Makhulong Child and Youth Care Centre

Nurturing Hope, Building Futures: Makhulong Child & Youth Care Centre

Welcome to Makhulong Child & Youth Care Centre, where transformation and compassion unite to create a brighter future for vulnerable children. As a registered non-profit organisation with an exceptional B-BBEE SED recognition of 100%, we’ve been nurturing young lives since 1977. Departing from the old institutional approach in 1999, we embraced a new, decentralised model, placing our children in smaller homes closer to their original communities. This fosters a sense of belonging and allows them to flourish amidst familiar surroundings.

Makhulong is proudly affiliated with uMephi (AFM Welfare Council), a registered NGO housing over 90 projects dedicated to caring for ±300 traumatised children of all races, aged between 0 and 18 years. These children have faced the devastating effects of abuse, neglect, and abandonment, leading to their removal from their parents’ care. But hope shines through within our two houses, House Jabulani and House Shalom. Each home is guided by compassionate house parents, acting as substitute parents for the nine children in their care. Supported by qualified Social Workers, Councillors, and the Makhulong Child & Youth Care Centre Committee, we create a nurturing and healing environment, empowering these young souls to rise above their past and embrace a promising future. Join us in making a difference in their lives and participate in this incredible journey of love and transformation.

Target Groups: Children 2 - 18 years

Influenced Countries: South Africa

Activities

In-House Care: Children between 2 and 18 years are admitted and provided 24-hour care, addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs in a safe environment.
Recruitment, Screening, and Appointment: Staff and volunteers are recruited and screened according to legal requirements, ensuring all shifts are adequately filled.
Training and Empowerment: Staff and volunteers receive appropriate training to fulfil their roles effectively.
Management: The Management Committee oversees the project, manages HR and finances, and supports and monitors the organization’s functions.
Networking: Regular contact with the Welfare Sector and alignment with regulations ensure compliance and facilitate children’s placements.
Marketing: The project is promoted, and visibility is increased through media, companies, community bodies, and volunteer involvement.

Expected Outputs

Registered Safe Home: A legally registered and safe home is established, providing care to children in crisis.
Empowered Staff and Volunteers: Trained and empowered staff and volunteers provide quality care and support.
Effective Management: A functional Management committee oversees HR, finances, and project monitoring.
Community Engagement: The project is known and utilized as a resource in the community, involving donors, sponsors, and community members.

Expected Outcomes

Child Protection: Children in crisis receive immediate care and protection per the Children’s Act.
Job Creation: The project creates job opportunities for staff and volunteer positions.
Empowerment and Training: Staff and volunteers acquire new skills and knowledge, positively impacting their responsibilities.
Community Involvement: The community actively engages through time and resource contributions, supporting the project.
Donor and Sponsor Involvement: The project gains financial support and “in-kind” contributions from donors and sponsors.

Expected Impact

Increased Awareness: Communities become more sensitive and aware of children’s challenges in crisis.
Intervention Strategies: Communities gain knowledge of effective intervention strategies to safeguard children’s well-being.
Preventive Measures: Community-driven strategies are implemented to prevent child abuse, neglect, and abandonment.
Support for Orphans: The community develops pre-statutory intervention strategies to support orphans and children in crisis.