Clinical director of the Teddy Bear Foundation (TBF) Dr Shaheda Omar said that lockdown has not dampened the spirit at the foundation.
Omar was quick to institute innovative measures to ensure ongoing services amidst lockdown.
“The staff worked throughout lockdown with commitment and dedication – in order to ensure that there was no break in services – this despite the risks and for this they are commended,” said Omar.
Online and telephonic sessions were introduced in addition to face-to-face counselling with protective measures in place for staff and clients.
The foundation also assisted children cut off from the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) providing food parcels to children and families who have attended sessions virtually or in-person.
Together with Equal Education and the Centre for Child Law, TBF sought the resumption of NSNP during lockdown despite school, with judgment instated on 17 July.
TBF also distributed over 10 000 face masks to children in underprivileged communities near the start of lockdown.
Omar said that not all programmes at the foundation are on track as a result of Covid-19.
“Whilst we have implemented many innovative and special measures to try and ensure that children continue to receive services during this pandemic, we are still handicapped with access to schools and other institutions.”
Omar said the diversion programme (a support programme for abuse-reactive children) continues to receive referrals from the courts and is encouraging, court preparation has also continued and the second edition of the handbook on Children who sexually abuse other children has now been proofread by the coordinator and a law firm. The foundation is also working on the publication of a manual.
Omar was honoured to be selected to form part of the Interim Steering Committee for the National Framework on GBV and is consulting on the formation of an emergency response action plan.
The foundation now faces the new budget year with a deficit struggling following the withdrawal or reduction of major funders and the inability to host a number of major fundraisers.
Omar explained that the foundation’s vision is that children no longer experience abuse.
“…In a position where a child is abused, we are here to continue with professional services that will take them through their journey to healing and this will minimise secondary harm to children and their families.”
The foundation is committed to continue identifying and minimising risk for children and reaching out to the impact of GBV.
“TBF will continue conscientising communities on the safety of children and how it is necessary for everybody to make it their business to look out for children’s safety.”
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/335330/community-urged-to-assist-tbf/
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/272764/locals-swim-a-mile-for-abused-children/
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