Transforming Lives with Our Comprehensive Services
About
Our Impact
At our organization, we are committed to transparency and accountability in all that we do. Our impact measurement grids are designed to give clear insights into the effectiveness of our programs, the reach of our initiatives, and the tangible outcomes we achieve in the communities we serve. Since launching this website, we’ve made it a priority to document our work with even greater detail, ensuring that milestones, stories, and outcomes are recorded and measured. This is a part of our continuous effort to improve, to serve better, and to ensure our supporters can see the real difference they help create.
Our Community Impact
Discover our programs and help strengthen the impact Claerio is having on D’Kar and other rural communities. Through our innovative programs and initiatives, we enriched lives of underprivileged children, women and families, empowering the local population in driving regenerative development.
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Educational Support
Providing educational support to 110 children since 2004, equipping them with knowledge, skills and a proactive mind set for a promising future.
310,052 +
Meals distributed
We believe in the importance of nutrition as a fundamental factor for ones personal development as one of the principle pillars for a healthy and productive spirit and body.
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Empowering Change
Driving positive change in the D’Kar community and beyond, empowering individuals to build a better future through training, livelihood development programs and persistence.
Our Community Impact
Discover the incredible difference Claerio has made in the village of D’Kar. Through our innovative programs and initiatives, we have uplifted underprivileged children, empowered families, and fostered sustainable growth.
614+
Educational Support
310,052 +
Meals prepared
99+
Community Engagement
100%
Need based regenerative approach
Our impact data reflects the journey we’ve taken and the lives we’ve touched, but it also reminds us of the work that still lies ahead. We thank you for being part of this journey and for the trust you place in us. With each metric, we are not only accountable to our mission but also inspired to do more. As we continue counting, documenting, and measuring our progress, your support remains at the heart of every success, and together, we can build an even greater impact in the future.
Background & History
it all started with the
“paolo’s preschool”
Each day, the laughter, chatter, and songs of children fill our preschool in D’Kar, Ghanzi, momentarily lifting the weight of the challenging backgrounds many of these children come from. Our free daycare center, Paolo’s Preschool—affectionately called Claerio, after the original farmhouse—was formerly known as the “Paolo Zanichelli Children’s Home.” It was inaugurated on March 27, 2004, in the presence of then-President His Excellency Mr. Festus G. Mogae, after years of dedicated fundraising, navigating bureaucratic procedures, and construction.
The preschool serves underprivileged children from the D’Kar community, a settlement established for the San, the indigenous bushmen population, who relocated from government land to this area years ago. More than just a preschool, Paolo’s Preschool has evolved into a center that integrates sustainable practices across its daily operations, from sustainable farming to energy-saving initiatives. We introduce our young students to subsistence and regenerative farming practices, engaging them in maintenance projects that foster a greener, more sustainable way of life.
Our journey began when our founder, Cecilia Lachat, decided to open this project and invited her former companion, Daniele Santucci, to support the initiative. He generously provided land and funded the construction of the preschool, staff quarters, and two management houses, one of which Cecilia lived in for many years. Today, we host 110 children daily, providing them with two meals, two snacks, annual clothing, and transportation to the clinic when needed. This allows parents or caretakers the time and peace of mind to manage household or professional tasks while knowing their children are safe and cared for.
Through strategic partnerships with educational institutions, local stakeholders, donors, and volunteers, we aim to continue growing Paolo’s Preschool as a strong model of education and livelihood development for the local community. With a direct and indirect impact on over 500 people, we remain committed to improving and expanding our services, empowering children and families in D’Kar and beyond.
Policies
our policies:
These policies are provided as open resources, and we welcome their use, adaptation, and reproduction, particularly by organizations in the non-profit and grassroots sectors. While these materials have been designed with these sectors in mind, they are also suitable for any organization committed to ethical standards and responsible governance. By sharing these policies, we hope to support a culture of transparency, inclusivity, and integrity across all sectors. Feel free to adapt these documents as needed to align with your organization’s unique context and mission.
Foundations & NPO Support & Gratitude
We are deeply grateful to the foundations and partners whose support enables us to carry out our mission and expand our impact. Their generosity, whether through financial backing or the provision of essential tools, fuels our efforts to empower communities and transform lives. Each foundation’s unique contributions allow us to work more effectively, address critical needs, and bring our projects to life.
Rheingauer Jugend für Afrika e.V. (RJFA)is a non-profit organization based in Germany that focuses on improving educational opportunities for children and young adults in Africa. The organization aims to empower these individuals through various educational initiatives, thereby contributing to a better future for communities in need. RJFA engages in projects that promote access to education, vocational training, and personal development, emphasizing the importance of education as a tool for social change. By collaborating with local partners and communities, RJFA seeks to create sustainable programs that address the specific needs of the populations they serve, ultimately fostering self-sufficiency and resilience among youth in Africa.
Canva Foundation: The Canva Foundation extends Canva’s mission of empowering creativity to support social good globally. Focused on creating positive change, the Canva Foundation provides resources and design tools to non-profits and humanitarian organizations, helping them amplify their message through impactful visuals. By offering access to Canva’s premium features and tailored support, the foundation enables these organizations to communicate their missions more effectively, reach wider audiences, and drive meaningful engagement. The Canva Foundation’s initiatives go beyond design, supporting projects worldwide that aim to address social inequalities and empower communities in need.
Microsoft for Nonprofits: Microsoft for Nonprofits is a dedicated program offering affordable technology solutions and support to nonprofits around the world. Through access to Microsoft’s powerful suite of tools, including Office 365, Azure, Dynamics 365, and Power BI, nonprofits can streamline operations, improve collaboration, and manage data more effectively. Microsoft for Nonprofits also provides resources such as training, grants, and discounted software, helping organizations leverage technology to advance their missions. By removing barriers to essential digital tools, Microsoft enables nonprofits to focus their resources and energy on impactful work, enhancing their reach, sustainability, and effectiveness in serving communities worldwide.
Our heartfelt thanks go to each of these organizations for their unwavering commitment to our cause. Their support not only sustains our programs but also reinforces the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that drives meaningful change. Together, with their ongoing partnership, we are building a brighter future for the communities we serve.