Jelly Beanz Table View

Jelly Beanz – Supporting Traumatised Children in South Africa

About Us

Jelly Beanz is a child-focused organisation dedicated to providing mental health support, therapeutic tools, and training for professionals working with children who have experienced trauma and abuse. Our mission is to ensure that every child is free—free to live, to love, to learn, to play, and to grow—knowing that they matter.

In South Africa, the reality for many children is deeply distressing:

• One in three children experiences sexual abuse before the age of 18.
• South Africa has the highest infant murder rate in the world.
• Over one million children have been orphaned due to AIDS.
• One in ten high school learners in Gauteng views pornography daily.

Many children who have faced abuse, violence, and neglect have little to no access to the mental health services and emotional support they desperately need. Jelly Beanz steps in to fill this gap, reaching out to the most vulnerable and ensuring they receive the care, resources, and protection they deserve.

While our primary focus is on providing direct therapeutic support to children, we also understand the need for systemic change. That’s why we are committed to training professionals, developing innovative therapeutic resources, and advocating for children’s rights to extend our impact and create lasting change.

Our Services

Therapy for Traumatised Children

• Individual and group therapy for children who have suffered trauma and abuse.
• A safe, compassionate space where children can heal, express their emotions, and rebuild their confidence.

Development of Therapeutic Tools & Programmes

• Creating culturally relevant resources tailored for African children.
• Developing structured treatment programmes to assist professionals working with traumatised children.
• Producing books and educational materials that empower caregivers, teachers, and mental health professionals to support children effectively.

Training for Child Protection & Mental Health Professionals

• Workshops and training programmes for social workers, psychologists, teachers, and law enforcement.
• Specialised courses covering child trauma, forensic interviewing, and managing inappropriate sexual behaviours in children.
• Training in the use of therapeutic techniques to help children process their experiences and heal.

Advocacy for Children’s Rights

• Raising awareness about child abuse, neglect, and sexual exploitation.
• Promoting policy changes to improve child protection laws.
• Campaigning against the harmful effects of pornography and online exploitation on young minds.

Meet Our Founders

Edith Kriel – Executive Director

Edith Kriel is a highly respected social worker with over 30 years of experience working with traumatised children. She has played a pivotal role in developing key child protection initiatives, including:

• Expanding the Teddy Bear Clinic into a multi-level service.
• Founding the Child Witness Project in the Western Cape.
• Establishing the Healing Project for children who have been sexually abused.

She is also a co-author of several influential books, including:

• Voices of Hope – Healing Stories for Africa’s Children
• Rainbows of Hope – Healing Stories for Africa’s Children
• Protect Children and Help Them Heal
• Our Bodies – Helping Parents and Teachers Talk to Young Children About Sexuality
• Psychological First Aid for Children, Adolescents and Families – A Guidebook for First Responders

Marita Rademeyer – Chairperson

Marita Rademeyer is a clinical psychologist with extensive experience in helping children and families affected by abuse, neglect, violence, and trauma. She has a special interest in:

• Managing inappropriate sexual behaviours in children.
• Advocating against the harmful effects of pornography on young minds.
• Supporting children who have experienced rape, crime, HIV/AIDS, and serious illnesses.

Marita has worked with a wide range of vulnerable groups, including youth awaiting trial, children with disabilities, and families affected by mental health struggles.

Additional Information

At Jelly Beanz, we believe that every child deserves safety, love, and the chance to heal. Through therapy, education, training, and advocacy, we are making a difference—one child at a time.

How You Can Help

• Support our initiatives through donations.
• Partner with us to bring training and awareness to your community.
• Spread the word about child protection and the importance of mental health support.

Together, we can create a future where every child is free to thrive.