Elkana Childcare Malmesbury provides temporary residential safe care for 24 girls, and hosts an after school care programme for 200 children within the Wesbank, Malmesbury & Riverlands areas in the Western Cape.

Elkana is registered with the Department of Social Services as a Child and Youth Care Centre offering Temporary Safe Care to 24 girls aged between 4 and 17 years. This programme offers immediate relief, care and protection to children in severely compromising situations (physical, sexual and emotional abuse/neglect) whilst at the same time being part of a bigger, more integrated plan with other stakeholders to reduce the amount of children entering the statutory system on a long-stay basis. Such temporary interventions gives caseworkers the time they need to find a more suitable, future solution for the child while the child is safe from further harm, and in an environment where his/her physical/emotional and developmental needs are met.

Elkana Childcare ensure that the children in their care have the nutrition, medical care, provision of clothing and other necessary resources, individual and group therapy, play therapy, education, life-skills, educational and recreational outings, sport and recreation that they need.

Elkana Childcare’s after school care programme accommodates 200 children on a daily basis Monday to Friday in Wesbank (100) and Riverlands (100). Because of their efforts, children from Gr. R – Matric have a safe place to do their homework, assignments and study instead of being alone at home after school. They strive to provide an environment that is stimulating as well as conducive to learning. Therefore, in addition to assistance with homework and studies, life-skills, school holiday programmes, music, sport and recreation are also offered as well as provision for basic needs such as food and clothing to the very needy.

The Isipani Foundation supported Elkana Childcare by revamping a few areas, tiling, painting, installing aircon, new ceilings and other maintenance requirements.

“There are so many children that go home to empty houses, who cannot access resources such as help with their homework, or a safe space to study. Many need help with the things we take for granted like food and clothing” says Isipani Foundation Chairperson, Ray-Ann Sedres. “Elkana Childcare is providing such a valuable service in our local community, for the children and their parents some of whom work long hours, far from home. The Isipani Foundation is pleased that we could assist in reducing some of the much needed maintenance work at Elkana Childcare so the team can continue to focus on fulling their mission and the children have a safe space to grow.”