Could you be a Christmas Angel?
Imagine being the one who brings a little of the joy, warmth and wonder of the season to a vulnerable, abandoned or orphaned child at our Home. How amazing would it feel to spread that kind of love and cheer?
Your R150 donation puts a brightly wrapped gift under the Christmas tree for a child to open. And if you can give R350, you’ll provide not only a gift, but a special meal and party as well – with paper hats, Christmas crackers and sweets.
Or, you could give a child a trip to the movies … or a holiday outing to the beach, complete with a yummy ice-cream cone. Even something as ordinary as a pair of school shoes and a new school bag for 2026 would be greeted with excitement.
How 12-year-old Luca’s eyes would light up at treats like these!
Especially since he and his sister won’t be going home for Christmas. There’s nothing for them there except indifference and neglect – both physical and emotional.
Kids can deal with hardship – going hungry or having to wear shoes with holes in the soles – as long as they are loved, valued and encouraged. As long as there are strong family ties and a sense of belonging.
Luca and his sister had none of those things. Until they found a new ‘family’ here at the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre.
In four years, Luca has blossomed into such a lovely boy – always respectful, appreciative and considerate of other people’s feelings.
Good at school too! Maths, science and technology are his favourite subjects. This boy has a really bright future. But for now, he’s still a child. And like all children, he deserves a little fun and excitement. A chance to make happy memories to carry with him for the rest of his life.
But, with 70 other children at our Home all deserving the same chance, it’s going to take something special to make it happen … a Christmas Angel for each child.
Please will you be that Angel – by sponsoring a gift, party or holiday outing for a child?
Make this season of goodwill count. As little as R150 makes a difference to a child in need. R700 pays for the full Christmas package of gift, party, outing and new school shoes and bag for 2026.
Any amount you give is sincerely appreciated and will make a difference. God bless you for your kindness to a child.
Grateful thanks to our corporate Christmas Angels – your generous support brings so much joy into our Home
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
Level 5 Leadership Qualification
Back in 2019 we received notice that the HWSETA was offering our child and youth care workers an opportunity to improve their qualification. In addition, we were able to extend the training for the practical section of the qualification to another 13 unemployed...
Message from the Director
In reflecting on this past year, I am saddened by the pain so many people have had to experience. The loss of loved ones, livelihoods, and life as it was pre Covid-19. The looting and unrest here in KZN was another moment in time that will forever remain etched in our...
A sad goodbye to our trusty Yaris
Sadly, our trusty Yaris was written off by our Insurer after being damaged in a minor accident recently. We are grateful to be insured, however the R30 000 settlement is nowhere near enough to cover the cost of another vehicle. Over the past 14 years, this little car...
Des-ign Group to the rescue!
Our buildings are over 116 years old. Which means that they require considerable maintenance and, in some cases, renovation. We need them to provide a safe and secure environment for the children in our care. But, when you are operating on a limited budget, meeting...
Happy Heritage Day
Thanks to Sai Care 108 Pty Ltd we were able to host our annual Heritage Day celebration. We are incredibly grateful for their sponsorship of this special event - one that our children really look forward to and enjoy! Our children enjoyed a delicious heritage meal and...
Culinary skills programme with Ethekwini Caterers
Eight of our young people were recently selected to participate in a one day culinary skills programme facilitated by Ethekwini Caterers. Our children thoroughly enjoyed the day and embraced the opportunity to learn something new - and did really well! Well done to...
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