Gogo wings of protection

 

September 22, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Gogo wings of protection Tanya Waterworth THE number of families and children in need has shown a staggering increase, especially with regards to foster care. This came to light at the Annual General Meeting of Richards Bay Family Care (RBFC), whose figures confirmed this trend. In 2006/07, the number of beneficiaries supported by RBFC services was 42 613, while the 2007/08 figure recorded services rendered to 93 242 beneficiaries. The need for foster care was particularly highlighted, which has been attributed to the relentless HIV/AIDS pandemic and which continues to take its grim toll across Zululand. In the Professional Services Report, Social Worker Ronel Ferreira said more and more children are being orphaned. 'These children are in need of care and have to be legally placed in alternative care,' said Ferreira. Making up the backbone of the alternative care are 'gogos', who often take numerous children under their guiding wing. Support groups Taking recognition of the pressure this responsibility places on gogos, who are often dealing with the grief of losing their own children, RBFC implemented three foster care support groups, as well as a life skills group for foster children during the last year. In his report, Chairman Dave Eloff paid tribute to the unstinting commitment to these families by the seven social workers and three administrative staff members at the welfare organisation. 'When they get to work in the morning they might encounter a dying child, a child who has had no food, an abused or neglected child. 'They need to be applauded for the work they perform each and every day to alleviate the suffering of children in our communities,' said Eloff. The welfare organisation also deals with dysfunctional families, custody issues and social relief, which includes food parcels, school uniforms and stationery. The Annual General Meeting was combined with the organisation's annual Recognition Awards and was attended by many corporate and leading companies who have supported RBFC projects over the last year. RBFC Manager, Erna Steynberg said the generous support of the business community was pivotal in the on-going provision of services to those desperately in need. The function was held at RBFC's newly launched Huberta Hall, whose reasonable hiring cost provides an important source of income. Anyone looking for a safe, central function venue can contact Ronel Ferreira on 035 7892640.