


also a gift
and other school activities






our family
and where do they come from?

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:
on grants
child only households
the poverty line
How we help
Residential Care
Residential Care
Siyakhula treatment centre
amaqhawe Care Centre
Amaqhawe Centre
Community support
Community support
Play your part
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
Youth Day celebrations
Giving back to the community, thanks to the Hollywood Bets Foundation
Read More "Giving back to the community, thanks to the Hollywood Bets Foundation"