Cesvi Foundation

CESVI (Cooperazione e Sviluppo) is an Italian humanitarian organisation working in over 30 countries worldwide. In South Africa, CESVI focuses on the protection of women, children, and families in some of Cape Town's most under-resourced and high-risk communities. Their flagship project in Cape Town is the House of Smiles in Philippi — an integrated community centre in the heart of an informal settlement.

The House of Smiles was established because CESVI recognised that poverty and gender-based violence are deeply connected — that many women remain in dangerous situations simply because they have no economic options, no education, and no access to services. Their response was to bring multiple forms of support directly into the community.

What They Offer Survivors

Safe Shelter and Refuge The House of Smiles is the only dedicated structure in the Philippi informal settlement offering refuge for women victims of domestic violence and their children. If you are in danger and live in or near Philippi, this is a resource that may be close to you.

Medical and Psychological Support A surgery linked to the House of Smiles treats between 5 and 20 patients every day, providing free medical care and psychological support. Services are open to the public and are free of charge.

HIV Support and Testing Free HIV testing and AIDS-related support is available at the centre — provided with sensitivity to the connection between gender-based violence, sexual coercion, and HIV risk.

Legal Assistance and Guidance Legal assistance is available inside the House, helping survivors understand their rights and take steps to access justice and protection.

Social and Health Guidance The centre also provides guidance on related social and health issues, including substance abuse (alcoholism and drugs) — addressing the full range of challenges survivors and their families often face.

Skills Training and Economic Empowerment CESVI provides training and skills development to help women become economically independent — addressing one of the core reasons women remain trapped in abusive situations.

Children's Rights Advocacy (Western Cape) Beyond the House of Smiles, CESVI runs EU-funded advocacy programmes across the Western Cape to strengthen child protection systems, promote children's socio-economic rights, and engage communities in protecting vulnerable children.

CESVI's services are free and specifically designed to serve women and children in informal settlements with limited access to other resources.