iCare Children's Foundation is a registered non-profit organization founded in April 2002. The organization is also registered as a section 21 non profit company and is eligible to issue section 18A receipts.
At iCare, we believe every child deserves love, care, and a chance to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. We are a non-profit and non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and assisting safehomes, orphans, foster children, children with disabilities, special needs children, and abused, abandoned and neglected children with essential needs and education.
Our mission is to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can heal from past trauma, receive quality education, and build a brighter future. We work tirelessly to ensure that each child under our care is given the love, support, and resources they need to succeed.
We believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and abuse, so we prioritize providing access to quality schooling and vocational training.
At iCare, we are driven by compassion and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable children. With the support of generous donors, volunteers, and community partners, we strive to create a world where every child feels valued, empowered, and loved.
Join us in our mission to bring hope and healing to orphaned and abused children. Together, we can make a difference and build a brighter future for the next generation.
Making positive changes, creating tomorrow's leaders!
The judges were particularly impressed by the multifaceted approach
adopted at iCare Children's Foundation, who are committed to lifting
young people out of poverty. Their main objectives are to ensure the
protection and care of all traumatized children, victims of neglect and
unemployed women. Their empowerment of young people and women
starts with a rights-based education that gives participants the tools
they need to achieve more, while providing basic equipment to help
generate incomes. Special fundraising projects for children in need of
financial assistance are also constantly being established in the hope of
a better life for those suffering.
The organization had its origins in the Cape Flats where poverty is rife. Unemployment, low self-esteem, lack of facilities and recreation opportunities, lack of vision, ambition, and drug and other substance abuse are factors that contribute the most to poverty.
Due to a lack of role models and opportunities, the youth tend to turn to gangsterism in an attempt to build self-esteem through recognition and acceptance in these circles. Poverty is the direct cause of problems such as poor family structures, neglect, street children and various other forms of social degradation and challenges. Interaction with people on various levels has made us realize that people in these situations are caught in a vicious cycle from which one cannot easily escape.
When confronted with these issues, people often resort to avoidance or transference to deal with them. As long as it does not affect us directly, it seems best not to think about it, thus making it somebody else’s problem. In the current South African climate, we must realize that it is everybody’s responsibility to take care of those who are less fortunate and those who suffer under very trying conditions.
Juwaad and Rayghana Shabodien opened the doors of iCare in 2002 with these pressing issues in mind. iCare has endeavoured to make life easier for those in need. We have learnt that providing those who struggle and suffer with whatever they need is not going to solve the problem –the task is much greater. It is important to make them realize that they need to empower themselves by acquiring skills which could develop a sense of self-worth, ability to help themselves and to rise above their difficult circumstances or conditions.
