FOUNDED in 1907 as Ethelbert Children’s Home and Orphanage, the organisation later became known as Ethelbert Children’s Home and was affectionately referred to simply as “the Home”.

With changes in child-care legislation and the development of a more professional, child-centred approach to residential care, it became Ethelbert Child and Youth Care Centre.

Based in Malvern, Queensburgh, Ethelbert has been caring for vulnerable children for 119 years.

“Today, we are a registered Child and Youth Care Centre providing full-time residential care, protection and therapeutic support to children who have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment, family breakdown and other circumstances that have placed them in need of care and protection,” said director, Vanessa Theophilus.

The centre cares for 60 children, ranging in age from approximately 18 months to 18 years.

Theophilus said the children are placed in their care through the Children’s Court, and they work closely with the Department of Social Development and various child welfare and placement agencies throughout KZN.

Also read: Littlies share their ‘he-art’ with Ethelbert

“It is important to us that people understand that Ethelbert is not simply a place where children live. We aim to create a home, somewhere children can feel safe, experience stability and belonging, continue their education, receive therapeutic and developmental support, and have the opportunity to simply be children. Wherever possible, we also work towards the successful reunification of children with their families or other appropriate family-based care.”

After 119 years of service, the director said confidently that they think the founders, Thomas and Frances Corbishley, would be most proud that something born from their own profound loss has continued to create hope for generations of children.

“Ethelbert began as a memorial to their young son, Ethelbert, but 119 years later his name represents far more than a building or an institution. It represents thousands of individual stories, children who have found safety, families who have been reunited, young people who have gone on to build lives of their own, and generations of staff, volunteers, donors and community members who have chosen to care.

“If the Corbishleys walked into Founders’ Day today, we think they would recognise the heart of what they started. The buildings have changed, our understanding of child and youth care has evolved enormously, and the needs of children have changed, but their original act of compassion is still alive.”

Love lives here

The one core value at the heart of Ethelbert is love and that is evident from the bright smiles from the ECD learners when you enter their classroom.

“Our motto is ‘Where Love Counts,’ and that really is at the centre of everything we do. For us, love is much more than affection. It means showing up consistently. It means providing safety, structure, dignity and opportunity. It means advocating for a child, celebrating their achievements, sitting alongside them through difficult moments and continuing to believe in their potential when they may struggle to see it themselves.”

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She said there are many unsung heroes and naming everyone would be almost impossible, but one person whose contribution deserves particular recognition is Ernie Nightingale.

“Ernie was a pioneer in Child and Youth Care and played an important role in shaping the philosophy and practise of care at Ethelbert. At a time when residential care was often institutional in nature, he championed a more child-centred approach, one built around relationships, belonging and creating a home-like environment for children. His influence helped establish principles of care that continue to resonate in the work we do today.

“His legacy reminds us that caring for vulnerable children is about far more than meeting their physical needs. It is about recognising each child as an individual, building meaningful relationships and creating an environment in which they can feel safe, valued and able to grow.”

The centre also honoured Theophilus and the dedicated staff team, who carry an enormous responsibility in ensuring that Ethelbert continues to provide quality care despite the increasing challenges facing the child and youth care sector.

“We are fortunate, too, to have a committed board, volunteers, members of the Methodist Church, donors and supporters who quietly give their time, expertise and resources. And perhaps our greatest unsung heroes are the children themselves. Many have experienced circumstances no child should have to navigate, yet every day we see extraordinary courage, humour, determination and hope from them.”

In many ways, the people may change from generation to generation, but the thread remains the same: people choosing to show up for children and believing that the quality of the care given today can change the course of a child’s tomorrow.

Ethelbert’s greatest wish is that every child leaves Ethelbert knowing that their circumstances do not define their future.

“We want them to know that they are worthy of love, dignity and opportunity; that what happened to them is only one part of their story and not the ending.”

In addition, Theophilus said Ethelbert could never have reached this milestone without the Queensburgh community and the many individuals, churches, businesses, trusts and organisations who have walked alongside them.

“There are many ways to become part of our village. Readers can support us financially through once-off or regular donations, contribute towards specific projects or items on our wish list, volunteer their time and skills, support our fundraising events, or encourage their businesses and organisations to partner with us.”

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