There’s something incredibly comforting about climbing into a warm, cosy bed on a winter’s night, isn’t there?
After a hot bath, drying yourself with a soft, fluffy towel. Snuggling under a fresh comforter. Resting your head on a comfortable pillow. These are simple moments that most of us barely think about.
But for the children here at the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre, these everyday comforts mean so much more.
Many of the children in our care have experienced neglect, trauma and instability. Some have never had a bed of their own. Others have never dried themselves with a towel that’s theirs alone.
We work hard to change that.
Every child should end each day feeling warm, safe and cared for. We want bedtime to be a time of peace instead of uncertainty. We want them to wake up knowing they belong.
Unfortunately linen doesn’t last forever. Constant washing, everyday use and welcoming new children into our homes means sheets become thin, comforters wear out, towels lose their softness and pillows need replacing.
That’s why we need to replace worn out linen now. We need 80 sets of single fitted sheets and pillowcases, comforters, bath towels, pillows and face cloths.
Please will you help with a generous donation today?
Replacing these essentials isn’t simply about buying bedding – it’s about creating warm, welcoming spaces where children can finally feel at home.
Your donation of any amount will help give a child the comfort of climbing into a clean, cosy bed every night.
To a child who has experienced hardship, this simple pleasure sends a powerful message. You matter. You are safe. And you are loved.
Thank you for helping us wrap our children in warmth, dignity and hope this winter.
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.
Celebrating Women’s Month: Empowering Girls, Inspiring Futures
August is Women’s Month in South Africa—a time to honour women’s strength, courage and resilience. As we celebrate this important month let us pause to consider the girls on their journey to womanhood. Let us envisage a future where every girl has the opportunity to...
Message from the Director
"If our youth are tomorrow’s leaders, what is the hope we give them today?" Having participated in Child Protection Week between the 29 May and 5 June, and now preparing for Youth Day on the 16 June, the significance of the month of June in our country is elevated....
Help feed hope this School Holiday
As the Term 2 school holidays approach, we are once again calling on our community to help ensure that no child in our care goes hungry while spending time with their families. Our annual Buckets of Love Campaign provides essential food hampers to children returning...
Make your Mandela Day matter
Every year, Mandela Day inspires people across South Africa and around the world to make a positive impact through acts of service, generosity, and compassion. It is an opportunity to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela by helping to create meaningful change in the...
Child Protection Week 2026
Child Protection Week serves as an important reminder that every child has the right to grow up in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment. It also highlights the shared responsibility of families, communities, organisations, and individuals in protecting...
Message from our Director
For many of us, the dawning of a new year is time for a fresh start, an opportunity for new beginnings, banishing unhealthy habits, and setting new goals. Here at the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre, as we enthusiastically set our organisational and personal...









