Hear the words, ‘domestic violence’, and you think of women being hurt or even killed by their partners. Child victims don’t usually spring to mind.
But when frustrated adults lash out at each other, little ones caught in the middle suffer. Violence in the home is a traumatic ordeal for the children. Especially when the abuser turns on them.
Little Marci (not her real name) is only three years old and small for her age. She and her two older sisters – aged 8 and 9 – could only try to hide and cling to each other for comfort when the punches started flying.
Can you image the terror they felt … knowing that the swinging fists were coming their way? And the feelings of shame and worthlessness when insults were screamed in their faces.
Thank goodness they are safe here with us now.
Through support from friends like you, we were able to offer the three little girls a safe and loving home where they could be together. And – with the resilience of children – they are already starting to blossom.
For the first time in years, they can just enjoy being children again … without fear of being harmed.
Marci started pre-school this year, and absolutely loves it. She had never been to school before, and it’s like a wonderland of play and discovery for her. Her sisters have been enrolled at a local primary school. Despite their ordeal, they are friendly, intelligent little girls who love reading and making new friends.
But three additional children to bring up comes with added costs. And, with 74 children in our care right now, you’ll understand why we have to turn to caring supporters like you again.
Children arouse our protective instincts … and so they should.
Please support our efforts to keep children safe and 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.
In mid 2017, South Africa was home to 19.6 million children under the age of 18
Of these:
We appreciate donations of non-perishable food items, clothing and toiletries. Please contact us for a list of our most pressing needs.
Choose the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre as the beneficiary of your MySchool card and help raise funds every time you swipe the card.
Helping with homework, mentoring older children and sewing clothes are just some of the ways you can make a difference.
Provide a regular monthly service like removal of garden refuse, or general maintenance like replacing light bulbs and tap washers.
Run a marathon and ask your friends to sponsor you ... or ask for donations to DCYCC in lieu of birthday or Christmas gifts.
Even small donations - made regularly every month by debit order or recurring EFT - add up to a whole lot of help.
One sentence in your will could make a lasting impact on a child's life – and costs you nothing right now!
Contribute towards the running costs for one room – and your kindness will touch many children's lives each year.
Read More "Interview with Mandy Goble – Director Durban Child & Youth Care Centre"
