Let’s join hands to protect South Africa’s children
What you want for your own children or grandchildren … security, good health, the best education, encouragement and love … is what all children deserve. But the reality is completely different for far too many of our country’s children.
One in three South African kids experiences violence – usually at the hands of someone they know. Many grow up in communities where poverty, unemployment, violence and substance abuse are the norm. Childhood is nothing like the time of innocence, curiosity, wonder and joy that it should be.
Child Protection Week (29 May–5 June) shines the spotlight on the need for all of us to get involved in helping to protect little ones. If you know, or suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, please pick up the phone and dial 116 to report it to Childline. You could rescue a child from a toxic environment, and help give them back their right to a happy childhood.
That’s what happened with the three Jacobs* sisters. Aged 4, 8 and 12 years, the girls have now been placed in our care by the courts, following a tip off from a concerned member of the community. Their mom appears to be mentally ill, often leaving the kids alone without food. 12-year-old Andi was expected to care for her little sisters. None of them have a birth certificate or immunisation card, and they have no idea how to relate to others in a social situation.
Here at the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre, the sisters have a safe and comfortable home, plenty of good healthy food, and lots of love and guidance from our dedicated child care workers. They’ve started school and are continually assessed and counselled to help them adjust to their new life.
But we can’t provide for them – and the other 70 children in our care – without your help.
In honour of Child Protection Week, please will you make a contribution towards the cost of food, clothing, school fees, transport and everything else growing children need.
As little as R150 or R200 makes a difference. Especially if you’re able to commit to a monthly donation. But any amount donated online right now makes a difference.
Thank you sincerely for caring about the welfare of children who’ve been abandoned, abused, orphaned or neglected.
* Name changed to protect identity.

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.

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.


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