… And when their parents or families can’t provide a safe, loving environment, it’s our job to step in and help. Thanks to support from caring people like you, that’s what we were able to do for Mazwi.
After his mom died, he went to live with an uncle and his girlfriend. The grown-ups drank a lot, which frequently ended up in violent arguments. Mazwi felt frightened and helpless when the shouting started and the punches and slaps began. Even when they were sober, the uncle and his girlfriend didn’t have much time for Mazwi. All the signs of neglect were there.
Here at the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre, Mazwi found safety, love and care. Plus plenty of nourishing food and the chance to attend school regularly. But something was missing … a real family.
So you can imagine the excitement when Mazwi’s dad showed up here in March – five years later! He had being trying to find his son all those years. But when he went to the uncle’s house, he was told only that a social worker had taken the child away.
Mazwi was so happy to see his father, and to hear that he has a grandmother and other relatives in Mozambique. Mazwi’s dad wants to take him to live with them. And, once the screening process has been completed, we trust that Mazwi can be reunited with his family. In the meantime, dad visits him at our centre and talks to him on the phone.
Soon Mazwi will leave our Home to begin a new life with a family of his own. But he’ll never forget the love and security he found here when he needed it most. And though it’s sad for us to say ‘goodbye’, we know that Mazwi’s place here will be taken by another young boy or girl in desperate need of protection and care.
That’s why we need your continued support. So we can keep on providing all the things neglected and abused children need … a stable home life, food, clothing, education, counselling and therapy to help them overcome the fear and sadness of the past, and begin building a bright new future for themselves.
Please consider celebrating Child Protection Week by making a donation online now. Together we can turn tears into smiles and laughter – and give children like Mazwi what they need most … a happy, carefree childhood.
Thank you for caring about all children.
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.
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