Project: Social crime prevention and awareness in partnership with DSD
At the end of 2018 the Department of Social Development in KZN contracted eThembeni to run social crime prevention programmes in the district municipalities of uThukela (Mnambithi), Mzinyathi (Nquthu) and Amajuba (Newcastle). Twelve social workers were employed with full salary subsidies and an administration budget covering fuel and office running costs.
OVERVIEW
The programme overlaps with the Life Coaching done by eThembeni and the teams work closely together. It rents office space and vehicles from eThembeni, which in turn assists with the running costs of other eThembeni community projects. Focus is placed on awareness interventions including victim empowerment, restorative justice, child trafficking, drug abuse, gender, social media and road safety. Prevention programmes which include parenting skills and leadership development are conducted at schools and during holiday activities. ANALYSING SOCIAL CRIME IN DISTRICTS Three districts completed a situational analysis which was submitted to Social Development. Findings concluded that there is a high crime rate in the districts, especially in our schools. AWARENESS INTERVENTIONS All three districts started awareness programmes in local schools immediately. Figures to date for outreach numbers are as follows: Mzinyathi reached 1000 learners, Uthukela reached 1085 learners and Amajuba reached 1984 learners. Further awareness programmes are planned for malls, service centres and taxi ranks; the programmes will be implemented as soon as needed equipment has been bought and pamphlets are printed. MIND THE GAP SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR CHANGE PROGRAM FOR PERSONS EXITING SECURE CARE, DIVERSION AND CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES At first eThembeni struggled to access lists of the children who exit from secure care, diversion and correctional facilities. The Department of Social Development has started to release names of children that our teams can follow up with through our aftercare programmes. However, because this programme is not a prevention programme and there are no rehabilitation centres in uThukela and Mzinyathi, an initial target of 6000 beneficiaries for this intervention is unrealistic. |
CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATORS IN SCHOOLS AND ECDS
eThembeni is currently working on identifying ECD centres and schools where our team can roll out capacity development interventions on awareness and early identification of victims of crime. DEPARTMENTAL HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES FOR CHILDREN We conducted holiday programmes which address social crime in all three districts, reaching 83 children in Mzinyathi, 81 children in uThukela and 67 children in Amajuba. PROGRAMMES FOR SEXUALLY REACTIVE CHILDREN A Dignity training was conducted in mid-March 2019. Our plan is to implement follow up mentoring groups in 2019. RHYTHM OF LIFE SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR CHANGE PROGRAMME This programme so far has reached 111 beneficiaries in uThukela and 44 in Mzinyathi. TEAM LEADERS Mrs Simangele Siwela heads up the Social Crime Prevention and Awareness programme for eThembeni. The team leaders for this project are Snenhlanhla in Zuma-Indaka area. Sbongile McMaster and Sfundo Kubheka coordinate the work in Ladysmith. IN SUMMARY This newcomer in the eThembeni family is already adding value to our ministry. Although the programme is only contracted for three years, we believe it will strengthen our community for the long term. |
How can you get involved & make a difference?
CAN YOU SUPPORT US?Donate to the ongoing costs of this project today, and sow hope!
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CAN YOU FILL OUR WISH LIST?We currently need the following resources for at-risk households:
Food parcels, Clothing & Blankets |
GET INVOLVED!Be part of our team and get hands-on! Drop us an email and join us for the day/week!
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