WESSA Annual Report 2023-2024

A key focus of the project is to bring about a shift in community attitudes and governmental approaches to child welfare and environmental management. By aligning with the Blue Flag programme, the project also advocates for policy changes in how law enforcement and public services handle child protection in tourist areas. Expanding efforts and advocacy for systemic change The project has recently expanded to the Amanzimtoti area, which, like Durban, experiences an influx of street dwellers. In collaboration with the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and outreach teams from WESSA and ICare, a network of stakeholders has been established to provide coordinated interventions. This ensures that children receive appropriate support from social workers, rather than being displaced without proper assistance. Through these collaborative efforts, the ChildSafe Project has improved the protection of vulnerable children and increased attention to child welfare in these regions.

I Care staff (partner NGO) the team behind the incredible work in carefully orchestrated interventions from outreach, rehabilitation, housing and reuniting children with their families

The initiative continues to place pressure on social welfare institutions to allocate additional resources to meet the growing needs of these children, reflecting WESSA’s dedication to addressing complex social challenges within South Africa’s coastal tourism areas.

Statistics

As this is an ongoing process, it does happen that a child may return to the streets based on various factors. Approximately 45 families benefit directly from our intervention, training, parent workshops, and readiness programmes

30 boys in Rehab/ homes (have gone under review process and assessed by social workers, court consented, and permission granted by parents/guardian)

23 Agents onboarded and trained in basic reporting procedures on the different scenarios when they encounter children in need of assistance

27 boys In aftercare/ reunited with families

25 Professional staff Trained on Childsafe methodology

23 boys still living on the streets in relationship building stage (obtaining consent to enter the care system) with outreach officers

+-400 general public reached through a public awareness campaign at busy road intersections

#We Are OneWESSA

WESSA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 – 2024

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