With July fast approaching, it’s fitting to pause and reflect on the invaluable contribution made by Nelson Mandela in raising the consciousness of people throughout the world, but more importantly here in our country, on the importance of prioritising the care of its children.
Sadly, we are far from realising his dream of a South Africa that cares for her children in the manner that they deserve. “South Africa’s children shall play in the open veldt, no longer tortured by hunger or disease or threatened with abuse,” he said. “Children are our greatest treasure.”
Children still faced with hunger, abuse and discrimination
Facilities such as ours are all too aware that the children in our country are still faced with hunger, abuse and discrimination. But we remain resolute in our efforts to provide those placed in our care with a safe and secure environment. We provide the support they need to heal from the deep emotional and physical wounds inflicted on them, as we help them walk through this phase of their life’s journey believing that they matter!
It is with your support and others, like the Victor Daitz Foundation that we can achieve this. The Victor Daitz Foundation came to our aid at the 12th hour providing the total funding needed to complete the mammoth task of repairing the roof of one of our aged buildings, SAWAS House.
Play your part on Mandela Day
If you are wondering what you can do to commemorate Mandela Day, on 18 July this year, you may want to consider supporting our ‘Piece the Puzzle Together’ fundraiser which will be taking place on 13 July. Or perhaps supporting our Winter Warmth Campaign. Whilst the support we have received thus far has been truly wonderful, providing the 18 new children who were admitted into our care since the beginning of this year – as well as the remaining growing 56 – with adequate winter clothes is an expensive exercise. Then there is the cost of extra nutritious food … the list never ends.
As with Nelson Mandela, who not only wanted all children to feel loved, but also to have a better future, we at Durban Child and Youth Care Centre continue in our efforts to realise his dream – a people who regard our children as our greatest treasure.