The devastating effect of water damage
This is the result of a roof that was in desperate need of repair – leaving us with a home that’s not acceptable for young boys who’ve already suffered abuse, neglect and deprivation. We desperately want to give them a safe and comfortable home … a place where they can begin to believe that life can be different, that life can be good. But it’s not easy when there’s paint peeling off the walls, and the ceilings are sagging and discouloured.
SAWAS House was built in 1947. How many children has this grand old Durban lady sheltered over the years, we wonder? How many have grown up here, their voices and laughter echoing through these rooms and passages? It’s home to children who’ve been removed from their families for their own protection. Children entrusted to our care.
But SAWAS House itself is in need of some TLC!
For years we struggled with the knowledge that the roof needed to be replaced. As soon as one leak was fixed, another appeared, and there was structural damage to the beams. But we did not know how we could possibly find almost R1 million to fix it.
Until last year, when a miracle happened.
We were able to give SAWAS House a brand new roof, thanks to the fantastic generosity of the Victor Daitz Foundation. Our hearts are still overflowing with gratitude, because it would never have happened without their help. At last our boys have a sturdy new roof over their heads!
But the damage to the ceilings, paintwork and electrical wiring remains. We hardly dare to hope for another miracle. And yet, if we don’t have faith, we’ll never turn this old house into a home to be proud of.
Please will you join together with other caring members of our Durban community to help save SAWAS House? Whether you (or your company) can donate R200 or R20 000, every single rand makes a difference and will be so gratefully received.
A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. It may seem impossible. But if we take that first step, others will follow. Please will you join us on this journey and be the first to make a donation to help save SAWAS House?
Together we can restore this grand old building to its former glory, and provide a wonderful safe and caring environment for the boys who call it 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.

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.


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...
Ladies High Tea
You're invited to join us for a rejuvinating spring Ladies' High Tea, on 26 September 2024 at Coastlands Musgrave from 10-12 am. You'll be treated to delicious eats and an inspiring talk by Malungi Myende Ndamukundu, guaranteed to leave you feeling renewed and filled...