Some children need more help than others ... Maria is one of them

Even though Maria is safe and well cared for now at the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre, it’s as if everything she’s gone through so far in her short life has left her completely defeated and without hope.

At school, she’s been classified as a ‘slow learner’. She can’t even count to ten. And she doesn’t want to.

While most children are keen and eager to learn, soaking up information and proud to show you how clever they are, Maria has ‘switched off’. She shows no interest in schoolwork, doesn’t listen to her teacher and won’t do homework. We’ve had to seek expert advice from the Sherwood Children’s Assessment Centre.

Because, somehow we have to find a way to reach the lost and lonely child within. To help her overcome the trauma of suffering severe neglect and sexual abuse in the past. We have to find that small spark of hope within her … and show her that life can be beautiful.

It’s going to take time. And money to pay for expert cognitive assessments and remedial lessons. But in the nine months she’s been with us, Maria has already started taking the first small, slow steps to recovery. She feels safe here and has begun to take pride in her appearance. Before she came to us, she had never even been taught about personal hygiene! Learning to play netball has been another new experience which gives her a lot of enjoyment.

Maria needs to know that she is valued … that good people care about her and want to help. That’s what support from people like you says. So, please will you consider making a monthly contribution towards the cost of caring for a child like this?

 

When you sponsor a child like Maria, you help pay for therapy, counselling and extra lessons, as well as basic necessities like food, shelter, clothing and toiletries.

As little as R100 or R200 per month makes a difference. R600 covers the monthly cost of food for one child. And R1000 pays for professional assessments.

Any amount, donated online now, will be most gratefully received. Every rand is precious because, added together, they make all the difference to an abused, neglected or abandoned child’s future.

For Maria, the road to recovery will be long and difficult. But we’ll walk beside her every step of the way. Because every child deserves the chance to grow and develop into the young person they are supposed to be. Please will you be part of this journey?

Sponsor a child

Children need to dream and believe in magic.

Please support our efforts to keep children safe and happy.

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 2017, South Africa was home to 19.6 million children under the age of 18
Of these:

0
million orphans
0
million dependent
on grants
0
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.
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our programmes

siyakhula Treatment Centre

our programmes

Siyakhula treatment centre

This is a 12 week residential rehabilitation programme for youth (aged 11-17) who are addicted to substances. They develop new skills and attitudes to enable them to remain drug free.
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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.
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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.
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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.

Other ways to help

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!

Adopt a room

Contribute towards the running costs for one room – and your kindness will touch many children's lives each year.

What's happening at our home

Section 18A tax

New Section 18A requirements – what you should know to claim your Tax Certificate

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Mandela Piece the Puzzle Together Event

Mandela Month ‘Piece the puzzle together’ challenge – save the date

Put this date in your diary now – Thursday 13 July 2023 is a fun interactive way to spend your Mandela Minutes for …
Roof repair

While we pray for a miracle, repairs to the SAWAS roof get underway

As a non-profit organisation, our attention – and the bulk of available funds – is focused on meeting operational costs. First and foremost, …
Mandy Goble

Message from the Director – Mandy Goble

As I reflect on my ruminations from just a few weeks back, it dawns on me how much the time of day can …
in house psychologist

Hard work and determination the key to Ntombenhle’s success

Our Child Care Manager, Ntombenhle Mkhwanazi has a BA (HSSS) in Psychological Counselling. Obtaining her qualification was a journey that lasted 14 years. …
Dis-Chem Shopping Voucher

Dis-Chem dash … every month!

How amazing is it to be gifted with a R3 000 Dis-Chem shopping allowance every month? Thanks to the Dis-Chem Foundation’s generous donation, …

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