We’re celebrating 120 years of changing young lives
For 120 years, the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre has been a place of safety, healing and hope for children in crisis — those who’ve been orphaned, abandoned, neglected, or abused.
Each child who comes through our doors carries the weight of trauma no child should bear. Here they receive more than just shelter. They are nurtured, educated, guided, and given the tools to rebuild their trust, their confidence, and their future.
Many of you know this work well – you’ve walked this journey with us. But for others, this might be the first time you’re hearing our story. And what better way to discover the heart of the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre than by joining us for a celebration like no other?
You’re Invited to our 120th Anniversary Gala Dinner
Theme: Healing, Hope and Happiness
Date: Friday, 12 September 2025
Time: 6pm
Venue: Greyville Convention Centre
️Cost: R500 per person | R5 000 for a table of ten
Dress Code: Black Tie with a Splash of Colour
What’s in store?
✨ Healing – with the rich harmonies of the Durban Girls’ High School Choir
✨ Hope – from inspiring keynote speaker Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Gift of the Givers CEO
✨ Happiness – courtesy of popular comedian and East Coast Radio presenter Darren Maule
This unforgettable evening, generously sponsored by Standard Bank, honours the thousands of young lives transformed at the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre — and those who made it all possible.
Whether you’ve supported us for decades, or are just discovering the vital work we do, this gala is your chance to be part of our legacy of care and commitment.
Book your seat today – simply complete the booking form here.
Together, let’s celebrate how far we’ve come… and the brighter future still to come.
children deserve to be safe & happy
But it’s not a perfect world.
The Durban Child & Youth Care Centre strives to give children who’ve been orphaned, abandoned, neglected or abused, another chance of a happy childhood. We provide a safe home, all the daily necessities, education and encouragement to help them develop into healthy, well-adjusted kids.
Wherever possible, we work with the family to enable children to return home. Because every child needs a place to belong.
WATCH OUR VIDEO TO FIND OUT MORE
SOUTH AFRICA’S CHILDREN ARE HURTING
In mid 2018, South Africa was home to 19.7 million children under the age of 18
Of these:
million orphans
million dependent on grants
thousand live in
child only households
%
live below
the poverty line
HOW WE HELP
OUR PROGRAMMES
RESIDENTIAL CARE
OUR PROGRAMMES
RESIDENTIAL CARE
Up to 60 boys and girls, between the ages of 2-18, live in three units. They attend local schools and receive counseling, remedial teaching, therapy and other activities designed to encourage them to develop skills, talents and confidence.
OUR PROGRAMMES
AMAQHAWE CENTRE
OUR PROGRAMMES
AMAQHAWE CENTRE
This is a home for 14 children suffering from chronic life threatening illnesses (mainly HIV) and disabilities. We focus on their emotional, spiritual and medical care. Wherever possible, families are encouraged to be involved.
OUR PROGRAMMES
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
OUR PROGRAMMES
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Professional support to other child & youth care centres, the National Association of Child Care Workers, Regional Youth Forum, etc.
OUR PROGRAMMES
RESIDENTIAL CARE
OUR PROGRAMMES
RESIDENTIAL CARE
Up to 60 boys and girls, between the ages of 2-18, live in three units. They attend local schools and receive counseling, remedial teaching, therapy and other activities designed to encourage them to develop skills, talents and confidence.
OUR PROGRAMMES
AMAQHAWE CENTRE
OUR PROGRAMMES
AMAQHAWE CENTRE
This is a home for 14 children suffering from chronic life threatening illnesses (mainly HIV) and disabilities. We focus on their emotional, spiritual and medical care. Wherever possible, families are encouraged to be involved.
OUR PROGRAMMES
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
OUR PROGRAMMES
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Professional support to other child & youth care centres, the National Association of Child Care Workers, Regional Youth Forum, etc.
Play your part
Although we receive a government subsidy for each child, this is nowhere near the real cost of caring.
Your donation helps provide food, shelter, education, medical care and the therapeutic programmes
these children need to overcome their unhappy past and develop into confident, happy young people.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
Gifts in Kind
We appreciate donations of non-perishable food items, clothing and toiletries. Please contact us for a list of our most pressing needs.
Get a MySchool Card
Choose the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre as the beneficiary of your MySchool card and help raise funds every time you swipe the card.
Volunteer
Helping with homework, mentoring older children and sewing clothes are just some of the ways you can make a difference.
Maintenance
Provide a regular monthly service like removal of garden refuse, or general maintenance like replacing light bulbs and tap washers.
Fundraise for us
Run a marathon and ask your friends to sponsor you … or ask for donations to DCYCC in lieu of birthday or Christmas gifts.
Set up a monthly payment
Even small donations – made regularly every month by debit order or recurring EFT – add up to a whole lot of help.
Leave a bequest
One sentence in your will could make a lasting impact on a child’s life – and costs you nothing right now!
Sponsor a child
Contribute towards the cost of caring for one child, with a regular monthly donation towards food, clothing, education and medical bills.
What’s happening at our Home
A tribute to our Organisation by a Child & Youth Care Worker
“In Circles and Systems, We Grew” By Thabiso Kunene In the heart of care, where small hands grow, You held the space where courage flows. Belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. The Circle of Courage you lived it with tenacity. To the childcare team, with...
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Youth Day was marked by an inspiring internal programme for the children, during which they enjoyed several presentations by Child and Youth Care Students from the Durban University of Technology, who are doing their workplace experience with us. Afterwards, we shared...
120th Anniversary Gala Dinner – celebrating healing, hope and happiness
'Healing, hope and happiness' is the theme of the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre's 120th Anniversary Gala Dinner, reflecting the organisation's work with children who've been abandoned, neglected or abused. Join us for a unique evening's entertainment at the...
Message from the Director
The countdown to our special celebratory event has begun. We are thrilled to confirm that the ‘120 year gala event’ will take place on 12 September 2025. It promises to be a night of entertainment, showcasing the Healing, Hope and Happiness that the work of the Child...
Thanks for supporting Child Protection Week
Child Protection is everyone's responsibility. That was the theme of our communications and activities during National Child Protection Week, which took place from 29 May to 5 June 2025. Thank you to all those generous donors and supporters who put their hands up and...
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From May 5th to 11th, the global Child and Youth Care Work (CYCW) community came together to commemorate Child and Youth Care Workers Week. This year's theme, "Global Belonging in Child and Youth Care," underscored the sector's commitment to fostering a sense of...
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