Investing in Inclusive Education. Changing Lives at Scale.
Para’demics Edu Centre — A Registered NPO Transforming Disability Education in South Africa’s Underserved Communities
489,036 school-age children with disabilities in South Africa are not in school. Para’demics Edu Centre (276-933 NPO) was founded in 2020 to address this gap — delivering early childhood development, therapeutic support, and skills training in Freedom Park Township, Johannesburg South.
A Community-Driven Solution to a National Crisis
Para’demics Edu Centre (PDEC) is a registered Non-Profit Organisation founded in 2020 by Thandekile Khumalo in Freedom Park Township, Johannesburg South. What began as a grassroots response to disability exclusion has grown into a structured, multi-programme centre serving children, teenagers, and young adults living with physical, mental, intellectual, and neurological disabilities.
Operating in low-income communities where disability stigma runs deep and educational access is severely limited, Para’demics bridges the gap between vulnerable families and the support systems they desperately need — through early childhood education, therapeutic care, skills development, and community advocacy.
In 2025, Para’demics was recognised as a winner of the AFD Group Small Projects Initiative Award and its founder was named among Inside Education’s 100 South African Shining Stars.
Every programme at Para’demics is designed to close the gap between children with disabilities and the support, education, and care they are entitled to — from preschool through to skills development and home-based care.
ECD & Preschool
Inclusive early childhood education for children with disabilities — ensuring no child is excluded from their foundational years of learning and development.
Day Centre Services
Structured daily care for children with severe disabilities, providing therapeutic activities, safe supervision, and developmental programming.
Home-Based Care
Supporting families who cannot always manage hospital visits or therapy sessions alone — our caregivers go directly into homes to assist.
The Problem We Are Solving
600,000+
Children with disabilities remain out of school in South Africa, according to Disability Info South Africa (DISA).
489,036
School-age children with disabilities are currently not attending any school, per the Department of Basic Education.
Est. 2020
Para'demics has been operational for 5 years, growing from a single room to a fully equipped multi-classroom centre in Freedom Park.
4 Programmes
Delivering ECD, day centre services, home-based care, and annual community awareness events across Johannesburg South.
