Our Team
Kaathima is an Early Childhood Development strategist and implementer. She has worked in the NPO sector for 8 years. Her experience crosses various strategic, programmatic and implementation roles, including serving on the board of the National ECD Alliance and the Driver Group of the South African Parenting Programme Implementers Network. Previously, she worked as a public and social-sector management consultant, supporting government entities and social enterprises
Karen Ross is the Head of Programmes at Mikhulu Trust, where she oversees early childhood development (ECD) initiatives, including the Dialogic Book-sharing programme. She holds an Honours degree in Sustainable Development Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and a Bachelor’s in Arts with a focus on social sciences. With extensive experience in education and social development, Karen is passionate about turning evidence-based research into practical tools for parents. Her work supports Mikhulu’s mission to empower parents as their children’s first educators, fostering a systemic, community-driven approach to ECD. As Head of Programmes, she continues to champion holistic child development at Mikhulu Trust.
Zikhona has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work obtained from University of Fort Hare. She completed voluntary work at the Sizakuyenza shelter in Philippi and worked for Cesvi Foundation as a Project Coordinator as well as a Sexual Violence Program Manager at Mosaic Training Services.
She is also a keen writer – and is in the process of publishing an isiXhosa book (Ndiligqiyazana Nje Ndomelele).
Prudence is a passionate and goal-driven young lady who supports and implements the culture of reading in young children. She is an experienced Event Administrator with an established history of working in the sports and events industries. Prudence holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management from CPUT. She believes in continuous learning, improving her skills and enriching her life experiences. Prudence is skilled in Event and Project Management, Planning and Organizing, Administrative Assistance, Marketing, and Public Relations. Her strong communication and people skills allow her to build and create positive partnerships.
Chwayita is a graduate with an Honours degree in Developmental Studies and a B-Tech degree in Public Management from Nelson Mandela University. She specializes in project management, strategic planning, and program evaluation. With a keen understanding of the pivotal role training plays in organisational success, Chwayita excels in analysing needs, crafting effective training materials, and ensuring compliance with precision. She believes that leadership is fundamentally about helping others.
Carolyn Pringle holds a B.Mus degree from Stellenbosch University and brings over 15 years of nonprofit sector experience to her role as a Communications professional. She brings her expertise in storytelling and materials development to support initiatives in early childhood development, focusing on empowering parents through book-sharing programmes. With a special interest in fatherhood, Carolyn champions engaging fathers in book-sharing as a means to foster lasting, positive family dynamics. Through her work, Carolyn is dedicated to empowering parents—especially fathers—to play an active role in their children’s growth and development.
Sibulele is an experienced Social Worker with a demonstrated history of working in Social Services as well as the corporate sector. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Fort Hare in 2019.
Sibulele is skilled in crisis intervention, report writing, individual counselling, conflict management, and self-care. She has strong media and communication skills, while her inter-personal skills allow her to build strong partnerships and relationships.
Alicia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work which she obtained from the University of Pretoria. She has voluntary experience with the Mudita Foundation in Stellenbosch.
Alicia is passionate about children’s rights and education. Her goal is to always make a lasting positive impact in people’s lives and a being part of making things better for those that are in need. Alicia believes in continuous learning, and personal development and improvement.