Protecting children - and ensuring they have a bright future

Never in the history of our country have children been so vulnerable to abuse of all kinds – much of it beyond belief, in communities where poverty, violence, disease, hunger and depravity are rife.

The premature loss of innocence and the likelihood of a future life of crime and hopelessness underscore the importance of organisations providing Early Childhood Development services. Not only do they step in to provide a safe and stimulating environment for the little ones, they also assume responsibility for educating parents, helping them to gain parenting skills and restore family life.

Early Learning Service Organisation [ELSO]

Our ELSO programme has been in operation since 1982, when a group of women in the Elsies River area approached CWD for assistance in setting up a children's day care centre.

Over the years we have set up dozens of schools and Educare Centres [11 of which are run from our own buildings] and successfully upgraded 14 informal settlement creches.

Today, ELSO's services reach over 3 300 children under the age of six at 45 schools. No child is turned away because their parents can't afford to pay the fees.

Apart from education and a safe environment, the children receive nutritious food and their health is monitored, especially those affected by HIV/AIDS or Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Funds are needed on an ongoing basis to:

• provide and train staff;
• assist with subsidy and government registration;
• upgrade & expand facilities, e.g. provide containers, fences, roofs, and toilets;
• provide equipment such as chairs, tables, mattresses and outdoor play equipment;
• provide toys, books, clothes and other items;
• provide food;
• monitor, evaluate and solve problems.

If you would like to make a contribution towards any of these needs, please click here.