Vuyani Safe Haven is the only Child & Youth Care Centre in the Dr Beyers Naudè district of the Karoo, offering a safe and nurturing environment for vulnerable children. Located in Graaff-Reinet, we provide care and protection for children who have lost their families or faced neglect and abuse. Background: Vuyani Safe Haven is the only Child & Youth Care Centre serving the expansive Beyers Naudè d
istrict in the Karoo, an area where farming and tourism dominate the economy. Unfortunately, poverty, unemployment, and a sense of hopelessness often result in high rates of alcohol and drug abuse, leading to family breakdowns and vulnerable children being left without proper care. Who We Are: Vuyani Safe Haven, based in Graaff-Reinet, provides safety, shelter, and care to approximately 35 children classified as Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs). This includes children who have lost their parents, those from child-headed households, or those removed from unsafe homes due to neglect or abuse. At our main home on Cradock Street, we care for about 24 children, from newborns to 11 years old. Our Thanduxolo house on Bourke Street accommodates our older children, aged 12 to 18, where we prepare them for independent living through our dedicated support programs. While the Department of Social Development covers roughly 50% of our costs, we rely heavily on the kindness of businesses and individuals, both locally and internationally, to fill the funding gap and provide the care these children need. Our Mission:
Vuyani Safe Haven provides residential care services in a homely atmosphere to children aged 0-18 years through:
• Enhancing the quality of life for children at all levels.
• Rendering developmental, therapeutic, and recreational programs.
• Providing access to schooling, education, and early childhood development.
• Facilitating successful reunification with biological families or placement in foster care or suitable alternative care.
• Assisting youth through an Independent Living Program.
