Child Welfare celebrate in changing times

CHILD Welfare hosted their AGM last week at the Word of Truth Ministry, where great news was shared regarding the children currently being catered for by Child Welfare.

The event itself, albeit humble and modest, was a gathering of good people who spend their time in service, celebrating this year’s accomplishments for children in need of care.

Child Welfare Port Alfred is a non-profit organisation, responsible for the welfare of the needs of children under the age of 10 who have no one else to call family.

“To raise someone else’s child is not an easy task,” Child Welfare management committee chairman Arthur Isaacs said.

Isaacs thanked all his staff, from social workers to volunteers, and especially foster mothers at the organisation’s facilities. “They are the ones who take care of our children. Thank you for looking after them, we appreciate you,” Isaacs said.

According to Child Welfare treasurer Gunther Johannsen, the organisation had sufficient funds to keep it running for about a year, after meeting all its financial obligations. “We only had Lotto funding in this financial year,” Johannsen said, explaining that the Lotto Fund only provided funds every two years.

“We have just over R800 000 in the bank,” said Johannesen, who bade a personal farewell to the Child Welfare community, which he has been a part of for the past 10 years.

Even though the organisation receives social grants, Isaacs wished to dispel the false notion that a social grant equated to free money.

Isaacs said people tended to associate government grants with riches.

He said that even though the organisation had money in the bank; it needed to take a more corporate take on management procedures, as the increase in supply and demand in the national economy had led to an increase in financial pressure.

Isaacs said as more NPOs opened up, child welfare had been pushed lower down the financial support list.

He said the main factor behind the decrease in supply in a climate of increased demand fell on national governance in South Africa.

Isaacs extended an invitation to all to join and help the Child Welfare community.

Picture: LEBOGANG TLOU LOOKING AFTER THE CHILDREN: The Child Welfare Port Alfred AGM was well attended, with Ndlambe mayor Phindile Faxi attending to hear the good news about how Ndlambe children without homes are being well taken care of. From left, the committee for...