Oct 27, 2022 | Blog
Covid restrictions caused both children and adults to adjust to a lifestyle deprived of healthy activities. Remember that going for a run or playing a contact sport wasn’t possible when Covid hit. And even after the restrictions eased, some people suffering from post covid anxiety just naturally refrained from physical activities that required mingling with large groups, whilst others struggled to break unhealthy, comfort eating patterns that had developed.
During this time, I saw first-hand how this affected children in general. Physical Education was suspended in schools and parents were fearful to send their children outdoors to play where they might have come into contact with others.
To promote and maintain good health, children need at least an hour of physical activity each day – either structured or free play. Younger children need even more. According to a qualified children’s health program planner, encouraging children to be active has a number of physical, mental and social benefits.
With Summer on our doorstep, we thought it may be helpful to share some of the ways in which we encourage our children here at the child and youth care centre to develop a healthy attitude to life.
- We get them to drink lots of liquids, preferably water, as its important to keep hydrated during the hot summer days in KZN.
- We are really lucky to have a wide range of bright and tasty fruits during this time of the year, think oranges, mangoes, litchis, grapes, etc. A healthy, well-balanced diet supports brain development and eating plenty of fresh fruit boosts overall performance both in and out of school.
- Regular exercise helps in the development of basic motor skills, building of muscle, strengthen nof bones, reduces the risk of illnesses, and improves sleep and mental focus.
These are just a few ideas of fun activities to get them started:
- Running or fast pace walking
- Playing sports; soccer, cricket, basketball
- Swimming
- Have a dance party
- Go treasure hunting
- Skipping or hopscotch
It doesn’t matter what the activity is, the end goal is to stay active, so be creative! And the advantage of using these ideas to stay active and healthy is that it doesn’t cost a lot.
Oct 18, 2022 | News
Many of our children struggle to cope with certain subjects at school. Before being placed with us they may not have attended school regularly, missing crucial lessons and making it difficult for them to catch up.
When the team from Chester Group heard about this, they generously offered to sponsor the cost of extra tuition for children in need. Thanks to their donation, we were able to employ the services of Diko Tutors.
Initially, we decided to focus on the senior grades, with Matric being the most important of them all. Sinabo, the tutor, has been spending the most time with our Grade 10-12 learners, to ensure they have all the support they need to pass their end of year exams.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and we can’t wait for the school to issue reports so we can measure our learners’ progress. Unfortunately, reports will only be available in Term 4. However, we have already seen much improvement. Nolwazi was able to get 78% for her accounting assignment, Sbonga obtained 76% in her business studies assignment, and managed 54% in the exam. Simphiwe, who is in grade 11, has also done well with her assignments.
Thank you Chester Group and Sinabo from Diko Tutors for helping our children.
Oct 18, 2022 | News
‘Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude’ is the topic of our most recent blog. In it, I shared ideas on how we can develop and instill this important attitude in our children. And now a few weeks later I find my own ‘attitude of gratitude’ is being challenged, and it is hard!
I find myself looking for justification for why I do not feel an overwhelming sense of gratefulness. It stems from the damage done by state capture and the ongoing pilfering of funds meant to be used to lighten the burden of the most vulnerable in our society. Having to make do with less than what is necessary to provide everything our children need and deserve makes it extremely difficult to be grateful.
As I wrestle with this feeling, I am reminded of these wonderful words I read recently. ‘A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.’
As I reflect on the many miracles of all shapes and sizes that Durban Child and Youth Care Centre has experienced, I realise how much I have to be thankful for.
It is YOU, our friends and donors, who have a hand in these moments and to whom I am truly GRATEFUL! It is through YOUR generosity that we manage to keep the doors to our home open to vulnerable children, year after year. It is YOU who respond to our urgent calls for aid with open hearts.
So thank you. Thank you for the many blessings YOU shower on our child and youth care centre and the children who we are called to serve.
Oct 18, 2022 | News
For this year’s Heritage Day celebration on 24 September, we chose the theme “AZIBUYELE EMASISWENI” (Going Back to our Roots). This gave everyone the chance to celebrate their culture.
Our children and youth were encouraged to wear traditional dress, and each unit offered a number of different activities. There was Iscathamiya, Indlamu, Zulu dances, poems, Tswana dances, and more. We never cease to be amazed at how talented our young people are. It was a joy to watch them put their circumstances behind them and enter wholly into the spirit of the celebrations.
We were delighted to have visitors from Boys and Girls Town share the day with us, and to have a wonderful guest speaker, Sanele Khoza, from the Arts and Craft filming industry.
The day ended with a variety of cultural meals sponsored by a generous donor. A special thank you goes out to all those who helped make this day so special.
Oct 14, 2022 | News
The hijacking and theft of our ‘new’ school bus was traumatic on so many levels. Children and staff affected by the terrifying ordeal were supported by our child care team, led by experienced social workers. But management was left at a loss of how to move on from this blow to our operation.
Thankfully, Dr Baker and the Orphans Endowment Fund came to our rescue with a generous donation. This allowed us to make alternate arrangements to transport 30 of our children to and from school every day.
But we have still to decide on the best way forward, in terms of replacing the vehicle. Crime is on the rise at the moment, and school buses are seen as ‘soft’ targets by callous criminals who feel no guilt or shame in frightening children or robbing welfare organisations working for the good of the community.
