What do you give a little boy like Asher for Christmas?

 

When we asked our children what they would like for Christmas, the responses were mostly predictable.

4-year old Layla wants a dress-up doll and a bag. 6-year old Sfiso hopes for a soccer ball and some nice, new takkies for school next year.

But Asher – who’s only two and hasn’t been with us long – told us that he just wants to stay here and play with his new friends forever.

It’s the heartbreaking response of a little boy who’s never really known the security and stability of a real home. He yearns to experience the love, hope and peace of the festive season. That’s why we’re determined to fill his ‘first’ Christmas with all the joy and wonder and excitement every child deserves.

We can’t wait to see his face light up at the sight of the Christmas tree with its twinkling lights and shiny tinsel.

As for the brightly wrapped gifts beneath the tree … one of them specially for him … it will seem like a miracle!

Please will you help this ‘miracle’ come true – by making your donation towards gifts, treats, food and holiday activities for all the children?

We have 74 boys and girls in our care right now. And all of them are hoping that Santa won’t forget them.

Kindness, generosity and caring for others is something we all feel deep within our hearts. It’s what keeps the magic of Christmas alive.

So please will you open your heart now and help make this the most wonderful time of the year for our children?

Your gift of R250, made online right now, provides a special Christmas meal, with sweets, treats, paper hats and crackers to pull. R200 pays for a small toy under the Christmas tree. R300 provides new clothes and R350 helps towards school fees and stationery for next year.

Any amount you can spare helps bring the magic of Christmas into our Home. And rewards you with the joy of giving.

Which is why making a donation in their name is also a great gift for friends or family members who ‘have everything’.

Check the “Dedicate this Donation” option on the form alongside to make a donation in lieu of a gift, and we’ll send the recipient an email to let them know of your thoughtfulness.

May the Christmas star shine down brightly on you and your loved ones … reflecting all the joy and love and laughter you give to others.

Durban Child & Youth Care Centre

children deserve to be safe & happy

In a perfect world, every child would grow up in a loving home – with enough food, clothing and opportunities to play and learn.

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.

 

Make a donation

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

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

Your past doesn’t define you

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Message from the Director – Mandy Goble

Message from the Director – Mandy Goble

As we end the second month of 2024, I am reminded of a comment I made to an ex-board member before returning to work following my year-end leave. I said that I was looking forward to the challenges of the new year on my return to the Centre. Little did I know that at...

Hooray! All ready to go back to school

Hooray! All ready to go back to school

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It’s all about friendship

It’s all about friendship

Our Annual Friendship Day took place on Saturday, 28 October. This year’s theme was, “Friends are like Diamonds, Bright and Beautiful”. It's important to celebrate friendship. Because, as Bill Watterson said, “Things are never quite as scary when you’ve got a best...

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