Jun 24, 2024 | Blog
Did you know that exposure to Arts and Craft is one of the best ways to boost a child’s creativity. Keeping our children busy and stimulated means that we’re always looking for interesting activities for them to do. So, with it being the June School Holidays we’ve decided to dedicate this month’s post to encouraging creativity in children by using Arts and Craft.
You may be surprised to read that all age groups, can benefit from spending time engaging with interesting DIY craft projects. By providing the opportunity and space for children to work with their hands can result in the following benefits:
- Ignites imagination;
- Develops creativity;
- Enhances motor skills;
- Promotes critical thinking;
- Provides a sense of accomplishment;
- Boosts self-esteem;
- Offers a therapeutic outlet for self-expression.
Over the years our children have created some beautiful and imaginative ‘works of art’. Our most recent craft was done by our teenage girls. They created this stunning bouquet of flowers using coloured paper. This is just one example of the many interesting projects our children have completed.
Follow the link below to learn how to make one of these awesome bouquets – https://youtu.be/qjvYgxtTAIw?si=w9be-pclIGPHnTMS
Other fun craft ideas can be found in the link below –
https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/craft-ideas-for-kids/
May 9, 2024 | Blog
The month of May is National Child Protection Month. It is commemorated in our country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children. Protecting children from violence, neglect, exploitation, and abuse isn’t just everyone’s responsibility it’s our moral obligation! Children in South Africa live in a society with a constitution that is meant to protect them and enforce their rights! Having the constitution and even the Childrens Act is one thing, but if there is no enforcement of it then the system fails!
It takes ordinary citizens like you and I, to be alert and involved in safeguarding the most vulnerable members in our society.
Violence against children comes in many forms such as:
- Abuse – can be physical, emotional, psychological or sexual.
- Neglect – is the failure to provide for childrens basic emotional and physical needs.
- Exploitation – is the use of a child for another person’s advantage.
- Violence – can happen at the hands of individuals known or unknown.
The following stats were shared by KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza in a recent article in the Sunday Tribune. “In the fourth quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year, the department handled 828 cases of child abuse, with sexual abuse topping the reported cases at 423, followed by deliberate neglect at 271, physical abuse at 112, emotional abuse at 53, abandonment at 21 and child abduction at one. Among the districts, eThekwini South reported the highest number of cases at 198, followed by uMgungundlovu at 129, eThekwini North at 109, and King Cetshwayo at 108.” These numbers are truly alarming, especially when one considers that these are just the reported cases. No one knows how many cases go unreported.
Reasons that prevent children from speaking up are complex. These are just a handful of them. The abuser is the bread winner of the family, a family member living in the same house or close by, a ‘trusted’ family friend, mother’s new husband, the next-door neighbour’s son, a respected member of the community know by everyone, the child is known within the family/community as a troublemaker, so who would believe their story?
In South Africa, the Children’s Act emphasizes mandatory reporting of child abuse for a long list of professionals who come into contact with children. Chapter 7, 110. (2) states that ‘any person who on reasonable grounds believes that a child is in need of care and protection may report that belief to the provincial department of social development, a designated child protection organisation or a police official’.
If you need help or know of anyone in need of assistance, please take note of the following numbers:
The Department of Social Development has a pilot 24-hour call centre dedicated to provide support and counselling to victims of gender-based violence:
The toll-free number to call is 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling.
Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone.
You can also get help at:
Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555
Child Welfare South Africa: 0861 4 CHILD (24453) / 011 452-4110 / e-mail: info@childwelfaresa.org.za
References:
https://www.gov.za/news/commemorative-events/child-protection-week-2024
https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/child-protection-month-all-children-deserve-a-safe-environment
Apr 29, 2024 | Blog
Recent years have seen an increase in the reporting of incidents of crimes against children, especially of sexual abuse. Should we be alarmed? Well, I am certain that we would all agree that children being hurt in any shape or form should just not be happening, but the reality is that it does. So, the increase in reported incidents requires interrogation. Opinion from experts in the field suggest that the increase is not necessarily because more incidents are happening, but rather because more incidents are being reported. This is progress! As child protection policies take root in practice, and levels of awareness of the processes and procedures for reporting increase, more of the incidents that take place surface, and can be addressed.
One of the myths of gender-based violence (GBV) is that females are more likely to be victims than males, however more and more data reveals that males are just as vulnerable. “Around the world, 1 in 13 boys experiences sexual abuse. Many more are exploited or exposed to inappropriate sexual materials. These experiences have long-term negative consequences for boys’ health and wellbeing, and the effects can be felt throughout all of society.” – Blue Umbrella Day Global Campaign 2024
Acting against sexual abuse of children; girls and boys, is crucial for the creation of a safer and more just society for children to live in. These are some ways you can make a meaningful contribution to this end:
- If a child opens up and shares his/her experience of violence, it is essential that you provide a safe, caring, and non-judgemental space for them to be heard.
- You can start an age-appropriate conversation with children about gender roles, stereotypes, consent, and body autonomy; and link this to their basic human rights.
- Find out what services, i.e. counselling, helplines, for child victims/survivors are available in your community.
- If you witness or are aware of a child being sexually harassed, document evidence discreetly. Report the incident to the authorities, ensuring that the child’s safety and well-being is prioritized.
- Speak up when you witness inappropriate behaviour and encourage others to do the same.
- Let people in your circle of influence know that you take a firm stance against sexual abuse against children. Use your voice to advocate for change, whether through conversations, social media, or community actions.
Our blog post for this month is in support of the Blue Umbrella Day Global Campaign led by the Family For Every Child alliance and its member organisations. Blue Umbrella Day aims to tackle the issue of sexual violence affecting boys, and to improve support and services for boys who have been affected by it already. Visit www.blueumbrelladay.org to learn more and take part.
Sources:
Mar 27, 2024 | Blog
KZN has been challenged with an escalating outbreak of Pink Eye over the past two months. The Department of Health reported that at least 161 cases a day are being reported, with the number of confirmed cases reaching over 1,000 in various parts of the eThekwini District since February 2024.
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as Pink Eye is the inflammation of the thin membrane called the conjunctiva, which covers the whites of the eye and the inner part of the eyelid. It can be caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. It is extremely infectious.
Managing an outbreak of any contagious infection is extremely difficult in any home, let alone a children’s home! Here at DCYCC we have had to contend with a fair number of cases where both children and staff have been infected. We seem to be over the worst; however, reinfection is a real possibility. To minimise this risk, we have embarked on an awareness campaign with our children and staff and thought to share our learning with you.
Question – What causes Pink eye?
- Viral Infection: Most often, pink eye results from a viral infection.
- Bacterial Infection: Sometimes, it is caused by bacteria.
- Allergic Reaction: Allergies can trigger pink eye.
- Incompletely Opened Tear Duct (in babies).
Question – What are the common symptoms of Pink Eye?
- Light pink to red discolouration of the eye
- Swelling and irritation of the eyelid
- Sticky discharge, which crusts in the eyelids and/or eyelashes
- Increased tear production
- Itching and burning of the eye
While pink eye can be irritating, it rarely affects vision. Treatments can help ease the discomfort. If you experience new, severe, or persistent symptoms, it is essential to contact a healthcare provider.
Question – How long does Pink Eye last?
- Mild cases clear in one to two weeks
- Viral infections may take up to three weeks or longer to clear
Question – How can the spread of Pink Eye be prevented? According to the Department of Health one should;
- Practice good personal hygiene, regularly washing hands.
- Avoid sharing face cloths, eye cosmetics, or pillows.
- Change pillowcases often and discard old eye cosmetics, such as mascara.
- Avoid touching one’s eyes with your hands.
We hope this helps!
Resources: https://www.kznhealth.gov.za/mediarelease/2024/confirmed-cases-of-pink-eye-in-ethekwini-02032024.htm
Feb 28, 2024 | Blog
The wonderful response we received through likes and shares to a quote we posted on our Facebook page about a week ago, made us decide to dedicate this month’s blog post to the topic.
“You have the power to change your story, no matter what page you’re on.”
I feel sure that many would agree that life in general is difficult for everyone! Regardless of what stage of life we are in; childhood, adolescent, or adulthood, we all feel stuck at times. Sometimes it’s a specific challenge, or a range of difficult challenges, it may be experiences that cause unbearable pain, feelings that weigh us down, or anxiety and fear of the unknown. At these times we find it difficult to see the light or even muster the strength to keep going, to feel motivated, to hold onto hope. We wake up every morning with a feeling of dread in the pit of our belly, a feeling like life is being drained from our body. We yearn to turn the page of this chapter but struggle to find the strength or believe that there will be change.
As impossible as it seems, especially when we are sitting in the darkness of despair, there is a way out. The first step to seeing change in our life is to believe it. We have the power to change our story. When we change our thoughts, we begin to change our words and then our actions follow. Depending on the type of change we’re hoping for, some of us can make drastic changes in our lives, with drastic results. Different approaches work for different people. The trick is to find what works for you.
Let’s try this; imagine you’re in your room and you want to re-arrange some furniture and declutter your space. You have a picture in your head of how you want your room to look. You focus on the room as it is now, and then use your energy to start moving one thing at a time, until it looks as close to the picture you had in your head as possible. Now apply the same concept to what you want to change in your life. Identify what you want to change and then focus your energy on that. Take the steps necessary to achieve the goal, small steps made consistently over time result in giant leaps. So, for example, you want to start living a healthy lifestyle. You sign up to go to the gym. That’s the first step. Then the next step would be to set realistic goals. Determine the number of days you want to go to the gym. Then workout the number of days you have available to actually go. Going to the gym even once a week, is already a positive step in the right direction. Once you get into the routine of being active, you may increase the number of weekly gym sessions, and start focusing on other areas such as changing your diet, going on hikes, joining a cycling club…….
We have the power to change our story no matter what page we’re on. So, start, just step out and take one small step, forwards, in the direction of your picture, and you will see how each step moves you closer to changing your story.
“A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
Jan 31, 2024 | Blog
Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others – Johnathan Swift
Have you noticed how one can move through seasons of just bobbing along….just bobbing along carried this way and that way by the currents of life or just bobbing in one spot? Well here at DCYCC we are resolute that 2024 will not be a year of just bobbing along. And in our opinion one of the ways personal and professional success is to have a specific intent, a clear vision and a plan of action. So armed with this plan at our weekly team meeting on Monday, I challenged our staff to stop and consider their vision. A lively discussion on the importance of having a vision for our lives ensued. We spoke of how we as role models for our young people are in control of three things in our lives – The thoughts we think, the future we visualise for our lives and the action we take towards realising this vision. How we need to have a goal for our personal lives before we can encourage our young people to shape their own vision and identify the goals that they need to achieve this.
We spent time creating individual vision boards for ourselves. Wow! This was the most creative and exciting session I think we’ve ever had as a team. It was so inspiring to see the team think out of their comfort zones and learn a new way to express their personal dreams.
A vision board is a simple collection of images, clear goals, quotes, and inspiring affirmations that represent how you want your life to look. And it’s such an amazing tool to remind you of the life you want. A vision board helps you focus and gives you a clear picture of where you want to be in life. You can add encouraging quotations to remind and inspire you to keep moving forward towards that goal. A vision board can be considered a dream board. I once read that a dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A visual plan backed by action makes your dreams a reality.
The activity was such as success with the team, that we’ve decided to do the same activity with our young people. Its hard to believe how fast time is going, but as we step into the month of February tomorrow I encourage you to create personal vision board for yourself and get your children to do the same. You will be surprised at how helpful and motivating this process will be, and best of all you will have something tangible to prevent you from just bobbing through 2024.
