I Care’s Lower Illovo homes partner with police to raise awareness

SAPS Amanzimtoti joined forces with I Care staff and volunteers last Thursday, 9 March for an awareness morning in Tateville, Lower Illovo.

I Care’s three family homes are situated within the close community of Tateville, Lower Illovo.

The NGO has been transforming the lives of street children for 15 years. Its holistic programme covers awareness, outreach, rehabilitation, housing/shelter, education and skills and job creation.

I Care owns three purpose-built family homes where the boys live in a family environment with their house parents. They come to these houses after completing the I Care rehabilitation programme.

During this campaign, and in speaking with the community, it was found that a common concern is shared about a registered sports bar running from a house within the village, directly opposite the I Care houses. There was no consultation or approval from immediate neighbours or the village during the application process.

Apart from the above, the village is a family-orientated and peaceful community who are willing to assist I Care to mentor these children.

I Care appeals to the community to be good mentors and examples to them, while understanding the background of these children. I Care have also appealed to the community to be its eyes and ears as well. “After all, it takes a village to raise a child,” said an I Care spokesman.

The NGO thanks Captain van Der Spuy and her team from Amanzimtoti SAPS who joined I Care staff and volunteers in taking to the streets to hand out flyers and have conversations with local residents last week.

For more information, or to make a donation, call 031-572-6870.