Since rebranding in 2017,
Uviwe Child & Youth Services has proactively helped hundreds of young
people overcome the anger, trauma and grief of living in abusive homes and gang-ridden
communities.
Formerly known as Childline
Port Elizabeth, the 107-year-old organisation has transitioned from a reactive,
statutory entity to one that specialises in the prevention of child abuse,
neglect and exploitation.
The focus has also fallen on
equipping adults with parenting skills that can make a significant difference
in the lives of their offspring.
Uviwe was one of three
non-profits to receive R50 000 donations as beneficiaries of the annual SPAR
Eastern Cape Golf Day.
The organisation will put the
money towards learning and nutritional needs at its centres in St Adams Drive
in Gelvandale, Kobus Road in New Gelvandale and Schauderville.
Uviwe human resources and
operations manager Trudie Beneder described the windfall as a “blessing”.
“The donation came as quite
a surprise, and a very nice surprise if I may add,” she said.
“Without the support of
communities and companies it becomes very difficult for NGOs to perform their
duties.
“SPAR has unknowingly filled
a large gap for us, as another corporate was unable to approve funding because
of the tough economic environment.”
As the retail group invested
heavily in programmes aimed at uplifting South Africa’s youth, SPAR EC
advertising manager Roseann Shadrach said identifying Uviwe as a beneficiary had
been a no-brainer.
She said as the retailer
supported various initiatives aimed at fighting domestic and gender-based
violence, the youth services organisation’s services spoke to two of its most
crucial pillars as a business.
“Our children are our future
and, by assisting an incredible organisation like Uviwe meets its targets, we
are contributing to their growth as they can leave their past behind to follow
their dreams.”
Beneder explained that the
rebranding and remodelling exercise seven years earlier had proved highly
beneficial.
Where previously the
organisation had aided youth across Gqeberha, it now predominantly helps those
in the northern areas suburbs of Schauderville, Gelvandale and Booysen Park.
“The more areas you service,
the less you can deepen the service. Our focus is now more on quality than
quantity.
“If you increase
preventative work, your statutory work becomes less.”
Beneder said the NGO also
aimed to enhance family relationships as it contributed to the “healthiness of
our communities”.
At Uviwe’s early childhood
development centres, located at all three facilities, toddlers are offered
nutritional, educational and stimulation programmes to prepare them for Grade
R.
The Schauderville branch,
meanwhile, also offers the Boys and Girls Club, where primary school children
receive homework support, life skills training, sporting opportunities and indulge
in recreation activities.
Uviwe’s Siya Phambili Youth
Empowerment Programme is a notable initiative at both the Schauderville and New
Gelvandale premises.
It is aimed at unemployed
youth and comprises five modules – personal wellness, digital literacy,
entrepreneurship as well as workplace and financial skills – to help them
become job-ready.
Additionally, the parenting
programme at these two branches helps adults engage better with their children
and emphasises the value of investing time and care in their development.
Individual counselling and
group therapy sessions are also available, while a holiday club is hosted at
the Kobus Road building when schools break up.
“We want to make sure no
child is left behind,” Beneder said. “Uviwe is here to ensure our youth are
looked after.”
