Cape Town · Student-Led · Community Powered
Every child deserves books
BridgeUp is a student-led project collecting books and toys for underserved children across Cape Town, founded by UCT students who believe every child deserves access to opportunity and experiences beyond the classroom.
"A child's best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child." Section 28(2), Constitution of South Africa
Phase One: 30-Day Target
Our first milestone.
We set ourselves a clear, public target for our first 30 days. Every donation is counted here in real time. Nothing is hidden.
Drop off books & toys · Help us hit 100
Our Mandate
We exist to bridge the gap.
South Africa's social landscape is defined by a widening distance between the bare minimum and an enriched upbringing. Too many children grow up without access to the books, toys, and experiences that shape who they become. We believe that is something we can change.
BridgeUp was built on the awareness that studying Law and Computer Science at UCT comes with a responsibility that extends beyond the lecture hall. Our curriculum and campus have exposed us to the realities of inequality in ways that feel impossible to ignore. This project is our response, and it goes beyond books and toys. We want children to experience the city they live in: to watch a film under the stars, to visit the aquarium, to play football on a Saturday afternoon.
"Not as an institution, but as a community of people who believe it matters."
📚 Books for Every Child
Storybooks, textbooks, colouring books: we collect and distribute reading material that opens worlds and builds futures.
🧸 Toys that Spark Joy
Play is how children learn to imagine, create, and connect. We get toys into the hands of children who need them most.
🌍 Experiences Beyond the Classroom
Movie nights, picnics, five-a-side football, trips to the aquarium and planetarium: moments that expand what children believe is possible for themselves.
The Process
Simple to give.
Meaningful to receive.
You Donate
Drop off books or toys at our collection point, or contribute financially when our payment portal launches.
We Collect & Sort
Every donation is logged, sorted, and documented. Nothing is wasted. Everything is tracked publicly on our Follow Our Work page.
Children Receive
Books, toys, and funded experiences go directly to children in Cape Town's underserved communities. No middlemen, no overhead.
Get Involved
How to donate
Two simple ways to make a real difference to a child in Cape Town.
Drop off books & toys
Bring new or gently used books and toys to our drop-off point. Details on location and times are available via email. Everything we receive goes directly to children.
📍 Drop-off location TBC
Email us at contact@bridgeup.co.za for current drop-off details and times.
Support us financially
A financial donation lets us buy exactly what is needed and fund experiences for the children we serve, from movie nights to day trips across Cape Town. Our online payment portal launches soon.
🔒 Online payments coming soon
BackaBuddy campaign launching shortly
✓ We'll let you know when payments go live!
Beyond the Classroom
Experiences that expand
what's possible.
Books and toys are just the beginning. BridgeUp is building towards a programme of real-world experiences for Cape Town's children: the kind of moments that reshape how a child sees themselves and the world around them.
Movie Nights
Cinema trips for children who have never seen a film on the big screen.
Coming soon
Five-a-Side Football
Organised matches and coaching sessions at local fields around Cape Town.
Coming soon
Aquarium Trips
Exploring Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront, up close.
Coming soon
Planetarium Visits
Guided shows at the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome in the Company's Garden.
Coming soon
Theatre Trips
Live performances and behind-the-scenes theatre experiences in the city.
Coming soon
The People Behind It
Two students.
Come along.
We're Paul and Luke, two students at UCT who believe that people with a little time, a little resource, and a lot of willingness can make a real difference to a child's life. BridgeUp is us putting that belief into practice.
Computer Science · University of Cape Town
Paul du Plessis
Growing up, I built worlds with Lego and toys, and got lost in stories that made reality feel bigger than it was. Those experiences taught me that imagining a better world is only the first step. To bring it to life, we have to be dreamers who act.
That's why I'm a part of BridgeUp: to give children the same sense of wonder I experienced, to spark their imagination, and to create opportunities that let them start dreaming and shaping the world that should exist for them.
Law · University of Cape Town
Luke Nyatsanza
Books have always been a place where I've found imagination, reflection, and stories far beyond my own life. One that stayed with me is The Count of Monte Cristo: a story about resilience, courage, and the possibility of reshaping one's life.
I believe every child should have the chance to encounter stories that stay with them in the same way. BridgeUp grew from that belief.
"Cape Town has no shortage of good people. We're counting on that."
@bridgeupcpt
We document everything. Follow along as we build this.
Let's build
something real.
Whether you want to donate, volunteer, partner with us, or simply find out more. We would love to hear from you. BridgeUp is built on people, and every connection matters.
✓ You're on the list!