Colin House, a temporary safe care facility at the Greater Benoni Child Welfare, at 3 Third Avenue, Northmead, is in need of community support to keep the safe house running.
Kamsilla Ramdaw, Colin House social worker, is encouraging companies and community members to donate groceries to the organisation as well as any old, unused household items or clothes.
The facility provides a safe haven for children who are considered to be at risk within their home environment. Children from across Ekurhuleni are accommodated in Colin House, where a maximum of 20 children (10 girls and 10 boys) can be housed.
Not only does the child and youth care centre (CYCC) provide a safehaven for these children, but also caters for their emotional, physical and educational needs.
Additionally, parenting skills, life skills, and reunification services are rendered to the children and their families, which is made possible through partial funding from the government and generous donations from companies and citizens.
However, this is not enough to sustain the CYCC.
While children are placed at Colin House CYCC, the staff ensure that all the basic needs of the children are met. These include, but are not limited to:
- Safe clean living conditions.
- Nutritious meals.
- Appropriate clothing and toiletries.
- The children are enrolled at a school registered with the Department of Education.
- The housemother on duty transports the children to and from school.
- Assistance with homework is provided.
- Individual and group work sessions are provided to assist with emotional support.
- Basic medical needs are addressed.
The pandemic has affected everyone and staff members at the facility experienced the following challenges:
- Staff overworked due to longer shifts, as they are trying to avoid exposure to Covid-19.
- Limitation of movement due to restriction on outdoor activities.
- The housemothers have to fulfil the roles of teaching children due to the opening and closing schools.
- Having to deal with the frustration of children not being allowed to visit family, as the centre is trying to limit exposure to Covid-19.
- Having to deal with the emotional aspects related to lockdown protocols.
“We are grateful and appreciate the efforts and long shifts covered by our staff during this challenging time. Thank you to the staff for their continuous hard work and support. Thank you to the housemothers for their patience, dedication, and the love and care they provide to our children,” Ramdaw said.
She also thanked all the companies and community members for their continued support towards Colin House CYCC.
If you have any queries regarding Colin House, contact Ramdaw or the director of GBCW Vanessa Carelse on 011 849 5241.
“Without the support of businesses and the community, we will not be able to render much-needed services to the children and our community,” Ramdaw concluded.
ALSO READ:
Support the Greater Benoni Child Welfare’s charity shop
ALSO READ:
Families called to support Greater Benoni Child Welfare (GBCW)
