Apr 23, 2025 | News
Freedom, a word used liberally in our country, but do we experience ‘freedom’? The Oxford dictionary defines freedom as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants. As we draw close to another of our public holidays, ‘Freedom Day’ to be precise…one cannot help but wonder if we live in a country where we experience freedom?
Freedom Day is celebrated annually on the 27th of April in honour of the auspicious day in 1994 when the first non-racial election was held in the country. South Africa celebrates this day to mark the liberation of our country and its people. However, can we in all honesty celebrate this day of liberation, when we are still held captive by so many social injustices such as child abuse, rape, child trafficking and exploitation. Recent media reports have placed a spot light on the tragic story of a little girl named Cwecwe from the Eastern Cape. This little girl was subjected to the horror of rape. The Justice for Cwecwe Movement emerged shortly after her ordeal. Her case is just one of many such cases that have come to light, and simply because a group of people within her family and community network raised their voices to say enough is enough! Justice is needed! Their campaign has shed light on the systemic failures of our government, policing, and agencies of justice.
The failure of our South African government to protect vulnerable children is not an isolated incident. It reflects a larger crisis of governance, law enforcement, and social support systems in South Africa. The sad truth is that girls and even boys across the country live daily in fear of bodily harm and violence. Despite government’s attempts to stop Gender Based Violence (GBV) though passing laws and policies aimed at curbing this social issue, the reality on the ground reflects that an ever increasing number of children are affected.
Stats within our organisation alone indicate that of at least 1 in every 5 admissions is as a result of abuse. We cannot rely on the government alone to make a difference. Nelson Mandela once said, “Freedom can never be taken for granted. Each generation must safeguard it and extend it.” As Freedom Day approaches let us each take a moment to reflect on how we, in our little corner can contribute towards creating save spaces for the children in our families and communities so they can truly be free.
Feb 13, 2025 | News
The history of the Durban Child and Youth Care Centre goes back to an informal meeting of 5 people who identified the need for a crèche for vulnerable little children in the Durban vicinity. The Durban Crèche and Children’s Home, as it was named, began to operate out of a house in Second Avenue, Greyville, in September 1905, accommodating children of working mothers and those incapacitated by illness. After the house was found to be unsuitable for a child care centre, the organisation moved to a property on the corner of Berea and Cato Roads.
By August 1908 the Durban Corporation responded generously to a plan to purpose build suitable accommodation for the children. We were offered an acre of land in Manning Road opposite Bulwer Park. This is where the first residential buildings were established and remains as home to vulnerable children to this present day. In November 1987 a proposal was made to change the name to Durban Children’s Home. At the same time, the girls home became known as Francis House as a gesture of appreciation to Mrs. Sylvia Francis, a Committee Member of many years. The boys’ home was renamed Falcon House – a name chosen by the boys themselves.
Please read the full history of our organisation here – a history that reflects a deep love and concern for the children committed to our care.
New logo launched
In celebration of our 120 years of service to the most vulnerable members of our community, the Durban Child and Youth Care Centre is excited to unveil our new logo and visual identity. The logo symbolises a nurturing home with ‘heart’ at its core, radiating light and joy as children thrive, grow and celebrate life beyond its walls. Its fresh, bright color palette expresses the diversity of the many children and youth who have accessed and benefited from our services and support over the past 120 years.
With ‘heart’ at the Home’s core, what better way to celebrate than to launch our new look in the month of love, with the official launch date being 24th February 2025. In September this year, we will be commemorating our 120th milestone with a special Gala Dinner in celebration with the city. It will be a wonderful opportunity to honour our incredible community of supporters – businesses, trusts, foundations, religions groups, social clubs, school groups and dynamic individuals – all of whom have made a significant impact and strengthened the cause over the years.
More details of the event will be advertised on our website and social media platforms closer to the time. Community members are encouraged to sign up and join our online community for more information, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Feb 12, 2025 | News
Once upon a time (35 years ago to be exact), our buildings stood amid extensive, lush, green lawns. The sprinklers ran at least three times a week – more often in winter. But, as the cost of water rose, we had to cut down more and more, until we were dependent solely on the rain to water our lawns. During the long, dry winters, the grass dried up and died. So when the rains did come, top soil washed away, leaving us with a bad case of soil erosion, and no funds to sort out the problem.
Imagine our delight when a gardening enthusiast volunteered to help. She rolled up her sleeves and started transforming the gardens, patch by patch. She planted a seed, in more ways than one, by showing us her vision of how landscaping could enable us to reclaim our grounds.
Building on her early work, JD Landscapers have taken charge of our grounds and have worked miracles. In less than a year, we are already enjoying the benefits of their green fingers.
If you are an avid gardener and have slips or unused garden pots and ornaments to donate, you will be welcomed with open arms. It’s incredible what can be achieved when people come together with a common purpose.
Feb 12, 2025 | News
This year marks the 120th anniversary of the founding of our organisation. Based on Wikipedia’s estimate that the average generation spans 20-30 years, we can proudly boast that the Durban Child and Youth Care Centre has provided a safe and nurturing home environment for up to five generations of children in need of care.
That’s certainly cause for celebration – and we have plans to mark this significant occasion with a special event later in the year. Be sure to keep up-to-date with what’s happening by following us on social media and visiting our website for all the details.
New logo
To commemorate this memorable milestone, The Durban Child and Youth Care Centre has a fresh new logo and slogan. Although our values and beliefs have stood firm for over a century, they are now expressed in a more modern, colourful way that resonates with the children placed in our care, their families and their communities.
Against the backdrop of our celebratory year is the day-to-day reality of ensuring that we have the necessary human and financial resources to provide efficient, quality care. Having survived two World Wars and numerous other natural and man-made disasters due to the goodwill of friends and members of the community, we know that we can count on your continued support throughout the year and into the future.
Feb 12, 2025 | News
Paint peeling off the walls, damp stains on the ceilings and carpets that had seen much better days. This is how the upstairs bedrooms and passages of SAWAS House used to look.
But, thanks to Ironman for the Kids and the Victor Daitz Foundation, this section of SAWAS House has now been completely renovated and refurbished – much to the delight of the boys who call it ‘home’. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and kindness these organisation have shown to the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre.Their combined support has enabled us to complete Phase Two of this project.
However, we still need just over R330 000 to complete the third and final phase. We are in discussions with potential donors and hopeful that SAWAS House will be completed within the next few months. If you would like to be involved, please do contact us.
Feb 12, 2025 | News
School bags, lunchboxes, books, stationery, school uniforms, shoes and more! Thank you so much to everyone who got behind our Back-to-School call to action, helping to make sure that every one of our children had everything they need to learn, grow and excel at school this year.
Whether you popped into our Home to deliver items in person, or made a donation online to enable us to buy school essentials on your behalf, thank you! We were overwhelmed by your generosity, and blessed to know that there are so many kind-hearted people in our community who genuinely care about our children’s education and future.
We look forward to sharing the children’s academic and sporting progress with you throughout this school year.
