Children's Home

We provide a loving home for 60 children between the ages of 2-18

 

Within the extensive grounds of the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre are three cottages, where girls and boys of different ages live together as a family, under the care and guidance of trained child and youth care workers. The children attend local schools and various extra mural activities designed to nurture interests and develop talent.

We have a fully equipped playground, lawns and shady trees in our garden, where children are encouraged to play after homework has been done.

Temporary

Some children may spend years here, but for most it is a temporary home. Our family reunification team works in partnership with the family, extended family and community supports, to ensure that young people are able to return home in the shortest possible time.

Whilst they are with us, the children’s development is assessed, and they participate in programmes aimed at strengthening capacity and skills to cope more effectively with life with life within their family and community.

Although the main beneficiaries are the children and youth we serve, owing to the nature of the work families also benefit, which in turn has a positive influence on the communities in which these families live.

Amaqhawe Care Centre offers health and hope

14 children who suffer from life threatening chronic illnesses live at our Amaqhawe Care Centre. HIV infection is the main cause of illness.

Access to ARV Treatment has provided hope and health to many of these children. Since this treatment became available, our focus has shifted from preparing children and families for death, to the importance of adhering to drug regimes and laying the foundations for positive living.

But we don’t only focus on medical care. The emotional, spiritual and educational development of the children is equally important. Extended families are traced where possible, and educated with regards to the needs of their children. They are encouraged to provide the child with emotional support, and are included in all matters relating to the health of the child.

The centre also offers care to up to four children with profound disability; children with mild disability are absorbed into the residential programme.

Closure of the Siyakhula Centre

It is with great sadness that we inform you, that after more than 20 years of providing an in-patient treatment response to children addicted to substances and an aftercare programme following this treatment, that the Durban Child and Youth Care Centre has had no option but to take the decision to close the Siyakhula Rehabilitation Centre.

This decision was not taken lightly. The Management Committee of the organisation made every attempt to impress upon the Department of Social Development the consequences to the long term sustainability of this programme following their cuts to the monthly subsidy.

These cuts, followed by two years of no increase to the remaining subsidy and subsequently confirmation from the Chief Director: eThekwini Cluster, Department of Social Development, in a letter dated the 8th of June 2020, of no increase for the present financial year has in effect crippled the ability of the organisation to continue providing this much needed treatment.

Whilst waiting on the Department of Social Development and managing the effects of COVID-19 on residential facilities, the Siyakhula Rehabilitation Centre has in effect been closed since 25 March 2020.

 

  • The average age of drug dependency in South Africa is 12 years old and dropping.
  • People who start drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to become alcoholics.
  • School kids who use alcohol or drugs are three times more likely to get involved in violent crimes.

Community Support​

 

We provide professional support to other child & youth care centres, the National Association of Child Care Workers, Regional Youth Forum and other groups committed to the care and protection of children.