Masizame Child Development is an NPO operating a Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) providing therapeutic residential care for 30 children under a statutory Protection order. Masizame CYCC provides statutory residential care for 30 children from 3 to 18 years. We have recently admitted our 287th resident. Statutory Residential care is a numbers game. Sadly, demand always exceeding capacity. Masiza
me CYCC is based in the township of Kwanokuthula, and is zoned to take admissions from the greater Garden Route district. We are also mandated to take emergency admissions from the entire Western Cape. This makes family preservation a most difficult and expensive process. Our professional Board and the MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) are passionate about our work. We realised early on that to have meaningful impact on future generations of families, Masizame needs to work smarter, attain an holistic perspective to address the developmental, physical and emotional needs of every child, and to operate in the context of family preservation within the 'broader' family. Our MDT are innovative professionals including a Social Worker, Child Psychologist , Educational Psychologist, and clinical Medical professionals including Biokineticists.
2020 was a most challenging year across the globe. A true game-changer for NPO's. From the outset of Lockdown, rather than just operating in a reactive survival mode, the team at Masizame went into 'Top Gear'. We implemented a 'home-based' educational programme and adapted our daily developmental programme to incorporate Mindfulness practices such as Kiddies Yoga and Biodanza and gratitude practices. These therapeutic activities were complemented by a Move4Life Physical Development programme facilitated by clinical Biokineticists and our Masizame's very own Mr Fitness. Children were clinically assessed at 6 month intervals, and the physical developmental growth in terms of strength and agility was significant. In parallel, our wonderful cook strived to improve the nutritional value of all food served. We are delighted to report that all the children are in good spirits and according to their physical assessments are seemingly thriving. To gain an authentic view of Masizame we will share some generic case studies. The profile of intake 277, is oh too familiar. The ‘case’ was profiled as a defiant child from foster care with behavioural challenges. Our professional MDT team rapidly assessed the child to be a 10 year old child who simply was trying to survive. Far from a deviant, she was a victim of historical emotional, physical abuse and severe neglect. Once the child establishes a sense of belonging at Masizame, formal assessments of needs can truly begin. An individual development plan is formulated by our social worker including all proposed interventions, educational and therapeutic. The therapeutic programme is very much a journey, and the pace is mutually established with the child, and includes the healing process of forgiveness. We are pleased to report that the child has adapted well to the CYCC programme, and our social worker has identified significant adults in the child's life who may potentially be able to provide a support system if reunification into the community of origin is viable. Intake 287 was a new challenge for Masizame. This toddler, was admitted during the height of the Covid19 pandemic, together with his elder sibling, who was an emergency Child Protection admission. The toddler was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome, and was lethargic, and had difficulties standing and walking unaided, and could not feed himself. The child was clinically assessed with developmental delays and the Masizame Team immediately called for assistance from Die Sterreweg, DOH and Biokinesticists. Just 4 months later, the developmental growth and his laughter is a joy to behold. He can run, kick a ball, feed and bathe himself and is busy learning his colours. The transformation in this child is phenomenal. Masizame has many audacious ideas but we are truly operating on a shoe string. If you have a philanthropic heart, and resonate with our cause, please consider volunteering your talents, time or use your passion to motivate some fund raising within your own networks. Our needs are vast, but we truly believe in a partnership approach. Yes, indeed, donations to Masizame PBO are fully SARS tax deductible. Far beyond that, we do believe that 'Giving' to children who are victims of a society that has failed them, is really be a 'win win' blessing, and good for all our souls. Kindly contact Brenda for further discussions
