Who we are

Responding to the needs in our community

The Eastern Province Child and Youth Care Centre was founded in 1889 and is the oldest centre of its kind in the Nelson Mandela Metropole, Eastern Cape. In 1905, we moved into our present premises in Lennox Street, Glendinningvale, Port Elizabeth.

Our mission is to develop, empower, restore and reunite displaced children and youth to function purposely as well adjusted and productive citizens within their communities.

In the early 1980’s the management committee, also drawn from the Port Elizabeth community, became aware of the changing needs in our society and responded with a more therapeutic approach resulting in dramatic changes in staff requirements, qualifications and structure as well as in the new cottage system taken into use in 1984. In 1984 eight double story cottages were built on the premises in a move away from the hostel type accommodation.

In total we accommodate 78 children of all races between the ages of 4 and 18 years of age.

In addition to offering residential care, our toddlers attend Haas Das Educare Centre and our learners attend 11 different schools in our immediate community. The children receive structured study time and tutoring support. Recreational and stimulation activities, therapeutic and psychological support is also provided to our children.

Two social workers provide counselling and support services to our children. Children visit their biological or host families on a regular basis with the aim of reuniting the child with a family in a community. Basic health care services are provided to the children to ensure healthy development and care.