilitator, later moving into a full-time role as Facilitator. In 2023, I embarked on a new journey at Huguenot College, pursuing a Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work. Helga Williams-Harris thank you for believing in me and my dreams. Your mentorship and support mean the world to me. You've helped me grow and given me the confidence to pursue my passions. In 2024, I was appointed as Operational Facilitator and Social Auxiliary Worker, a testament to the impact Butterfly House has had on my life.
To the Butterfly House and its incredible staff, I extend my sincerest gratitude. You have taught me to be the difference I want to see in the community. Justine Goliath and Elizabeth Scrimgeour I also appreciate how you've watched me grow up and continued to support me along the way. Your impact on my life has been endless, and I will always cherish the lessons learned and memories made. Thank you for being my guiding light.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
AT BUTTERLY HOUSE:
Contact
109 Breda Street (Head Office)
Paarl 7646
Physical Address:
Cnr of Sunmaid and Rainbows End,
Fairyland, Daljosaphat
Postal Address:
PO Box 6130, Paarl 7620
Tel: (021) 872 4060
Emergency: 082 200 4221
