The child and youth care centre which cares for 65 children placed by courts and social workers has a long history of excellence, again recognised by this year's awards.
Nazley Giquel, Heather Howard, Vanessa Theophilus, Ernie Nightingale and Victoria Soutar at the Ethelbert Child and Youth Centre's annual Spring Tea. PHOTO: Evelyn Morris
ETHELBERT Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC), as well as its resident social worker, Kasthuri (Cassie) Naidoo’s incredible work with children, has been recognised with municipal awards.
eThekwini Municipality, together with KZN’s Department of Social Development, hosted the Pinetown Community Development awards which acknowledges the efforts of organisations and people working to make a change in the community and the world.
“This August marked a special turning point in the course of our journey at Ethelbert Child and Youth Care Centre. As a team we continually strive to provide high-quality, holistic childcare for all of our children, past and present, so that our vision of ‘ensuring every child is given the opportunity to outgrow their trauma and thrive in an environment of care, love and security, free of prejudice’ is realised,” said Ethelbert CYCC’s director, Vanessa Theophilus.
“What a humbling experience when every effort put into delivering excellence is recognised among our peers and key stakeholders within the social welfare sector.
“Ethelbert CYCC is the proud recipient of the 2019 Best Children’s Home award, while our resident social worker, Kasthuri (Cassie) Naidoo, won in the 2019 Best Social Worker category!” she added.
Nazley Giquel, funding partnership manager for the home, said that as an organisation, Ethelbert CYCC is grateful for the acknowledgement. She added that the home was committed to continuing to deliver a level of excellence in childcare recognised as creating positive change in the lives of children and the community at large.
“A special thank you to all our partners, loyal supporters and friends who consistently lift us up in our efforts and assist to make all the difference. We share this award with you!”
Cheryl Bane and Lindiwe Mthembu from Umhlali WA, enjoying some refreshment before the day’s festivities began. PHOTO: Lynese Morris
Jean Esterhuizen caught enjoying a giggle at something said at her table while waiting for the tea to begin. PHOTO: Lynese Morris
Megan Smith from Umhlali WA travelled down to enjoy the morning at Ethelbert and represent her town on the north coast. PHOTO: Lynese Morris
WA District Justice and Service Secretary, Anne Roberts and Jenny Jones.
Hazel Stanley, Ernie Nightingale and Rev Lauren Matthews.
Women from all over the Coastal District of the Province’s WA attended the tea and took the opportunity to catch up with each other.
Glynnis Williamson, Vanessa Theophilus and Olwen Cranston took a moment to pose for a picture before the tea began. PHOTO: Lynese Morris
Past director and Principal of what used to be known as Ethelbert Children’s Home, Ernie Nighingale delivering a humorous anecdote at the Spring tea with an important message about sticking to choices despite all odds. PHOTO: Evelyn Morris
One of the supportive groups which Ethelbert Children’s Home, as it used to be known, relies on for not just helping with funding, but also with other tasks, is the Women’s Auxiliary (WA) of the Methodist Churches of South Africa.
For these supporters, the home recently held its annual Spring Tea. Each attendee was sent home with a bookmark carrying one of the children’s names for them to keep in their Bibles and pray for.
The event was well supported by women from various branches of the WA as well as current district president, Heather Howard and Rev Lauren Matthew of Manning Road Methodist Church representing Rev Linda Mandindi, Bishop of the Natal Coastal District.
After the tea and speeches by former director, Ernie Nightingale, Vanessa Theophilus and Miss Earth SA finalist, Victoria Soutar, the gathering was treated to a quick, fun lesson in the Samba, by Gillian Te Brugge and Faheem Gharafory of Sabrosa Salsa.
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