In the heart of the Helderberg, Wandisa stands as a beacon of hope for vulnerable children, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding their futures and nurturing them towards brighter tomorrows.
Wandisa’s dedicated social workers intervene in the lives of abandoned, neglected, abused, and institutionalised children, with its directors providing unwavering support as they guide the team through complexities of the legal system.
Their commitment extends beyond crisis intervention; they meticulously screen and prepare foster and adoptive parents, ensuring that every child finds a loving and stable home environment.
Last year alone, Wandisa provided assistance to 120 birth families, offering counselling and support during times of crisis, including pregnancies.
Embracing the principle that every child deserves nurturing care until permanent plans can be made, Wandisa facilitated the safe placement of 148 children in local family homes in 2023, eschewing institutionalisation.
Furthermore, 36 children found their forever families through adoption, with 25 joining South African households and 11 overcoming extraordinary challenges to be welcomed into homes abroad.
Founder and director of Wandisa Child Protection NPC, Debbie Wybrow, emphasizes the critical need for community support: “Children cannot pay for what they need. Over 80% of the children we serve face significant medical, physical, psycho-social, and educational hurdles.
“Each child we are working with requires extensive and ongoing assessments to chart the best path forward.”
As they reflect on Child Protection Week, which is between today, Wednesday May 29 and Wednesday June 5, Wandisa’s Chief Operations Officer, Michelle Myburgh, along with a few other dedicated runners, will lace up their takkies for the Knysna Forest Marathon, ready to make every step count.
Wandisa has initiated a BackaBuddy campaign, culminating in their participation in the Knysna Half Marathon on 22 June 2024.
Underscoring the urgency of their cause, Wandisa says: “We’re hitting the pavement with purpose, driven by the belief that every child’s journey deserves to be extraordinary.
Join us in our mission to transform lives and secure brighter futures for vulnerable children.“
To support Wandisa, visit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/join-hands-with-wandisa-lets-pave-the-future-together, Wandisa’s Facebook page, email info@wandisa.co.za, or call 021 852 8025.