Childline Mpumalanga says despite losing funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), its mission to help the people of the province remains the same. Childline offers a 24-hour toll-free helpline (116) for children and families in crisis. It serves as a lifeline for those experiencing violence, abuse or other emergencies, and it receives about 35 000 calls annually.

The loss of funds comes after the 90-day pause in USAID funding, under the directive of the new US administration, became an official termination of support. There are various other organisations in Mpumalanga and across the country that have also been placed under financial pressure due to this. USAID and its flagship initiative, the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, have been assisting with the funding of Childline.

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The organisation received the funds through the Networking HIV and Aids Community of Southern Africa.
Dr Benita Nel, the director of Childline Mpumalanga, said the loss of the USAID funding was a massive blow to the organisation and its activities.

She said immediately after they were informed of the termination, they reviewed their new financial situation and how the organisation’s vision and mission would now be fulfilled.

According to her, the USAID provided a much-needed boost for Childline’s ability to reach rural, underdeveloped and vulnerable areas. She said while the loss of funding impacted their activities, it still remains their responsibility to protect children.

“For the past seven years we have been able to work directly in communities across Mpumalanga, preventing gender-based violence [GBV] through specific programmes focused on young girls and women.”

Childline Mpumalanga plays a vital role in the community. Its services include responding to people who have experienced the trauma of GBV and reported it to its social workers.

They have collaborated with various communities and provincial governments to ensure they address community members’ needs and develop safety nets to prevent the abuse of children and adults, identify incidents early, and report them to the correct service providers. Childline then follows up and provides support to children and women.

“We have stopped our awareness and prevention services to communities across the province, although we still have social workers in Mbombela, Nkomazi, Bushbuckridge, eMalahleni, Ermelo, Volksrust, Evander and Bethal, who are working close with our helpline team to respond to children and women in distress.”

Besides having to stop their awareness programmes, Childline Mpumalanga had to terminate 110 employees’ contracts. Ten other staff members had their duties restructured and their salaries reduced. “And since the vehicles our office used were owned by USAID, we also have limited transport for our social workers to get around and assist the children and families we serve.”

Nel said the Dreams and Intensive Economic Strengthening programmes ended abruptly by the end of January.

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“The Dreams Programme focused on GBV prevention among young girls and women, empowering them to be assertive and report abuse, and also responding to those who reported abuse at healthcare facilities. We were also implementing an Intensive Economic Strengthening Programme for young girls and women who were at risk and could benefit from becoming financially independent. This entailed financial literacy and building a career by studying, finding employment or becoming an entrepreneur.”

This organisation needs support to continue the work it does in the community.

“Childline Mpumalanga relies on community support and partnerships to sustain its operations. Individuals and organisations can contribute by volunteering, donating or participating in awareness campaigns. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and help them thrive. Any donation of a vehicle would be highly appreciated. Anyone who is interested in making a difference can also fund a social worker’s post for a year,” said Nel.