I Care prioritises safety of street boys during lockdown

THE staff at I Care have been outstanding in their efforts to educate, plan and carry out the necessary tasks that will ensure the safety of their boys under these trying circumstances.

I Care has been looking after, rehabilitating, educating and empowering street boys in the city for the past 18 years.

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“We are blessed to have a contingent of extremely loyal and caring staff who have been instrumental in the care of these children through these trying times.  We have to be extremely vigilant in keeping both our children and staff safe and healthy,” said I Care marketing manager, Gail Elson.

“The planning and implementation of the lockdown was carried out smoothly and the hurdles were overcome with great commitment.”

Elson said their 3  I Care Houses and Umuzi Rehabilitation Centre, collectively housing 35 children and 11 houseparents, have been in total lockdown since 18 March 2020, allowing no visitors at all.

“Full DSTV packages were installed at each facility as well as new 4-in 1 game tables purchased for entertainment, as these boys are an amazing and very energetic bunch of boys.   All facilities have the necessary education, sanitisation and protection necessary.

“To keep an eye on the boys and staff we are being strict with regular temperature checks and charting.  We thank DSD for their input and support. Our outreach team continues to work during this period of lockdown, providing any urgent needs,” said Elson.

She said Sakhimpilo@ Jump Youth Mission (JYM) I Care is working in collaboration with Jump Youth Mission in Buffelsdraai, where their older boys are going through the Rehabilitation Programme Sakhimpilo, and are about to begin their skills training.

“We currently have six I Care boys staying at JYM, under the loving and spiritual guidance of Valery and Kevin.  All the necessary safety and hygiene precautions are in place and this facility is practising social distancing and complete lockdown while going through their daily programmes.

“Their aftercare manager has delivered 12 food parcels to families in need and will also ensure that the outpatient detox boys get to their clinic appointments each week.

“Six aftercare boys are waiting patiently at home to be called in to start the programme once the lockdown enforcement has been lifted,” said Elson.

She added that they have been blessed to have just become the proud owners of a lovely piece of ground at this time which gives the boys their own turf to play on.

“They can kick balls and have games in a safe place.  This piece of land is right next to two of our family houses in Lower Illovo.”

I Care said they would like to thank everyone for the prayers and concern shown at this time.

“Thank you for the generous donations of sandwiches, fruit and Easter eggs.  “We will be playing the part of the Easter Bunny on Sunday and dropping the treats off with the children in the houses and rehab centre,” added Elson.

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