Greetings from Girls and Boys Town CEO

Dear colleagues and partners in youth care.

We are hitting the ground running in 2020, with the first edition of a quarterly stakeholder newsletter that we hope will help to put Girls and Boys Town South Africa (GBTSA) at the forefront of youth development. There is a wealth of research and documented experience pertaining to the education, care and general wellbeing of vulnerable youth. Some conducted by GBTSA and some by colleagues in the field, either way we would like to share it and generate discussions.

The story of GBTSA is one of the most heart-warming tales of human endeavour. It is a story of faith, courage and compassion – one that captured imagination and changed the way South Africa cares for challenged youth. GBTSA works to remove the obstacles and barriers that prevent children from finding their light – and then help them to S.H.I.N.E. ®.  Developed through years of practice and learning, this therapeutic approach: Establishes self-Significance. Assists youth to reconnect with a meaningful Home. Enhances their Independence. Provides Nurturing so they can love themselves and feel love for others and advances Education as an essential cornerstone for self-realisation.

In our first issue, we give you a glimpse inside GBTSA:

• We feature some outstanding research we have done in the field of youth care.
• We share with you a day in the life of our hotline counsellor, Koketso Moloto.
• One of our Kagiso residence alumni, Belinda, shares her journey in the care of GBTSA.
• We include an article on the state of the South African family, based on Children’s Institute 2018 research.
• We unveil our biggest project yet, the rebuild of our Tongaat residence.

Through regular communication, we hope to create a community connected by common ideas, values and ambitions. That this platform gives you an opportunity to engage with us and brings us a step closer to forging collaborative and meaningful relationships. Most of all, we want to help you stay connected with us.

Happy reading

Lee Loynes, CEO Girls and Boys Town