Durbanville Kinderhuis

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YEAR IN REVIEW: A YEAR OF GRATITUDE, GROWTH & COMMUNITY

As we reflect back on the year that has passed, our hearts are filled with nothing but gratitude. Every event, every partnership, every sponsor and every person who chose to stand beside us this year reminded us that this work, caring, guiding and building futures for our children, is not carried alone. We carry it together. This year showed us again what is possible when compassion becomes action, when community becomes family, and when hope becomes a shared mission. ANNUAL BALL – MAY 2025 Hosted at the beautiful Eensgezind venue, our Great Gatsby themed Annual Ball set the tone for the year. A night of elegance, live music and celebration, but most importantly, a night of gratitude for those who make our work at the home possible. The incredible Moonshine Band had the crowd dancing, Success Lekabe led the evening as our charismatic MC, and none other than Barry Hilton took the stage as our auctioneer. AV Staging Workx lit up the venue with immaculate screens and lighting, AVZ Décor transformed the room into classic 1920s glamour, and Bus Cuisine served a menu that absolutely wowed our guests. A deeply moving highlight was when the City of Cape Town and Mayor Gordin Hill Lewis generously donated R150,000 towards the Home. This moment symbolized support beyond funding, it represented belief. Belief in our children. Belief in our mission. Belief in the future we are actively building. LADIES BREAKFAST – AUGUST Hosted at Mistico Equestrian Centre, our “Ready To Flamingle” themed Ladies Breakfast celebrated the fierce and phenomenal women who hold up our Home; mothers, caregivers, donors, sponsors, volunteers and our girls who are becoming strong young women right before our eyes. Kos Kouture served exquisite meals, AV Staging Works and AVZ Decor elevated the space into pink, playful vibrance, Mel die Storieverteller left the room in stitches and tears, and Guy McDonald alongside Success Lekabe made the morning unforgettable. It was a morning of giggles, friendship, softness, connection… and reminder that women carry so many worlds on their shoulders. And this morning, we carried theirs too. FUNDRAISING CONCERT – OCTOBER This year marked a very special milestone as we hosted our first ever fundraising concert in collaboration with Barnyard Theatre Tygervalley, and what an incredible success it was. We journeyed through the best of 20th vs. 21st century music and the room was electric. We danced, we laughed, we sang, we celebrated nostalgia and created new memories all in one night. We sold out 90% of our tickets and the response was so overwhelming, so meaningful and so full of community unity that we are thrilled to share that this concert will officially be returning next year. This event was more than entertainment. This event was awareness, visibility and celebration, and it reminded us how powerful shared experiences can be for impact. ANNUAL GOLF DAY – OCTOBER Our Annual Golf Day at Durbanville Golf Club was a bright, energetic and unforgettable day from sunrise to long after the last putt. With more than 20 sponsored wet holes across the course, partners like Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, Jive and JKL Holdings brought extraordinary generosity and spirit. Guy McDonald led as MC and Auctioneer as the day rolled seamlessly into a festive evening celebration of good food, great laughs and community giving. Through auction bids and pledges, we raised close to R100,000 towards the upgrade of Huis Andrag – our satellite home in Kraaifontein. Every single one of those contributions leads to real transformation, tangible change and improved living spaces for our young people. If you would like to contribute to the upgrade of our Satellite home, the bridge between institutionalisation and the real world for our school leavers, please feel free to make a donation HERE As We Close This Year… Every event was more than just a date on a calendar.Every event was a brick in the foundation of a stronger future for our children. This has been a year of doors opening. A year of favour. A year where we felt the arms of community wrap around our Home again and again. As we look ahead to 2026 We step into the new year with intention, renewed purpose and expectation, that the same community who stood beside us this year will continue to walk with us into what comes next. We are dreaming boldly. Planning for more impact. Building better environments for our children. Preparing for stories yet to unfold. But before this year closes… We invite you to consider ending the year with a gift from the heart.Your year-end support fuels the final months of provision, stabilises our January transition period, and sets us up strong for the start of 2026. Whether it is a donation, a pledge, a new partnership or a simple share forward of our work, your contribution will create real, lasting, meaningful impact in the lives of our children. Thank you for standing with us.Thank you for believing in us.And thank you for giving our children a home, filled with love, belonging, opportunity and hope.

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Future Champions 20th Year Event: Celebrating Athletic Talent in Children’s Homes

What is the Future Champions Sports Event? On 20th September 2025, Bernadino Heights School became the stage for one of the most anticipated youth sporting events in Cape Town—the 20th annual Future Champions event, hosted by Durbanville Children’s Home. The Future Champions sports day was first introduced in 2005 with a simple but powerful goal: to bring together children from different children’s homes in the area and give them the opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities, build friendships, and feel celebrated. Many children living in care homes face difficult circumstances, often feeling isolated or set apart from their peers in the community. Future Champions was created to change that narrative. It gives children the chance to be spotlighted for their talents, to share in the joy of competition, and to experience a day where they are united in celebration rather than defined by their challenges. The History and Legacy of Future Champions Over the past two decades, Future Champions has grown into far more than just a sporting event—it has become a tradition of unity, pride, and empowerment. Since its inception, the day has brought together thousands of children from homes across the region, offering them an experience that is both uplifting and unforgettable. The event has always been about more than winning medals or trophies. It’s about children learning the values of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. For many, it’s also the first time they’ve had the opportunity to compete in front of cheering crowds, with their achievements celebrated and their efforts recognised. As Durbanville Children’s Home celebrates 20 years of this special event, it is clear that the vision planted in 2005 has blossomed into something extraordinary. Highlights of the 2025 Future Champions Event This year’s edition of Future Champions was filled with excitement, determination, and heart. The competition saw participation from six homes: Children competed in a variety of athletic activities that showcased their speed, strength, and endurance. The energy on the field was electric, with cheers echoing from teammates and supporters as each race, jump, and throw unfolded. The competition was thrilling right to the end. In a nail-biting finish, Durbanville Children’s Home clinched the win by just 2 points. HAM followed closely in second place, while Herberg proudly secured third. While the results brought joy and celebration, what stood out most was the spirit of camaraderie and encouragement. Children celebrated each other’s victories, cheered loudly for their competitors, and walked away with smiles and stories to last a lifetime. Why Children’s Sports Days Like Future Champions Matter Events like Future Champions are about far more than a single day of sport. They are about creating belonging and building confidence in children who may otherwise feel overlooked. Sports have a unique ability to teach life lessons. Through competition, children learn discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Through participation, they feel valued, supported, and celebrated. And through community gatherings like this, they are reminded that they are not alone in their journeys. For Durbanville Children’s Home and the other participating homes, Future Champions is also a chance to shine a light on the resilience and strength of the children in their care. It is a day that says: “You matter. Your talents matter. And your community is here to celebrate you.” Thank You to Our Future Champions Sponsors The success of the Future Champions 20th Year event would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors. A heartfelt thank you goes to: Your contributions meant that every child could participate fully, without worry, and with the energy needed to give their best. We are deeply grateful for your support in making this milestone event possible. How You Can Support Future Champions Future Champions is not just a once-off celebration—it is an annual event that continues to bring joy and empowerment to children year after year. To ensure its continued success, we rely on the support of our incredible community of donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Here are some ways you can get involved: Every contribution, whether big or small, makes a tangible difference in giving these children a day they will never forget. The Future of Future Champions As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Future Champions, we look to the future with excitement and hope. The event has become a pillar of connection and celebration for children from across the region, and we are determined to keep growing it year after year. With the help of sponsors, volunteers, and supporters, Future Champions can continue to shine a light on the talents, resilience, and joy of children in care homes for decades to come. If you would like to be part of this life-changing event, please reach out to Durbanville Children’s Home at kv1@dchome.org.za. Together, we can ensure that Future Champions continues to inspire, uplift, and celebrate children for the next 20 years—and beyond. For more info on what we do at Durbanville Children’s Home, please visit www.durbanvillekinderhuis.org.za

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A Home Away from Home

In South Africa, we’re a nation with close to 19 million children under the age of 18. But for far too many, childhood is marked by hardship, loss, and instability. Today, about 2.8 million children in our country are orphans. Of these, more than 580,000 have lost both parents. Add to that nearly 4.5 million children living without either parent at home, and the scale of the crisis becomes heartbreakingly clear. Behind every number is a child – a life disrupted, a story that matters. Why Are Children Taken into Care? Children enter care for many different reasons. Often, it’s not a lack of love – but rather a lack of safety, stability, or resources. The most common reasons include: • Loss of parents, often due to illness such as HIV/AIDS or other long-term conditions • Neglect and abuse, including emotional, physical, and sexual harm • Domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental illness in the home • Extreme poverty, which leaves many families unable to care for their children’s basic needs When home is no longer a safe place, the Children’s Court may place a child into foster care, kinship care, or a registered Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) – like ours. The Numbers Behind the Reality South Africa has between 306 and 345 registered CYCCs, housing around 21,000 children. In addition, over 1.5 million children are cared for by extended family members through informal kinship arrangements. Around 400,000 children are in official foster care, many supported through government child grants. A significant number of children remain in care until they turn 18 – the legal age of adulthood. Unfortunately, many never return home. The systems intended to help them often fall short, and too many young adults leave care unprepared for the realities of the world. Studies show that:• Over 75% of care-leavers earn below minimum wage. 1 in 3 are not in education, employment, or training a year after leaving care. Without proper aftercare, they are at high risk of homelessness, unemployment, and trauma relapse. How Durbanville Children’s Home Supports Our Children At Durbanville Children’s Home, we walk this journey with our children – not just until they’re 18, but far beyond. We are more than a safe place – we are a home. A place of healing. A community that believes every child deserves to thrive. And a place of comfort they are always welcomed back into, far after their time with us is over. Huis Andrag: Preparing for Independence Our satellite house, Huis Andrag, acts as a bridging home for our older children. Here, we guide them toward independence by helping them learn essential life skills – like cooking, budgeting, and time management – while still receiving daily support and mentorship. It’s a space where mistakes are learning moments, and small victories are celebrated. Rebuilding Family Bonds Wherever possible – and always in accordance with court orders – we work hard to reunite children with their families. We believe in the power of family, and we honour the emotional connections our children hold. We do this by: • Hosting family visits at our home • Arranging weekend and school holiday stays with relatives • Sending food packs to help ease the burden on families • Supporting regular communication between children and their biological parents Rebuilding these bonds takes time, care, and trust – but we believe it’s worth every effort. Healing Through Therapy Most of our children have experienced trauma – and so healing is central to everything we do. We provide: • Trauma counselling • Play therapy for younger children • Psychotherapy for emotional and behavioural supportWe help children make sense of their pain, build emotional resilience, and move forward in life with strength and confidence. Supporting Growth and Potential We are passionate about giving every child the chance to dream again. That’s why we support: • Academic success, through tutoring and school readiness programs • Sport and recreation, helping children discover teamwork, discipline, and joy • Creative outlets like music, art, and hobbies – so children can express themselves and explore their identity We aim to raise well-rounded, confident young people who know that their past does not define their future. What Can YOU Do? You can help us make a lasting difference. Donate: Your support helps us provide therapy, meals, school supplies, and more. Volunteer: Whether it’s tutoring, mentorship, or just showing up – your time matters. Share: Use your voice to raise awareness and tell others about the work being done. Every act of kindness is a step toward giving our children the future they deserve. A Hopeful Tomorrow At Durbanville Children’s Home, we believe that no child is too far gone, and no wound is too deep to heal. Every child deserves love, belonging, and the chance to build a future they’re proud of. Together – with our community- we can build that future. It stops with ME. And starts with US.

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A box of deodorant…

Smelling good is a luxury for some. Some of us like to smell as if we have sprayed the whole can of deodorant at once. Others don’t, especially those who struggle with allergies. Yesterday, some teenage girls helped to carry items to my office. That’s when they saw the box of deodorant supplies. “Auntie, can we have deodorant please?” We would like to smell nice for the December holidays. Now how can I say no, I am an advocate for smelling good. The girls were so excited, the deodorant was being sprayed left and right. The office was filled with various fragrances. When the girls left, I realized how we take something like a can of nice deodorant for granted. For them, it is a luxury. And that is why we are so grateful to everyone who reaches out and supports Durbanville Children’s Home so that we can make it possible for our children to enjoy a little “luxury”. May this festive season and the new year be a time for blessings and well-being for you and your loved ones Love and gratitude from everyone at Durbanville Children’s Home.

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A beautiful boy

In December there was a new admission to the Children’s Home, a beautiful boy of about 12 years old. When I saw him, the question arose in my mind: “Why is this child at the Children’s Home”? I felt sad because he reminded me of my son. I became so attached to this child; whenever I saw him, I had to give him a hug and a kiss. As time went on, not a day went by that I did not want to see him. I talked to his social worker and asked her if I could take Cody on a day trip. She gave permission and told me to just fill out a day trip form. At that same time, we lost a staff member to death and his funeral was on the day of our outing. Cody was worried that we wouldn’t be able to go on the day trip anymore and asked me if I wasn’t going to the funeral. I told him: “I made a promise to you and I’m not going to break it”. His social worker and I were just talking that very Friday about Cody who would still be in the Children’s Home for the next few years because there wasn’t any family coming forward. On that Saturday morning, my two sons and I picked Cody up at the Children’s Home and drove to N1 Mall. I met my daughter there, and she decided to spend the day with us. We were on our way to the “games”, when I looked where Cody was, and saw him hugging a lady. I immediately paused and moved closer to ask him who the lady was. The lady pressed him tightly against her, and there were other ladies with her as well. We introduced ourselves to each other and she mentioned that she was a family member on his father’s side – a “niece”. I explained that I was working at the Durbanville Children’s Home and that Cody had arrived at the Children’s Home the previous December. He was so emotional and started crying because he told me that he had last seen the family five years ago. We exchanged phone numbers and that same night she contacted me. I advised her to contact Cody’s social worker if she wanted to know more about him. His aunt connected with his social worker and Cody went to visit the aunt for the Youth Day long weekend and during the school holidays. I believe God planned that we should be at that specific place, on that specific day, at that specific time, so we could run into Cody’s family. Cody is such a sweet kid with the most beautiful manners; he is also very intelligent and does well in school. “My wish is that one day his aunt will take him out of the Children’s Home”.

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STORY of HOPE

“It won’t be for long, I promise you. We will work on our situation, and you will be back with us very soon”. As the saying goes famous last words. Your parents’ promises on the day of your admission to Durbanville Children’s Home echo in my mind as I write this, reflecting on your journey. Eight years later – and you are still here. Eight years in which you have overcome huge challenges; eight years in which you have watched your family fall apart and the downward spiral continues. Eight years in which your parent’s substance abuse, unemployment, domestic violence and at times homelessness meant that reunification was never an option. Their situation never improved. You watched your siblings making similar choices and their lives taking a similar path. However, you decided that no matter what, you would persevere and make a success of your life! You did it! You are an overcomer, a brave survivor. As you stand on the brink of writing your matric exams, your commitment to yourself and your future has paid off. Next year you will continue to follow your dream and study to become a teacher. As your social worker, I have watched you develop and grow from a timid, frightened child into a strong, beautiful young woman. Stories like yours make all the hard days worth it. The days when I look at the young lives in front of me, shattered and broken, I make the decision that, no matter what, I choose to keep believing, to keep fighting for them. To keep looking at today with tomorrow’s eyes and see a child who can make it. Go well young lady; thank you for the journey we could share. The rest is up to you, but please keep in touch!

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Playing with the clay

At the beginning of 2023, the Occupational Therapy division of DCH started a project where we put together boxes with educational, therapeutic and playtime resources for our preschool children. The boxes that were put together with a lot of toil and sweat, with the help of donations and wonderful businesses that supported us, finally went out to the houses. Because the initial intention was for the preschoolers to have something to do when all the others had to do homework, I stopped by one of the houses. To my surprise, I come across a completely unexpected picture! The teenagers from one of the girls’ houses are busy playing with the clay, while the primary school girls in the house lie together on the carpet, building puzzles. The preschoolers have a great time playing with the toys and discovering the big ‘lucky packet’. Where fighting and conflict are part of any household, something like toys and fun brings everyone together in moments of peace and enjoyment. No child is ever too old to play or to discover- this is a child’s profession and should be granted to them. To me It was a testimony of what we at DCH are trying to “get right”: that every child here will feel safe to grow, learn, discover, play and just to be themselves within their environment. Such moments shape our children. That is special.  

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The afternoon school run

It’s 12 o’clock and the afternoon school run begins. The drivers rush out of the home with their keys and driving route sheets in hand. As they fasten their seat belts for the drive, they take a deep breath – like the calmness before the storm. With a click of the keys the busses’ engines rumble – they are off. Pulling up at the first school, thoughts flood one’s mind. How was the children’s day at school? Did they behave? Are they all worked up or are they still deep in dreamland and you are the mean person who wakes them up? As the bus doors open and the children file into the bus, multiple emotions can be seen on their faces. Some are filled with glee and others need a comforting hug.   En route the children’s personalities shine through. Some sit quietly chatting with a friend about their day, others belt out the lyrics to their favorite radio songs. Throughout the journey, the bus ride serves as a vibrant social hub, fostering new friendships and strengthening existing bonds. Children exchange stories, share snacks, play games together, and build memories that would last a lifetime. The bus is a microcosm of their world, a place where they can be themselves and embrace the joy and wonder of childhood. Approaching the home, a mixture of excitement and a tinge of sadness fill the air. The children gather their items to disembark, their faces beaming a sense of bewilderment and joy. They eagerly await the next bus ride, knowing that more fun and exploration await them in the future. And so, with a chorus of cheerful goodbyes, the children hop off the bus, their voices fading into the distance. The bus driver waves them off as he pulls away for his next school route run.

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Mario’s Letter

Our day starts with kids who are excited to go to their different schools. They really look forward to the ride in the morning. Everyone has his or her reserved spot where they sit in the bus every day. It is always a pleasure to pick them up in the afternoons because then they always have stories to tell about the day’s events. The little ones usually ask a lot of questions. It is nice to get down to their level a little bit and answer their innocent questions as it would make sense to them. One day a girl very excitedly opened her bag and showed me her book: ”Oom look, look I got a seven for Maths today!” I sometimes feel like a father who can be very proud of his children. There is a girl who even made the Western Province team in athletics, and she was very proud of herself for this great milestone. She was so proud of her medals and the attention of the other children was focused on her all the time. The excitement lasted for weeks and had a very positive effect on the younger children. There is one little girl who doesn’t allow anyone to touch her hair, every little hair must be in place; she immediately complains when a friend touches her hair. And for the rest, it is fun to tease her about it – and so each has his or her own unique personality. All I can do is to remind them how special each of them is. I love telling them stories that make them realize how everything in life can affect your future, how to respect yourself and your friends and how to always stay positive. Sometimes they are hyperactive and then one must think of a plan to get them a little calmer again. It is always a good idea to get them singing at times like these. When the radio is turned back on, everyone has a request for the number they want to hear, and it can sometimes be very funny. Every day’s experience is different, but it is good to know that they are always happy, that they adapt to their circumstances and that they participate in the conversations and jokes.

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The Flower

With everything new and strange around me, and with a lot of uncertainty gnawing at me, I walked on the grounds of the Children’s Home on my first day. I started my new job that morning and my manager was taking me on a tour of the grounds. I had a lot to take in. With my attention focused on all the novelties I was trying to process, I felt a slight movement around my legs. Looking down, the most gorgeous two blue eyes stared up at me with a radiant smile. With his arms thrown around my legs in an embrace, the little blonde boy stood and looked up into my face and I heard him ask: “Hello Auntie, how is Auntie’s day?”. Ha-ha-ha, as if the young boy with the oversize suitcase knew exactly how completely overwhelmed this lady was feeling that day. With a smile, he handed me a blade of grass that he had picked on his way back from school and he turned and ran with the rest of his buddies to put their bags in their homes. It was at that moment, seven years ago, that I realised I was in the right place, the big change in my career was indeed the right one. With all that our children have been through in life, it is wonderful to see with how much enthusiasm and joy they can still look at the world and how much love they can give us from their broken hearts.

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