Don't cry ... we'll make it better

If you read through the case stories of some of the children placed at our centre I’m sure that, like me, you’d be brought to tears. It’s almost impossible to comprehend how some parents treat a helpless child. But there’s no denying they do. You only have to look at a little one like Linda to realise that.

Linda is only four years old. Four. And she looks even younger, because she’s so tiny. She’s never had enough good food to support normal growth.

If you have children or grandchildren of your own, you know that a four year old doesn’t eat a huge amount. What on earth were her parents giving her? And now, her stomach is so small that she has almost no appetite. We have to tempt her with lots of small snacks which she eats really slowly. But, in time, we hope to see her gaining weight and being restored to health and strength.

But that’s only half the story. Linda is also very shy … even scared of strangers. Because, heartbreakingly, the case notes reveal that this little girl was also sexually exploited by her family.

We can get angry at the parents. Even prosecute them (charges of child abuse have been laid).

But that doesn’t help the victim. Only love and care and time can heal the deep psychological and physical damage. And that’s where you come in. Because it takes money to provide this special love and care and time.

We need money to pay the lights and water that are part of a safe, comfortable home.

Money to buy a cheerful duvet cover with pink unicorns – and extra blankets for these cold winter nights – so Linda learns that she can sleep safely in her own warm bed.

Money to pay for specialised care – and time for Linda to learn to trust her carers.

Money to buy her a teddy for comfort when it all gets too much – and time to make friends with the other kids in her cottage.

Money for tiny tracksuit pants and warm hoodies, jerseys and jackets … socks and little takkies … t-shirts and dresses.

Money for milk and porridge, peanut butter sandwiches, chicken and rice, fresh veggies, bananas, apples and oranges.

Money to pay fees so that Linda can go to preschool … to play and run and jump and learn all sorts of things about the world and her place in it.

This is what I’m asking you to give Linda – and other children in our care – through your generous donation made online now.

Together, we can help Linda forget her traumatic past and develop into a happy, healthy and secure little girl.

So, please – will you join in and be part of all this? You’ll make the world of difference to children like Linda, and change their lives for ever.

But you need to act now. Because children can’t wait. Right now is when they’re developing strong bones and healthy minds. Right now is when they’re learning that the world is cruel and uncaring … or full of wonderful things and kind and caring people like you.

Your kindness enables children like Linda to be removed from abusive situations and learn to giggle and trust again in a safe, secure and loving environment.

Please make a difference. Make your donation now.

children deserve to be safe & happy

In a perfect world, every child would grow up in a loving home – with enough food, clothing and opportunities to play and learn.

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

0 %

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 counselling, remedial teaching, therapy and other activities designed to encourage them to develop skills, talents and confidence.

our programmes

Siyakhula treatment centre

After more than 20 years of providing an in-patient treatment response to children addicted to substances, the Durban Child and Youth Care Centre has had no option but to close the Siyakhula Rehabilitation Centre.

our programmes

amaqhawe Care 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.

DONATE NOW