Child Welfare Germiston celebrated its 108th birthday on August 12.

The organisation has been serving communities since 1912. According to welfare director Barbara Bouwer, Germiston lies in the heart of Rand Goldfields founded in 1886.

“It officially became a town in 1903 and as the town grew, so did the need to support children and families. Initially, it focused on meeting the material needs of families when concerns were expressed about the high rate of children dying in South Africa, due to child labour and child neglect.”

She thanked individuals, local businesses, corporates and everyone who had supported the organisation over the years. “We have a proud heritage and history of making a difference in the lives of children and families.”

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History

• 1912 – On August 12, a meeting was held at the magistrate’s court under chairperson J Young. The aim was to discuss the possibility of a local branch of the Children’s Aid Society in Germiston. Rev Skey proposed and Rev Scott seconded, and the branch of the Children’s Aid Society was established. Initially, all meetings were held in the mayor’s parlour as the mayor was always part of the committee.

• 1924 – The organisation was affiliated to the National Council for Child Welfare, now known as Child Welfare South Africa, and their children’s day started in 1926.

• 1939 – The two organisations merged and formed Germiston Children’s Aid and Benevolent Society.

• 1945 – The first professional social worker was appointed.

• 1958 – Name changed to Germiston and District Child Welfare Society.

• 1958 – They relocated to bigger offices in Meyer Street.

• 1961 – A second social worker was appointed.

• 1965 – They relocated to their first owned property at 17 Long Street thanks to a legacy left to establish an office for the organisation. The caseload was 37 for a year in the early stages. In December, the first deposit was made into a savings account for the establishment of a temporary safe care facility.

• 1967 – A third social worker was appointed.

• 1969 – On June 19, the Constitution for the Jane Christopher’s Memorial Home was signed.

• 1970 – The Jane Christopher’s Memorial Home was established as temporary relief accommodation for women and children in distress, named after Jane Christopher, former chairperson of the organisation who died in a road accident in 1965. The home was the realisation of her dream.

• Fast track to 2020 – the welfare has had more than 100 staff members over the years who focus on child protection services and social work services to take care of children in Germiston and Katlehong.

Barbara said she is proud to be part of a team dedicated to helping every person who comes through their doors.

“We will keep going. We will stay strong and continue to do what needs to be done.” The non-profit and non-government welfare is dependent on the support of individuals, corporate and fund-raising events for financial sustainability.

Visit www.childwelfaregermiston.org.za for more information on how to get involved.

Have a story?

Contact the newsroom by emailing:Editor at germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist) busiv@caxton.co.za.

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