In the township of Gugulethu, where young people face poverty, gang violence, and addiction on a daily basis, the Realistic Rebuilding & Life Skills Training Centre has been providing a safe haven and new opportunities for over 20 years. Led by founder Solomon and his dedicated team, the organization helps young people break free from the cycle of crime and build new lives.

Addiction care & reintegration

After-school care

Vocational training

Safe Housing

The Life Skills Centre – where the future begins

In the suburbs of Cape Town, many young people grow up with few opportunities, but with a strong desire to make something of their lives. The Realistic Youth & Skills Centre in Gugulethu, a township in Cape Town, offers them that opportunity. Here, young people are trained in practical skills, entrepreneurship, and life skills—so they can build their own future with pride, self-confidence, and a skilled trade.

The center is more than just a training facility: it's a safe environment where young people are seen, supported, and learn to believe in their own strengths. Through personal guidance and mentorship, they find their way to work, independence, and purpose.

Realistic – break the cycle, build the future

In Cape Town's neighborhoods, Realistic offers hope and support to young people and adults at risk of addiction, poverty, or crime. With six powerful programs, we work towards lasting change—from recovery to renewed independence:

• Outpatient Addiction Program – supports people with addiction while they continue their daily lives. 70% remain clean after a year.
• Adult Diversion Program – gives young people and first-time offenders a second chance through mentoring and positive behavioral programs.
• Early Intervention Program – prevents escalation of alcohol and drug use in 120 young adults per year.
• After Care Program – helps people after their treatment to prevent relapse and maintain recovery.
• Social Crime Program – protects 120 children annually at risk of crime.
• Halfway House – has been offering ex-offenders a safe place to rebuild their lives with support and guidance since 2016.

With these initiatives, Realistic breaks the vicious circle of poverty, addiction and violence, and helps people to find direction, dignity and a future again.

Support Realistic – give people in Cape Town a real second chance.

The Child & Youthcare Centre

In Cape Town, the Realistic Child & Youth Care Centre shelters children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other trauma. Here, they not only receive shelter but also the opportunity to regain trust, grow, and dream.

They offer:

• Safe housing: a stable environment where children can feel like children again.
• Education & Development: Access to education and programs that strengthen talents and self-confidence.
• Emotional support: professional guidance in processing trauma and building resilience.
• Healthcare: medical care and healthy nutrition as a basis for recovery.

The center has room for 45 children aged 2 to 17. Each year, 8 to 10 children successfully reintegrate into society—with hope, strength, and new opportunities.

With your support, we will not only give these children a home, but a future.

What your donation makes possible

€10: Provides one day of training for one participant.

€25: Provides counseling sessions for one week.

€50: Supports the After Care Program for one month.



€100: Helps maintain the Halfway House for ex-offenders.

About the founder

Solomon Madikane is a South African social leader and founder of the non-profit organization REALISTIC. Since 2004, he has been committed to the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-offenders and young people at risk of crime and addiction.

Born in 1974 and a graduate of Pinelands High School, Madikane worked for nine years with the South African Service of Corrections and Supervision. While working in prison, he noticed that many ex-offenders relapsed into criminal behavior due to the lack of support upon reintegration into society.

To bridge this gap, he founded REALISTIC in Gugulethu in 2004.

Madikane is known for his dedication to community development and his belief in second chances. His experience working for the Prison Service and witnessing young people repeatedly end up incarcerated puts him in a unique position: he understands both the incarceration system and the community issues in his neighborhood.

More about Realistic

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