What will you leave behind?
It’s a question that goes beyond possessions, property or finances. Your legacy can also be the difference you make in the lives of others – the hope you leave behind and the future you help build.
For more than 120 years, the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre has been a place of safety, care and opportunity for children who have experienced neglect, abuse or abandonment.
Children’s needs haven’t changed. They still need somewhere safe to call home, adults they can trust, nutritious meals, education, guidance and, most importantly, the chance to believe in a better future.
That’s why we’re thinking beyond today.
This National Wills Week, from 14–18 September 2026, please consider leaving a lasting gift to the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre in your Will.
Including us in your Will is one way to help ensure that our work can continue for generations to come. Whether you choose to leave a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, property or another valued possession, your gift can help provide care and opportunity for children who need it most.
And you don’t need to be wealthy to make a difference.
A gift in your Will can be small or sizable. What matters is your decision to invest in a future where vulnerable children are protected, supported and given every opportunity to thrive.
Wills Week is also the perfect opportunity to put your own affairs in order. During National Wills Week, participating attorneys offer members of the public the opportunity to have a basic Will drafted free of charge.
Your Will can do more than distribute what you leave behind.
It can leave behind hope.
If you decide to name the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre in your Will, please let us know. We would like to thank you personally and, if you wish, hear about the legacy you hope your gift will create.
Thank you for helping us make sure that vulnerable children will always have somewhere to turn.
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
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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
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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
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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.

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.
Monkey proof at last!
Much as our children enjoy watching the antics of the monkeys in our neighbourhood, our vegetable gardeners were not amused to see their precious produce being carried off by these naughty creatures. The answer, we thought, was plastic netting to keep the trespassers...
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...









