Child Welfare SA Vryheid
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Mission Statement
The objective of the Society is to protect and promote the interests, well being, safety and development of children within the context of family and community and to safeguard the rights of children through a holistic, integrated, developmental, comprehensive system of social services. The primary functions are as follows: 1. To improve the quality of life of children, families and communities. 2. To prevent, investigate and deal with any crises of neglect, abuse, poverty, distress or cruelty to children and woman. 3. Protection of children and promotion of awareness of children's rights. 4. To promote development of human potential and self-worth through empowerment services 5. To promote community participation in Child Welfare Services 6. To assist the most vulnerable and poorest of the poor.
About This Cause
Child Welfare Vryheid was established in 1922 with the mission of safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and their families. In 1925, the organization achieved affiliation with the South African National Council for Child and Family Welfare. With a legacy of over 100 years of Social Work Services, the Society takes pride in its enduring commitment to supporting vulnerable children and communities. As a non-racial, equal-opportunity organization, we are dedicated to protecting children's rights while enhancing and improving the quality of life for children, families, and communities. Our team currently consists of six full-time staff members, including four Social Workers and two administrative personnel. Our Management Board consisting of volunteers. AREA OF SERVICE – Which include very rural areas: The Society works in the following areas in which specific needs / problems have been identified. Vryheid and surrounding areas which include: Mooiplaas which is a squatter settlement that is home to approximately 1000 residents. There is no infrastructure and only one creche facility established by this office. Social Work intervention has started to make visible difference in this community Sikhame has a population of approximate 1000 residents in an informal settlement establishment. Besterspruit is an informal settlement which was established some 40 years ago, consisting of a population of approximately 300 residents. Vryheid, Lakeside, Lakeside Farms, Inkamana, Penvaan and Klipfontein, are areas in close proximity to one another. In the past these areas thrived on the back of the coal mining industry (have long-since closed) where the bulk of the residents found and secured employment. Gluckstad. The Gluckstad area was initially established by Lutheran Missionaries during the years 1920 — 1925. The community is rural in nature. The area is divided into two sections, Salem Area and Bethal Village. Enyathi and Mount Mqwibi. In the past, Enyathi was known as a thriving mining community. Informal housing settlements were initially established as residents were attracted to work opportunity offered by the Coal Mines. The majority of the mines have now closed down. and the resultant problems have been identified: Mbilane and Leeunek is a community of approximately 2000 residents with an unemployment rate of about 85%. The area is highly rural with limited access to services. The majority of the residents live in mud huts without electricity, water or suitable sanitation. In all the above areas many of the following problems have been identified: 1. Widespread unemployment / poverty / malnutrition 2. Lack of adequate access to a water source 3. Illiteracy 4. HIV and Aids 5. Substance Abuse, particularly alcohol abuse 6. Child neglect / abuse 7. A high rate of retrenchments 8. Orphans / child abandonment 9. Child headed households 10. Gender based violence THE TYPES OF SERVICES WE RENDER: FAMILY PRESERVATION This service takes a proactive approach to help families recognize and address issues that could lead to separation. The program supports parents by strengthening their relationships with their children and promoting positive child development. It also equips parents with strategies to demonstrate love and care, including spending quality time together, improving communication skills, treating each other with kindness, and offering mutual support. PARENTING PROGRAMME The program helps parents openly discuss their challenges and learn from one another. Over the past year, topics covered included positive discipline, building children's self-esteem, understanding age-appropriate behaviour, and teaching children about money. The program reached areas such as Gluckstad, Mooiplaas, Sasko, Enyathi, and Vryheid East. LIFE SKILLS PROGRAMME A life skills program is conducted at several rural schools for intermediate and senior learners. The session covers teenage pregnancy and substance/drug abuse. Educating children about teenage pregnancy helps them understand its effects and the challenges it can bring, such as pregnancy complications, emotional issues like depression, and the risk of dropping out of school. CHILD PROTECTION WEEK Our Social Workers host a Child Protection Week at selected Schools, during the last week of May and first week of June. The purpose of this awareness event was to educate children about the risks of various forms of abuse, whether they occur unintentionally or deliberately. The social workers covered topics including: Child Abuse - Human Trafficking - Neglect During the group sessions, children demonstrated a keen interest and focus on these topics, actively participating and showing positive responses by raising their hands. Additionally, Child Welfare, in collaboration with other stakeholders, raise awareness about children's rights and responsibilities, cyberbullying, diverse types of child abuse, and the procedures for reporting abuse cases. RE-UNIFICATION SERVICES This service facilitates the reunion of separated family members, promoting better mental health and reducing anxiety among family members. GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AWARENESS Child Welfare, in collaboration with the Department of Health, Department of Social Development, South African Police Services, and CMD Vryheid, conduct GenderBased Violence Awareness events throughout the year in our areas of service. The goal is raise awareness about gender-based issues by providing information on resources such as hotlines, shelters, counselling, and legal aid. This information can be crucial for victims who may not know where to seek help. The awareness campaign also encourages friends, family members, and bystanders to act if they suspect or know of someone experiencing abuse. CAMPAIGN ON PERSONAL HYGIENE A campaign is held with the goal of educating the community about the importance of good personal hygiene. The program emphasized how maintaining personal hygiene helps prevent illness and the spread of germs and infectious diseases. The presentation covered topics such as handwashing, body washing, menstrual hygiene, preventing body odour, and oral hygiene. STATUTORY SERVICES Statutory intervention and foster care supervision are carried out throughout the year. Our Social Workers provided foster care supervision to 170 children and their foster families within our areas of operation. POVERTY ALLEVIATION PROGRAMME SOCIAL RELIEF Social relief of distress provides temporary assistance to clients who are in such urgent material need that they cannot meet their or their families' most basic necessities. A substantial number of people receiving food parcels and clothing are from the town and surrounding areas, which are characterized by high unemployment and inadequate housing. Many residents in these areas are also affected by HIV-related illnesses and have lost hope. Child Welfare has stepped in to provide them with essential food parcels. SHOEBOX GIFT COLLECTION The Shoe Box Project is a heart-warming initiative aimed at providing Christmas presents to underprivileged children who might otherwise go without during the festive season. Community members generously filled and donated boxes, which were then distributed to those in need. This last year, 85 children were thrilled to receive gifts through the Santa Shoe Box program. Special thanks to our volunteers who make this program possible. HIV/AIDS Child Welfare offers counselling and psycho-social support to clients who are infected with, and families affected by HIV. Clients are encouraged to get tested, and those who test negative are advised to follow the A,B&C approach: Abstinence, Be Faithful, and Condomize. SUBSTANCE ABUSE Clients are provided with information on admission to rehabilitation centres. However, securing placements at government facilities remains challenging due to their continuous full capacity. SUSTAINABILITY Child Welfare organizes several fundraising events as part of our sustainability efforts. These events were aimed at raising essential funds, though fundraising has become increasingly challenging in the current financially uncertain climate. The following are ongoing and yearly events: Annual golf day Market day stalls. Bargain bin / Charity shop run at the office. Annual Mayfair Jumble sales and raffles. Projects in planning phase Project 1: Holiday Life Skills & Career Guidance Programme * Target Group: Orphaned and foster care children (ages 10–18) * Geographic Focus: Geluckstad and Enyathi * Current Capacity: * Likely access to children through existing child welfare networks. * Staff experienced in child development or social services. Project 2: One Home, One Garden • Target Group: 50 underprivileged households • Partnerships: Strong collaboration with Department of Agriculture (seeds/seedlings). Involvement of local leaders (indunas) ensures community buy-in. • Current Capacity: Mobilization and monitoring potential via community workers or volunteers. Project 3: Afternoon Homework Programme • Target Group: 40 foster care children • Duration: 10 months • Current Capacity: o Existing connection to children and caregivers. o Programme structure seems manageable with two learner assistants. Project 4: GBV Awareness Campaign • Target Area: Four rural communities • Current Capacity: o Potential access to community groups, schools, o Existing awareness and outreach strategies. All the above planned projects are in need of funding