The Mzamo Child Guidance and Training Initiative is doing fantastic work in KwaZulu-Natal.The NGO focuses on linking victims of gender-based violence to services that can assist them. They help survivors of abuse to make contact with the Department of Social Development’s social workers in 20 communities across 10 towns in the province.
The Mzamo Child Guidance and Training Initiative also cares for children between five and 18 years of age with cerebral palsy. Director of Mzamo Child Guidance and Training Initiative, Lindiwe Chiluvane said its social workers work hand-in-hand with the DSD in educating communities about GBV and getting help for those who come to the NGO.
Chiluvane noted that the NGO also organizes counselling for abused children with cerebral palsy. “We give the children access to healthcare and development programmes that help them to do things on their own. We also work with the Childline Crisis Centre to help children with cerebral palsy who have been abused,” she said.
According to Chiluvane, child abuse signs include: a child developing learning barriers; becoming withdrawn and not being able to express themselves; developing emotional disorders such as wetting their bed at an older age and a change in their behaviour- a child who is outspoken suddenly becoming an extremely reserved individual or lashing out and becoming violent.
“We also run education drives in our communities. We educate parents about the rights of children with disabilities, symptoms of abuse in children and how to get help for an abused child. We also train parents on how to care for children with cerebral palsy,” added Chiluvane.
Recently, the NGO received a vehicle manufacturer BMW. They use the vehicle to transport the children to receive medical care and other essential services. Speaking at the handing over ceremony of the vehicle, KwaZulu-Natal’s Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza said the NGO is doing great work in helping people with disabilities, victims of GBV and children in general.
