Early Christmas party and love for children

MBOMBELA - The SAVF Nelspruit social work office has been providing child protection services in the CBD and surronding farming communities for the past 82 years.

At present, the organisation engages with about 2 500 vulnerable children.

It is holding a Christmas party for 100 vulnerable children and their families at Dakota Ranch on December 9, and is hoping for some generous Christmas spirit to help achieve its aims.

SAVF Nelspruit is a child protection organisation that often addresses child abuse involving physical, emotional and sexual abuse, including the removal of children from dire circumstances into foster care or to caregivers. The organisation endeavours to ensure that children suffering maltreatment are taken care of. Most of the children it assists live in dire circumstances.

Many children are unable to speak or advocate for themselves and are subjected to neglect, abuse or impoverished situations.

The organisation advocates for children and families within the social and community context. Therapy, counselling and psychological support is offered to children by the social worker to help cope with trauma and aggravated mental issues. The child protection practitioner usually conducts a home visit and drives to schools and communities in order to attend to children in need.

The organisation also focuses on orphans and vulnerable children and their families. Such children have often lost their parents and are placed under the foster care of grandparents or caregivers.

SAVF Nelspruit has a welfare relief programme that provides children with school uniforms, food parcels and clothes. For those who cannot afford to pay school fees, the social worker writes a school fees reduction letter or pays the amount, if the funds are available.

Due to financial constraints, the organisation finds it difficult to achieve all its goals and requests the public's assistance. Essential needs include food parcels, school shoes, school uniforms and casual clothes. There is a permanent call for "safety parents", holiday parents, volunteers and fundraising volunteers.

The Christmas party is meant for the kids to enjoy themselves as well as to interact with other children. Any donations to make this day enjoyable for the children, will be much appreciated. Contact Lesego Diloana on 013 752 6241 or 0864 814 911.