A Kimberley mother's mission: Reviving joy, restoring dignity to children

MEET Cheran Semorne Clark, Founder and Visionary of The Cheran Make a Child Smile Foundation. Her journey is one of resilience, faith, and dedication to making a difference in the lives of Kimberley's children.

Cheran founded the foundation in 2021, driven by a deep personal struggle and a vision to bring joy to children growing up without food, love, or dignity. With no sponsors, team, or formal support, she relied on her own resources, creativity, and faith to plan events, package snacks, and lead initiatives with integrity and Kimberley pride.

"As a mother myself, I understand the depth of love and responsibility it takes to raise a child. That’s why this foundation is so personal to me. It’s not just a project, it’s a legacy. I want every child we reach to feel the same care, protection, and celebration I give my own."

"I didn’t go door to door or cook with borrowed pots," Cheran says. "I used what I had: my own resources, my creativity, and my faith. I planned events with care, packaged snacks myself, and led every initiative with integrity and Kimberley pride."

Working then as an educational assistant at Venus Primary School, Cheran witnessed firsthand the struggles of children and the devastating impact of addiction in their communities.

"I saw their smiles, their struggles, and their need for encouragement," she recalls. "It reminded me that sometimes, just being present with kindness and consistency can make all the difference."

Now, in 2025, since her return from Johannesburg, she is reviving the foundation with renewed strength, clearer boundaries, and a deeper understanding of what sustainable, dignified service looks like.

The NPC is currently deregistered, but Cheran is actively working toward re-registration in the new year.

This Christmas, The Cheran Make a Child Smile Foundation is hosting an event that promises to bring joy to Kimberley's children. "It's a declaration that we are back, and we are building a legacy of joy, one child at a time," Cheran says.

Looking ahead to next year, the foundation is launching nine divisions, including Spoon of Hope, Chest of Treasures, Circle of Wisdom, and Healing Hands, each designed to meet specific needs in a child's life. "We want every child who walks through our foundation to know they are loved, to believe they can succeed, and to encounter the grace of God in every moment," Cheran says.

Guided by values of faith, integrity, joy, and Kimberley pride, The Cheran Make a Child Smile Foundation is building a legacy that will last for generations to come. "Our work is guided by values of faith, integrity, joy, and Kimberley pride," Cheran says.

"Every programme we run is designed to restore dignity and spark joy because children deserve more than survival. They deserve celebration."

Determined to be a beacon of hope, Cheran's mission is clear: to restore dignity, joy, and opportunity to every child through love-filled outreach rooted in faith, celebration, and community care.

As Cheran looks to the future, she remains committed to her mission. "This mission is not mine alone — it belongs to God. I am simply the vessel. Without Him, none of this would be possible."