Cotlands still going strong at 80
Today Cotlands is governed by a distinguished and diverse executive committee and board, who have once again responded to the urgent need of young children in the country.
ACROSS eight decades, Cotlands’ mission has sought to improve the lives of children and ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
As they celebrate 80 years of caring for children, they are reminded of their rich history, the leaders who challenged the status quo, and contributions Cotlands have made in shaping the South African landscape.
Founded in 1936, Cotlands was originally created as a sanctuary for abandoned babies. It all started one night when a baby was left on the doorstep of Matron Dorothy Reece’s home in Mayfair, Johannesburg. She decided to take the infant in and care for him, and so Cotlands was born out of this single act of kindness.
In the late 90s an increase in HIV positive infants led them to campaigning for a paediatric Aids hospice which, thanks to the support of then President Nelson Mandela and an on-air appeal by Talk Radio 702, was opened.
In 2012 Cotlands phased out their paediatric Aids hospice as the government’s mother to child prevention programme had significantly reduced the number of children being born HIV positive. This success has been lauded internationally culminating in a TV package produced by the BBC on their transition.
Today Cotlands is governed by a distinguished and diverse executive committee and board, who have once again responded to the urgent need of young children in the country. Their visionary outlook has highlighted early childhood development as a key component to reducing poverty.
To ensure their success in the early childhood development field, Cotlands programmes have been developed by leading early childhood development (ECD) experts that are rolled out by dedicated early learning facilitators and toy librarians who share Cotlands’ profound commitment to social change.
Over the past 80 years the organisation has faced tough financial constraints. However, through the generosity of loyal donors they have been able to weather economic storms to provide much-needed services to children in under-resourced communities. They are grateful to their donors, both past and present, for allowing them to continue their work. With your generosity they are able to make a meaningful difference.
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