This year, Durban Child and Youth Care Centre celebrates a staggering 120 years of serving, nurturing, and loving children and youth in need. That’s 12 decades of hope, healing, hugs, and hard work — and we’re still going strong! To mark this historic milestone, we asked some of our amazing staff to share what this journey means to them:
Phila – Heart full of hope
“Working at DCYCC is a blessing and an honour. To be part of the 120th anniversary is to celebrate a legacy of love, care, and resilience that has transformed countless young lives. For me, it means being part of a family that gives hope where there is despair, and light where there is darkness. I am deeply grateful to walk this journey of nurturing and empowering children. My prayer is that DCYCC continues to grow in strength, compassion, and resources so that generations to come may find safety, healing, and opportunity within its walls. May our legacy shine for another 120 years and beyond!”
Mandy – Growth & gratitude galore
“It’s an honour to work at DCYCC. Every day I get to serve the amazing children in our care and collaborate with dedicated people who share my passion. This place has helped me grow – not just professionally, but personally too. I have so much respect for the Board, who push us to be our best and to constantly improve our services. Here’s to growing more, loving harder, and serving better in the next 120 years!”
Bridget – Real Talk
“It feels GREAT to be part of such a huge milestone — 120 years is no joke! Yes, we’re always patching up the building… but just like the walls, we also have to patch up our mindset to meet the ever-changing needs of our children and youth. There’s always something new to learn!
My prayers are:
– For God to continue to bless and protect every child and staff member.
– For our kids to excel at school and stay safe.
– For teamwork to remain strong.
My wishes are:
– School buses to help our children get to school safely.
– Upgrades for our aged buildings.
– And of course… another 120 years of DCYCC love and care!”
Nokwanda – Social Work with big heart
“Joining DCYCC in 2023 was nothing short of an answered prayer. I had been asking God for a space where I could grow and make a difference — and here I am! This journey has shown me that every child has potential to become whoever they want to be. And being part of this team means helping them get there. I’m SO excited about our 120th celebration. My hope is that we keep growing stronger and that the world starts to take notice of the amazing work we’re doing right here in Durban.
Gugu – Short, sweet, and full of heart
“120 years of DCYCC — what a beautiful milestone! I’m so grateful to work with such a dedicated team that’s changing lives every single day. My wish? Simple: More growth. More love. More support. That’s what keeps us going!”
Here’s to 120 years of care — and many more to come!
We’re proud! We’re grateful! And we’re ready for the next chapter!
Let’s keep building a legacy of love, laughter, and lasting impact!
#DCYCC120 #CelebratingCare #LegacyOfLove #StrongerTogether #HealingHopeHappiness