SHAWCO, is a dynamic, innovative and passionate student-run NPO based at the University of Cape Town. SHAWCO constantly strives to improve the quality of life for individuals in developing communities within the Cape Metropolitan area through various empowerment and enhancement programmes.
SHAWCO was founded in 1943 by Andrew Kinnear, a medical student who wanted to make an impact on the Cape Town community. What started off as a one-man initiative quickly grew into one of the country’s largest student volunteer organisations, now boasting over 1800 volunteers running over 20 health and education projects in 5 SHAWCO centres as well as other locations around the Cape Metropolitan area. SHAWCO is divided into 2 main sectors: Education and Health, with a third “staff sector” which coordinates the SHAWCO community centres, project support, transport, community relations, administrative oversight, enterprise development, international projects and funding.