Youth Day was marked by an inspiring internal programme for the children, during which they enjoyed several presentations by Child and Youth Care Students from the Durban University of Technology, who are doing their workplace experience with us.
Afterwards, we shared a meal together, giving our kids the opportunity to discuss and reflect on what they’d heard.
‘Healing, hope and happiness’ is the theme of the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre’s 120th Anniversary Gala Dinner, reflecting the organisation’s work with children who’ve been abandoned, neglected or abused.
Join us for a unique evening’s entertainment at the Greyville Convention Centre on Friday 12 September at 6pm.
Be prepared to experience the healing vocal talents of the Durban Girls High School choir … the hope of a kinder, caring world inspired by Gift of the Givers CEO, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman and the happiness that comes from outright laughter.
Dress code: Black Tie with a splash of colour
Sponsored by Standard Bank, our gala dinner is set to be the social event of the year. Tickets are R500 per person/R5 000 for a table of ten, with proceeds going towards the ongoing work of the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre.
Book now by completing the form.
The countdown to our special celebratory event has begun. We are thrilled to confirm that the ‘120 year gala event’ will take place on 12 September 2025. It promises to be a night of entertainment, showcasing the Healing, Hope and Happiness that the work of the Child and Youth Care Centre has inspired in children over the many decades of its existence.
One may ask, ‘Why is it important to celebrate milestones?’ Well, it provides validation for hard work and dedication, it acts as a tangible reminder of progress made, it promotes gratitude and a sense of appreciation for the support received, it strengthens bonds and fosters a sense of belonging and community. So, Durban Child and Youth Care Centre decided to seize the moment and celebrate 120 years of service delivery with past and present supporters.
The organisation would not have a 120 year history to celebrate without the loyal support of those donors who champion our work, and we certainly won’t have another year to add onto this record without continued support. Please know that there is ‘room at the table’ for past, current and new supporters. This is one of those events you do not want to miss.
Find details to secure your seat at the table and join us as we look towards continuing to make history!
Child Protection is everyone’s responsibility.
That was the theme of our communications and activities during National Child Protection Week, which took place from 29 May to 5 June 2025. Thank you to all those generous donors and supporters who put their hands up and made contributions to help keep children safe – not only during this commemorative week but every day of the year.
Child abuse and neglect is a huge problem in our country, driven by poverty and lack of resources. Children are easy targets because they don’t understand that they have rights, and are often too afraid to ‘tell’ on abusers. During National Child Protection Week, we held special awareness programmes at our Home to help children learn about their rights, know when their rights are being violated and speak out when they feel uncomfortable or unsafe. All children deserve the right to feel safe, learn, grow, and enjoy their childhood.
It’s in our hands to stop the cycle of abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation of children.
From May 5th to 11th, the global Child and Youth Care Work (CYCW) community came together to commemorate Child and Youth Care Workers Week. This year’s theme, “Global Belonging in Child and Youth Care,” underscored the sector’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging among its professionals and the children, youth, and families they serve.
The theme also embraced the sector’s growth as it celebrated its 50th anniversary in South Africa, acknowledging the significant strides made in distinguishing child and youth care work as a unique profession.
Thank you to our own Child and Youth Care Workers, who are directly responsible for providing for the physical and emotional needs of the children in our care – 24/7, 365 day a year. In recognition of their dedication and selfless work, we treated them to a special breakfast at a local hotel.
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!
In this month’s blog post we focus on ‘neglect’. Neglect is the failure to provide for children’s basic emotional and physical needs. Failure to provide this basic human right is a violation.
Data from our recent admissions show that many of the children placed in our care due to neglect are underweight, weak, have not reached developmental milestones, and in some instances have underlying illnesses. Antiretroviral Treatment cannot be taken on an empty stomach, and since many of the children placed in our care come from socioeconomically challenged homes where even basic meals are not affordable, nonadherence to treatment is a common issue.
Malnutrition in children is defined as an imbalance in nutrient intake. The lack of food, poor eating habits and nutritional malabsorption impacts their growth, development, and general health.
Some of the benefits of proper nutrition include:
That’s why when a child is placed in our care, they are carefully assessed. Each child has an individual development plan and is provided appropriate care and support to cater for their individual needs. Our kitchen follows a weekly menu plan that has been approved by a registered dietician. Children with specific dietary requirements associated with their illnesses or religious requirements are catered for. ‘’Giving children a healthy start in life, no matter where they are born or the circumstances of their birth, is the moral obligation of every one of us.’’ – Nelson Mandela.
If you need help or know of anyone in need of assistance, please take note of the following number – Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555
References:
https://www.who.int/data/nutrition/nlis/info/malnutrition-in-children