About GBTSA
Healing Heartbroken Children with Compassion and Care
Since 1958, Girls and Boys Town South Africa has been a sanctuary of healing heartbroken children. Our mission is to mend the invisible wounds of those who have faced unimaginable challenges, guiding them towards a future filled with promise and possibility.
Imagine a child whose laughter has been stifled by hardship and loss. At Girls and Boys Town South Africa we embrace these children with open arms, offering them more than just a place to stay—we give them a chance to reclaim their joy, rediscover their inner strength, and build a future they can be proud of.
Our mission is to mend the invisible wounds of those who have faced unimaginable challenges
Who we serve
Healing Vulnerable Children
Every year, we welcome children into our care who have faced profound struggles and unimaginable loss. Picture a child arriving at our doorstep, their spirit burdened by pain.
Within our nurturing environment, they begin a transformative journey of healing. Through our tailored therapeutic programs, these children start to piece together their shattered dreams, discovering a renewed sense of hope and self-worth.
Supporting Families and Communities
Our impact reaches far beyond our campuses. We extend a lifeline to families and communities nationwide through our national hotline. This support helps to create environments where children can thrive.
By strengthening family dynamics and community resources, we build supportive spaces where every child can flourish. Our outreach fosters resilience, ensuring that children have the nurturing surroundings they need to grow.
Empowering Parents
Our workshops, such as ‘Well-Managed Classroom’ and ‘Common Sense Parenting,’ empower parents with practical strategies to support their children’s educational journeys.
Imagine a parent struggling to navigate their child’s educational needs. Through our training, they gain the tools and confidence to guide their children towards academic success, turning uncertainty into empowerment.
Guiding Youth in Transition
As our young people approach adulthood, we provide them with the support they need to step confidently into the wider world. Our programs are designed to build resilience, confidence, and the skills necessary for a successful future.
Picture a young person on the cusp of independence, equipped with the knowledge and self-assurance to navigate life’s challenges. Through our ‘Growth Beyond the Town’ study, we track their progress, ensuring they continue to thrive long after they leave our care.
OUR APPROACH
Compassionate Care
At Girls and Boys Town South Africa, we understand that true healing goes beyond addressing immediate needs. We offer an environment where children are seen, valued, and encouraged. Our compassionate approach creates a sanctuary where each child can begin to heal and grow, surrounded by understanding and kindness.
Empowerment
We believe in giving children the power to shape their own futures. By involving them in decision-making and leadership roles, we help them regain a sense of agency and purpose. Imagine a child who once felt powerless finding their voice and becoming a leader within our community, fostering their personal growth and self-esteem.
Holistic Support
We address every facet of a child’s development—emotional, educational, and social. Our holistic support ensures that children receive the well-rounded care they need to reach their full potential. Picture a child receiving comprehensive support in every aspect of their life, from academic tutoring to emotional counselling, enabling them to thrive in all areas.
Featured Success Story
From Struggle to Success: Nkosinathi Mthembu’s Journey with Girls and Boys Town South Africa
Nkosinathi Mthembu, 35, faced a tumultuous childhood marked by loss and instability after the deaths of his mother and grandmother. At age 15, he found refuge at Girls and Boys Town South Africa (GBTSA) in Durban, where he felt a sense of belonging for the first time.
“The structured environment and caring staff made me feel safe and hopeful,” Nkosinathi recalls. At GBTSA, he honed essential skills, particularly in communication, which bolstered his confidence. He participated in the Peer Group System®, where he was appointed “Minister of Justice,” nurturing his passion for law.
Nkosinathi acknowledges the unwavering support from staff, who not only helped him academically but also guided him through life’s challenges. Despite facing difficulties after leaving GBTSA, the resilience and independence he learned kept him focused on his goals.
Today, he is a proud graduate with multiple qualifications, including a law degree, and works in the legal field, aspiring to become a fraud investigator. Nkosinathi remains grateful to GBTSA for their ongoing support, which included assistance with his education.
His message to current students is clear: “Education is the key. Stay focused and take full advantage of what GBTSA offers – it can change your life.”
He encourages potential supporters to recognize that their contributions are investments in futures, stating, “Girls and Boys Town South Africa gave me a chance I’ll always be grateful for.”
STATISTICS
Our Impact in 2023
500k
Children and youth
saved since 1958
97%
Pass rate
250
Parents trained
83.3%
Black beneficiaries
OUR SOLUTION
The S.H.I.N.E.® Framework
Our S.H.I.N.E.® Framework—Significance, Home, Independent, Nurture, and Education—is the guiding light of our approach. It ensures that each child receives comprehensive care and encouragement.
Significance
Significance is the spark that ignites each child’s journey, seeing them not as mere figures but as radiant stars with their own unique light waiting to shine.
Home
Home is the comforting embrace that turns a house into a sanctuary, offering a stable and nurturing refuge where children find their footing and grow with confidence.
Independent
Independent growth is like teaching a young bird to fly; we foster self-reliance by empowering children to stretch their wings while ensuring a safety net is always within reach.
Nurture
Nurture is the gentle, caring hand that helps a child bloom, providing the warmth and encouragement that lets their potential flourish like a flower in springtime.
Education
Education is the guiding map that lights up their path, sparking curiosity and passion as they explore new worlds and chart their own course to a future brimming with possibilities.