The Parent Centre

Annual Report

Like parenthood and every other important set of relationships, an organization is only as good as its willingness to regularly monitor its levels of functioning (inclusive of values and principles of operation) and its attempt to address those issues requiring attention. During June and July 2006, the Parent Centre’s staff therefore engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning process, ably facilitated by Penny Morrell and Elsabe O'Leary, the outcome of which was clear, definitive service directives for the next three to five years. This process also included a revision of the centre’s vision and mission statements, namely:

VISION: The Parent Centre strives to contribute to a society in which every parent/caregiver is able to raise resilient and well-balanced children in ways in which they can develop their full potential, protected from victimization and abuse in communities free from violence.

MISSION: through primary prevention, we aim to:

• facilitate the safety and healthy emotional development of the child from birth to early adulthood;
• promote the well-being and self-esteem of the parent/caregiver;
• prevent child abuse, victimization and neglect; contribute to the prevention of teen pregnancy, substance abuse HIV and aids;
• enhance the child’s capacity to be a resilient, caring, competent and creative member of society; and
• encourage the establishment of a loving, nurturing environment that strengthens the family and society.

We do this by working directly with parents, caregivers and educators and indirectly by collaborating with other people and organisations that support and work with parents.

We offer training in positive parenting and support to people and communities wanting to promote the practice of positive parenting. We offer counselling and support to parents/caregivers.

Challenges experienced by the parent centre during the past year were:

• increased demands for our services without matching – in fact less – financial resources
• offering and maintaining qualitative and relevant services with adequate funding
• finding new premises as the building was earmarked for residential units
• the loss of the part-time fundraiser who moved with her family to another province
• lack of feedback and information regarding state subsidies, impacting negatively on the continued employment of contract staff and the implementation of essential services

Notwithstanding the aforementioned challenges, all categories of staff at the centre continued to identify areas of risk and vulnerability, exploring and implementing methods to assist parents and caregivers on their journey of raising and nurturing children.

An important milestone was reached with the inclusion of the parent centre in a partnership, initiated by the Director of Lifeline/Childline, Western Cape, Heloise Solomon, and FAMSA – the three organisations sharing premises in Lentegeur, Mitchell’s Plain, providing a more comprehensive service to this burgeoning section of the Cape Peninsula.

We were deeply saddened by the sudden death of a colleague, Nokhanyo Siko, during February this year - a huge loss not only to the parent centre family but also to the community of town 2 Khayelitsha, in which she rendered valuable services. Lala Kakuhle Nokhanyo.

I wish to express my appreciation to:

• Donors – state departments, local authorities, local and international funders for their continued interest and support
• The Board of Management’s interest and encouragement
• The CEO of Metropolitan Health Group, Blum Khan, and staff who sponsored and facilitated the creation of this annual report.
• Recipients of our services for their interest in- and willingness to improve the lives of families and ultimately the future of our children.
• The entire staff complement who clearly “walk the talk” and remain committed to the vision and mission of the centre. I salute you.

Celeste Van der Merwe
Director

Read the full Annual Report 2007 (.pdf file)