Workload increases at Child Welfare

CHILD Welfare, South Africa (CWSA), Port Shepstone held its 18th annual general meeting at Port Shepstone Junior Primary hall last Thursday.

This organisation renders its services, from dealing with HIV/Aids to poverty and poor housing and sanitation, to 55 different areas within Ray Nkonyeni (formerly know as Hibiscus Coast) Municipality.

The organisation has five full-time social workers and two contract workers to cover these areas. The demand for service is always on the increase, but the human resources on the ground are inadequate to provide the community with more than they are offering.

Its primary focus is children under the age of 12 and the organisation works closely with various role players to provide an efficient service to the community. 

The association has been able to ensure continued services due to support from various sponsorship from individuals and companies.

Chairman Basil Naidoo said services at Port Shepstone are stretched to the limit, but they have coped. “It has been a tumultuous year. The workload quadruples and there is an ever-increasing demand for social services data to be furnished on time,” he said. He thanked every staff member for their outstanding work.

In his address, guest speaker and president of CWSA Ajith Ramasar said to have to sustain a non-profit organisation in hardship over such a lengthy period is a remarkable achievement.

He praised the community of Port Shepstone, members and staff of the society for doing a sterling job. “The world that we live in can sometimes be very cruel especially to children. There is a perception that the world places a greater emphasis on other issues than the plight of our children,” said Mr Ramasar.

Child Welfare societies countrywide play a vital and crucial role within the communities they represent. Numerous services are rendered to the needy in the community and these include statutory services, relief, counselling, foster care, child protection and a host of other services. Lack of adequate funding as well as a dearth of volunteers make it extremely difficult for any non-profit organisation to survive.

Our vision is to lead the way in the achievement of a safe and caring environment for children. Our mission is to promote, protect and enhance the safety, well-being and healthy development of children, – Ajith Ramasar

Child Welfare South Africa has its main decision making body, called the General Assembly, which meets every three years. This forum is where all affiliates gather and discuss matters that affect children. This year the assembly meets at Bloemfontein in mid September.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram

For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033