Jul 16, 2026 | Blog
Every year on Mandela Day, we celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, a leader who believed in courage, kindness, equality, and the power of young people to change the world.
At Durban Child and Youth Care Centre, Mandela Day is more than a day of service – it is a reminder that each young person has value, potential, and the ability to make a positive impact in their community.
A Message to Our Children and Youth
Precious Young People,
Life will not always be easy. You will face challenges, disappointments, or obstacles that seem difficult to overcome. Nelson Mandela himself faced many hardships, yet he never gave up on his dreams or his belief in a better future.
Mandela taught us that our circumstances do not define us. What matters is how we respond to challenges, how we treat others, and how we continue to grow despite difficulties.
You are stronger than you think.
You are capable of achieving great things.
You have talents, gifts, and dreams that deserve to be nurtured.
Every act of kindness, every effort at school, every positive choice, and every goal you pursue brings you one step closer to becoming the person you are meant to be.
We believe in you!
Yours sincerely
The DCYCC Team
Jun 15, 2026 | Blog
Every June, South Africans are reminded to pause and reflect on the courage, determination, and sacrifice of the young people who shaped our nation’s history. Youth Month is more than a commemoration of the events of 16 June 1976—it is a reminder of the power of young voices, bold dreams, and the limitless potential of our youth.
At the Durban Child and Youth Care Centre, Youth Month is a celebration of Hope.
Every child who walks through our doors carries a dream.
There is the young girl who is blind, yet dances with confidence and joy because she believes in a bright future filled with possibilities. There is the young boy who dreams of following in his grandfather’s footsteps and becoming a professional soccer player one day. There is the little girl who twirls through life imagining herself on a grand stage as a ballerina. And there is the little boy who sings “Hero” with such passion and conviction that you cannot help but believe every word he sings.
These children remind us that dreams do not disappear because of difficult circumstances. They remind us that hope is stronger than adversity.
Behind every dream is a child who simply needs an opportunity, encouragement, and someone who believes in them.
Youth Month challenges all of us to ask an important question: What are we doing today to help our young people achieve their dreams tomorrow?
The future of our country depends on how we nurture, support, and invest in our children today. Every word of encouragement, every educational opportunity, every act of kindness, and every helping hand can make the difference between a dream that fades away and a dream that becomes reality.
At the Durban Child and Youth Care Centre, we are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can heal, grow, discover their talents, and believe in themselves. We see future teachers, artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers in the children we care for every day.
This Youth Month, let us choose to protect their dreams rather than diminish them. Let us choose hope over doubt, opportunity over limitation, and encouragement over criticism.
Because every child deserves the chance to dream. And every dream deserves the chance to become a reality. Together, let us empower tomorrow’s leaders today.
May 29, 2026 | Blog
Child Protection Week, observed during the month of May, is of significance to us here at Durban Child and Youth — a time dedicated to raising awareness about the rights, safety, and wellbeing of children across South Africa – the week serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect, nurture, and empower every child.
We believe that children are among the most vulnerable members of society, many facing challenges such as neglect, abuse, violence, poverty, and abandonment. What Child Protection Week does is encourages communities, families, schools, and organisations to collectively promote the creation and maintenance of environments where children can grow, learn, and thrive.
At our Centre, child protection is not limited to just one week a year — it is at the heart of everything we do. Every day, we strive to provide a secure and caring space where children and youth receive emotional support, education, guidance, and opportunities to build brighter futures, where every child feels valued, heard, and protected.
This year Child Protection Week reminds us that protecting children begins with awareness and action. Simple acts such as listening to a child, reporting abuse, supporting struggling families, or volunteering your time can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.
We also acknowledge the significant role played by social workers, child and youth care workers, caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, and community members who work tirelessly to safeguard children’s rights and wellbeing. Their dedication helps build stronger communities and gives vulnerable children hope for a better tomorrow.
As we commemorate Child Protection Week, we are encouraged to reflect on how we can all contribute to creating a safer society for children. Together we can, break cycles of abuse and neglect, restore dignity, and ensure that every child can reach their full potential.
Let us continue to stand united in protecting our children — not only during Child Protection Week, but every single day of the year.
How You Can Help
* Report suspected child abuse or neglect at your nearest Department of Social Development of Child Welfare office.
* Support child and youth care centres in your community.
* Volunteer your time and skills.
* Donate clothing, food, educational supplies, or other resources.
* Advocate for children’s rights and wellbeing whenever the opportunity arises.
Because every child deserves protection, compassion, and a bright tomorrow!
Apr 23, 2026 | Blog
Every year on 27 April, South Africa commemorates Freedom Day — marking the country’s first democratic elections in 1994 and celebrating the values of dignity, equality, and human rights for all.
Yet freedom is not just a moment in history. It is something that must be continuously lived, protected, and expanded — especially for children and young people navigating complex social and economic realities.
Many young people today still face significant challenges, from inequality and unemployment to gaps in education and access to meaningful support. These realities remind us that while freedom exists in law, its full experience is still unfolding in everyday life.
While often discussed in broad terms, freedom is also deeply personal. For many of the children in our care, dignity begins with access to basic daily necessities.
Items like soap, toothpaste, sanitary products, and deodorant may seem small, but they play a powerful role in a child’s sense of self-worth. Without them, young people can feel excluded, self-conscious, and less confident — particularly in school and social environments.
Our recent focus on ensuring access to these essentials has reinforced an important truth: freedom is not only about rights, but about ones lived experience. When children are equipped to care for themselves, they are better able to participate fully in daily life — to learn, engage, and connect without stigma or shame.
Mar 19, 2026 | Blog
As we approach Human Rights Day on 21 March, we are reminded of the urgent need to strengthen the protection and fulfilment of children’s rights in South Africa. The South African Human Rights Commission identifies children’s rights as one of its core priority areas, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by millions of young people across the country.
Children—defined in our Constitution as individuals under the age of 18—remain among the most vulnerable groups in our society. Current national estimates indicate that one in five children is an orphan, and approximately 64.5% live in low income households affected by poverty. These conditions contribute to food insecurity, limited access to quality education, inadequate basic services, and increased exposure to abuse and violence.
Every child placed in our care has endured some combination of these hardships. As a Child and Youth Care Centre, we provide a safe, nurturing, and stabilising environment for children in need of care and protection. Our aim is to give each child the opportunity to heal, learn, and simply experience childhood—free from the responsibilities and dangers they once carried.
Our programme focuses on promoting, protecting, and educating children and their families about children’s rights. Beyond our developmental residential programme, we also participate in local and national advocacy efforts to strengthen legislation and policy that affect vulnerable children.
Despite progress since democracy, UNICEF South Africa’s 2024 findings highlight an urgent call for action across all sectors to ensure every child understands their rights and experiences them consistently. Much more needs to be done before this becomes a reality for the many children who rely on organisations like ours for safety, dignity, and opportunity.
We are grateful for the many donors who by partnering with us provide the support we need to ensure that the children in our care not only survive but thrive, and that their rights are upheld in meaningful, lasting ways.
References:
UNICEF & SAHRC Websites
Feb 13, 2026 | Blog
Across much of the world, February is synonymous with ‘love.’ While Valentine’s Day offers a reminder to celebrate it, at the Durban Child and Youth Care Centre we are privileged to witness love in action every single day.
For us, love is far more than a once a year sentiment. It is something lived and experienced in daily routines, shared meals, homework support, laughter on the playground, and in the unwavering dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors, and supporters.
As international child and youth care expert Thom Garfat notes, love is essential for healthy development. It is inclusive, fosters connection, and becomes a powerful resource for healing. We see this truth reflected in the lives of the neglected and abused children who arrive at our Centre with hurting hearts but begin to flourish when offered consistent care and emotional security. Stable relationships, kindness, and a genuine invitation to belong, offered in love, form the foundation for their healing and growth.
Love is:
• A Child and Youth Care Worker reading to children after a long day.
• A Social Worker offering guidance and reassurance with patience and understanding.
• A young person pausing to show a peer how to peel potatoes.
• A donor who gives faithfully and generously.
• A community of supporters who respond to our needs and champion the work we do.
May your month of love overflow into each day of the year ahead, and may you find moments of connection, kindness, and hope wherever you are.
