Protecting the most vulnerable
Izulu Orphan Projects with support centres in Mevamhlophe and Ngqamuzana, completed construction of a 24-hour safe house.
IN rural KwaZulu-Natal a large percentage of sexual abuse or domestic violence incidents are not reported to authorities.
This means young or vulnerable victims of these crimes are often not provided with vital physical and emotional support needed under these circumstances.
Izulu Orphan Projects (IOP), a local non-profit organisation with support centres in Mevamhlophe and Ngqamuzana, this month completed construction of a 24-hour safe house at their largest support centre.
The house, built entirely through financial assistance of donors, will see victims of sexual violence, domestic abuse, violent crime and abandonment offered a safe home, nourishment from the IOP’s kitchen and emotional care while IOP support staff ensure their cases are entered into both the criminal and social welfare systems.
Built within the secured perimeter of the Ngqamuzana IOP Support Centre 16km from central Empangeni, the home will be permanently occupied by a resident house mother, who will ensure the women and children who seek refuge here are provided with, among other things, medical care where necessary.
‘This is an urgent need within the community, and we have put a lot of prayer, time and thought into the development of this system,’ said General Manager and Founder of IOP Kate Bain.
‘Girls and boys will have separate accommodation and separate ablutions, while our existing IOP soup kitchen and feeding scheme will ensure the vulnerable residents have healthy meals.
‘Our support staff will act as liaison between the residents and local community caregivers, as well as police and the tribal authorities,’ she said.
Pressing needs
There are still many needs to be seen to before the safe house is fully operational, including the securing of sponsorship for various home items such as bunk beds, lounge, a washer and dryer, comfort items, toys and books for a small library.
The Mr Price Red Cap Foundation this month generously sponsored R8 000 worth of soft furnishings, including curtaining, linen and bedroom furniture.
‘We are so grateful this project is coming to life through the support of our donors and the Mr Price Red Cap Foundation,’ said Bain.
If anyone is able to assist in the completion of this project, they are asked to urgently contact IOP Marketing and Fund-raising Officer Laurie Smith on 078 2223858.
