Family Care fights on in spite of severe challenges
In the current challenging economic climate, without government funding for the NPO's running costs, this has been a tough year for RBFC
‘LET us inspire and teach our children humanity and empathy, not by words alone, but by conduct so the prevalent culture of corruption, poverty and violence can be eradicated.’
These were the words of outgoing chairperson of Richards Bay Family Care (RBFC), Renier Botha, at the organisation’s annual general meeting.
In the current challenging economic climate, without government funding for the NPO’s running costs, this has been a tough year for RBFC.
But in spite of this, RBFC was able to continue with its mandate of attending to the welfare of the community’s vulnerable children.
The past year saw RBFC’s five social workers and two auxiliary social workers handle a total of 789 cases, both short and long term.
Statistics show an increase in violence against women and children within the RBFC’s area of operation, with a sharp increase in child sexual abuse cases where the perpetrators are children themselves.
While studies show that juvenile or adolescent offenders, when provided with appropriate treatment, are more receptive than adult offenders, a lack of rehabilitation placements for juvenile perpetrators means this is not a viable option within the region.
Other challenges facing RBFC is a lack of facilities for children needing permanent professional care, parents and caregivers with mental illnesses, severe delays in adoption finalisation matters and social relief.
Thanks to generous donations of the public, RBFC was able to feed about 500 families during the year in review.
But this can only be done through community support which, this year, came in the form of numerous school and other donation drives, which helped fill the RBFC pantry in times of need.
‘We are grateful for the support received from the community. It is because of them that we were able to feed hundreds of destitute families,’ said Zakithi Shezi, RBFC Social Work Supervisor.
After the AGM the new committee was introduced, which will be headed by incoming Chairperson, René Bekker.
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