Preamble

The year 2017, my first as Chairman, has been one of exciting and challenging for me having taken over from the capable chairmen of the past. I would like to give thanks to them for the sterling work they have done for the past years. In this report I am pleased to give a summary of the achievements and challenges for the year under review. It will reflect on the Good Governance and Management of the Centre. 

Operational review

In 2016/17, the board has consistently demonstrated its commitment to building unity, developing projects and administration by exceeding its expectations as reflected in the Vision and Mission Statements and objectives of the centre, the Child & Youth Care Centre’s Constitution and Child Act. 

Financial Review

I am happy to report that the finances of the centre are managed by a competent treasurer who has a vast financial knowledge, skills and expertise. The financial principles and procedures and Financial Management Act are followed when preparing financial reports. We give thanks to Peter Cottrell our treasurer. The Centre depends  largely on subsidies from the Department of Social Development and is grateful to the ongoing support of the Ubuntu Community Chest, and the Trust foundations. We give thanks to God for the donations we have received from the funders, donors, Anglican Churches, Church Organisations,  communities, corporates and individuals over the past year. We further appeal to all Business women and men, State Departments, Non-Governmental Organisations and individuals to assist the centre with funding so that it will be able to sustain itself in the coming years. Thanks to Althea Daniels, Director for her sterling works in submitting funding proposals to supplement the funds. The financial position of the centre will be reflected in the Annual Financial Statements of the year under review.

Board of Management 

The Board of Management in office during the year under review consist of the following components; The Bishop of Natal as the visitor of the Centre, Bishop’s Nominees, elected members of the community, Director of the Centre as an ex-officio, Social Worker of the Centre, Staff representative and children’s representative. I give thanks to all the board members for their dedication and commitment. They not only attend meetings, but they bring expertise on good governance. We have men and women, young and old who are showing interest in the development of the centre.

The Director and the professional staff which includes the Social Worker are directly responsible in providing development to the children of the centre. They provide the children with better opportunities to supervised study times and constant interactive engagements. We have seen the quality service delivery to the children provided by the staff. The Director will expand more on the developmental programmes in his report. The centre utilises the services of the Chaplain, The Archdeacon Brian Mahlambi on spiritual matters affecting the children. 

We are grateful to the chaplain who has made strides in solving behavioural problems identified by the staff and for being with the children whenever he is needed.

The Board Meetings are held on a monthly basis to discuss among others things the projects, maintenance issues, etc to improve the welfare of the centre and its children. The attendance and participation at these meetings have been improving as the results of its interactive and informative nature. In these meetings, different portfolio heads present their progress reports, these includes Human Resource, Maintenance, Social Worker, Director and Finance. Staff and Children’s representatives are also given an opportunity to report on their performances, challenges, achievements and so on. 

One of the highlights this year was the Risk Management Workshop which was conducted by Clive Stewart to all the Board Members. We were able to identify and map the risks factors which need to be adhered to in order to sustain the centre over the years. This was a fruitful exercise which opens our eyes on the sustainability and good governance of the Centre. 

This year, the centre benefited from the Lenten Appeal from the Diocese of Natal. We give thanks to the Diocesan Bishop, Bishop Dino for making our centre as one of his priority in the life of the Anglican Diocese of Natal.

Acknowledgement

My heartfelt thanks and appreciation goes to the Diocesan Bishop, Bishop Dino for his support & ministry during the year, and we look forward to seeing more of him in the centre. My appreciation also goes to the Staff members for their selflessness and sacrifice in making the children’s life better, Funders, Donors, our friends and all the individuals who contributed generously to the centre. Last but not least, the Board Members for their commitment in the life of the centre. 

It is our responsibility as citizens and duty to participate in civic activities, so I encourage all of you to make yourselves available to the centre and create safe environment for children placed in our institution. Let us all be responsible and use our various gifts as good stewards.

“God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever. Amen  (1 Peter 4:10-11)

Revd WP Dludla

Chairman