We’ve seen the future – and it’s terrifying

You may have heard about the Department of Social Development funding cuts to NPOs.

But what you probably don’t know is that the funding we get from government was already only covering 50% of our running costs here at the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre. For years we’ve depended on the goodwill of local businesses and caring individuals to fill the gap.

How can we possibly manage with even less? We haven’t had a subsidy increase since 2019 – five years ago! And you know as well as we do how the cost of living has gone up.

On top of that, owing to cash flow problems within the Department, we are now receiving funds in three-month tranches. We worry about receiving the next quarter funding on time … or even at all.

To be plain, NPOs provide services that are the government’s responsibility … caring for vulnerable children, destitute elderly people, and those living with disabilities and debilitating or terminal illnesses.

Who will care for the most vulnerable members of society if organisations like the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre  are left without the means to carry on?

We’re dealing with real lives here. 74 children who have to be fed; who have to be taken to schools and clinics and hospitals; who need access to therapeutic services in order to recover from the trauma of their past.

We can point fingers and blame the government all we want. But that doesn’t put food in children’s tummies or pay transport costs to get them to school.

It’s going to take the collective goodwill of ordinary citizens, who refuse to stand by and do nothing. We’ve already seen how people are taking matters into their own hands in the face of collapsing government systems.

They’re trimming their own verges and picking up litter in their neighbourhoods – even repairing potholes in their streets – because they want to live in a decent place, rather than surrender to neglect and decay.

Now we must ask ourselves if we want to be part of a community that abandons abused, orphaned and neglected children. Or are we willing to do what has to be done to protect and care for them?

For us there’s simply no question: we cannot turn our back on a child who needs the safety, care and treatment we provide.

We are blessed with a community of generous and kind-hearted people like you. And if ever there was a time to put your hand up and commit to helping us, it’s now.

Please consider making a monthly donation to help provide for a child.

Your contribution of R1 245 pays for food for a month for one child. R550 covers school fees, sports equipment and transport, while R250 helps towards clothing and trips to the doctor or dentist.

Smaller gifts also make a big difference. They help pay for items like soap, toothpaste and loo paper, which are always needed.

Every cent we receive is precious. Added together, these contributions help ensure that we can continue to care for children in need. So please, will you join in and make your donation now?