Just for you this Christmas
– the gift of love
Going through some old files recently, we came across a letter written by one of the boys who grew up here a long time ago.
What he said felt like a gift of love … to our staff and to generous supporters like you. Because our work is only possible if everyone plays their part.
This is what he said:
We want you to know that the work you do matters more than you will ever know. We recognise the sacrifices that you make, and ask that you continue:
- To notice us often and take joy in our existence – and we shall grow up knowing that we are special, and help others to feel the same.
- To listen to us with empathy and an open, loving heart – and we shall know that we are seen and heard, and grow to be good listeners ourselves.
- To teach us to be disciplined, and correct us with kindness – and we shall lead a life of dignity, with the pride of self-respect.
- To allow room for us to grow, to make mistakes, and have opinions – and we shall learn to be independent and trust our own judgement when we are on our own.
- To encourage us to be honest and live your highest values – and we shall grow to have integrity.
- To teach us to be of service, and honour the differences in others – and we shall learn generosity of spirit, and embrace all walks of life.
- To teach us to have faith in troubled times – and we shall learn to be optimistic, with gratitude for each new day.
- To love us without condition, through our ups and downs – and we shall know that we are cherished, and bring more love to the world.
- To equip us with roots to which we anchor ourselves, and wings with which we soar to our destiny.
- And always remember that you are our ultimate role models. Your every word and action has an effect on who we become.
Our staff will be on duty all through the Christmas holidays, doing what needs to be done to continue this labour of love for children who depend on us to help them grow into happy, responsible and successful young adults.
Please will you make your special festive contribution now to ensure that we can continue to provide the material necessities of life – food, shelter, health and an education – as well as a few small extra treats to make Christmas special.
Thank you for standing beside us, and helping us help children who’ve been neglected, abandoned and abused in the past.
May your own Christmas be filled with love, peace and joy.
children deserve to be safe & happy
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.
WATCH OUR VIDEO TO FIND OUT MORE
SOUTH AFRICA’S CHILDREN ARE HURTING
In mid 2018, South Africa was home to 19.7 million children under the age of 18
Of these:
million orphans
million dependent on grants
thousand live in
child only households
%
live below
the poverty line
HOW WE HELP
OUR PROGRAMMES
RESIDENTIAL CARE
OUR PROGRAMMES
RESIDENTIAL CARE
Up to 60 boys and girls, between the ages of 2-18, live in three units. They attend local schools and receive counseling, remedial teaching, therapy and other activities designed to encourage them to develop skills, talents and confidence.
OUR PROGRAMMES
AMAQHAWE CENTRE
OUR PROGRAMMES
AMAQHAWE CENTRE
This is a home for 14 children suffering from chronic life threatening illnesses (mainly HIV) and disabilities. We focus on their emotional, spiritual and medical care. Wherever possible, families are encouraged to be involved.
OUR PROGRAMMES
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
OUR PROGRAMMES
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Professional support to other child & youth care centres, the National Association of Child Care Workers, Regional Youth Forum, etc.
OUR PROGRAMMES
RESIDENTIAL CARE
OUR PROGRAMMES
RESIDENTIAL CARE
Up to 60 boys and girls, between the ages of 2-18, live in three units. They attend local schools and receive counseling, remedial teaching, therapy and other activities designed to encourage them to develop skills, talents and confidence.
OUR PROGRAMMES
AMAQHAWE CENTRE
OUR PROGRAMMES
AMAQHAWE CENTRE
This is a home for 14 children suffering from chronic life threatening illnesses (mainly HIV) and disabilities. We focus on their emotional, spiritual and medical care. Wherever possible, families are encouraged to be involved.
OUR PROGRAMMES
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
OUR PROGRAMMES
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Professional support to other child & youth care centres, the National Association of Child Care Workers, Regional Youth Forum, etc.
Play your part
Although we receive a government subsidy for each child, this is nowhere near the real cost of caring.
Your donation helps provide food, shelter, education, medical care and the therapeutic programmes
these children need to overcome their unhappy past and develop into confident, happy young people.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
Gifts in Kind
We appreciate donations of non-perishable food items, clothing and toiletries. Please contact us for a list of our most pressing needs.
Get a MySchool Card
Choose the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre as the beneficiary of your MySchool card and help raise funds every time you swipe the card.
Volunteer
Helping with homework, mentoring older children and sewing clothes are just some of the ways you can make a difference.
Maintenance
Provide a regular monthly service like removal of garden refuse, or general maintenance like replacing light bulbs and tap washers.
Fundraise for us
Run a marathon and ask your friends to sponsor you … or ask for donations to DCYCC in lieu of birthday or Christmas gifts.
Set up a monthly payment
Even small donations – made regularly every month by debit order or recurring EFT – add up to a whole lot of help.
Leave a bequest
One sentence in your will could make a lasting impact on a child’s life – and costs you nothing right now!
Sponsor a child
Contribute towards the cost of caring for one child, with a regular monthly donation towards food, clothing, education and medical bills.
What’s happening at our Home
Message from the Director – Mandy Goble
Did you know that Child and Youth Care Centres are amongst the most highly regulated services in South Africa? The Children’s Act has an entire chapter dedicated to the establishment and operating requirements of registered Centres, along with a very long list of...
Soccer heroes
On Thursday, 3 October, our children and staff had the absolute privilege of meeting and interacting with the awesome players from the Orlando Pirates Soccer Team. Thank you Orlando Pirates Football Club, and sponsors Aquellé and Vodacom for treating our children to...
Heritage Day celebrations
Our children enjoyed a wonderful Heritage Day programme on 24 September. It was an opportunity to dress up in their traditional wear, taste a variety of cultural dishes and participate in a colourful and diverse programme of song and dance. [gallery link="none"...
Bedtime bliss
Just look at what the incredible donors to our linen appeal have made possible! When the children saw their brand new bed linen all set up, ready and waiting for bedtime, they were so excited. Specially chosen to suit each child's personality and preferences, the...
Ladies High Tea
Our Ladies High Tea was held on Thursday, 26 September in aid of our SAWAS House renovations project – and what a beautiful gathering it was, as you can see from the photographs! Many thanks to Coastlands Hotel Musgrave for their sponsorship of the event. Special...
Ladies High Tea
You're invited to join us for a rejuvinating spring Ladies' High Tea, on 26 September 2024 at Coastlands Musgrave from 10-12 am. You'll be treated to delicious eats and an inspiring talk by Malungi Myende Ndamukundu, guaranteed to leave you feeling renewed and filled...
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