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Annual Report 2013

Helping Children Through Parents

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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 victimisation and abuse in communities free from violence.

Mission The Parent Centre is a Non-Profit Organisation working mainly in the .

Through primary prevention, we aim to: environment that strengthens the family and » Facilitate the safety and healthy emotional society. development of the child from birth to early adulthood; We do this by working directly with parents, » Promote the well-being and self-esteem of the caregivers and educators – and indirectly by parent/caregiver; collaborating with other people and organisations » Prevent child abuse, victimisation and neglect; which support and work with parents. » Contribute to the prevention of teen pregnancy, substance abuse, HIV and AIDS; We offer training in positive parenting and support » Enhance the child’s capacity to be a resilient, caring, to people and communities wanting to promote the competent and creative member of society; and practice of positive parenting. We offer counselling » Encourage the establishment of a loving, nurturing and support to parents/caregivers.

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Contents

2 Chairperson’s message 18 Teen Parenting Skills Training 3 Director’s report Programme 5 Treasurer’s message 19 (PAN) Parenting in Africa Network 6 Celebrating 30 years of excellence in 20 The growth of the administrative, promoting positive parenting in South financial, human resources, marketing Africa and fundraising team 10 Counselling Service 21 Statistics 12 PACES Programme 22 Financial Appeal 16 Parent-Infant Intervention Home 22 Funders and Donors Visiting Programme 23 Board of Management and Staff 24 Endorsements

1 Chairperson’s message

The Parent Centre celebrates its 30th dedication and devotion. I am extremely birthday this year. From its humble grateful to my fellow board members, some beginnings in 1983 the organisation has of whom have been with the organisation evolved into one of the leading parenting for many years through good times and and family health organisations in the bad, for the good governance and excellent country. Although the Parent Centre has its oversight role they have played. I must footprint in the Western Cape, it has formed express my gratitude and appreciation to valuable partnerships with national and all our donors and funders who continue to international organisations that draw on support the Parent Centre during a tough the cutting edge skills and expertise of the economic climate. Thank you for your organisation’s management and staff. generosity and vote of confidence in the organisation. On the 4th of July 2013, Statistics released Mandela’s legacy “cannot belong to one a gender report based on institution, to one family, to one country. the 2011 Census. The report amongst other things studied It belongs to all of us. And it only has the position of women in meaning if we are interrogating it, if we are families and households and interpreting it and if it is a living, dynamic, the living arrangements of changing thing.” parents and children in our country. The report paints a bleak picture of dysfunctional families and At the time of writing this report Nelson a shockingly high number of children in Mandela lies gravely ill in hospital. The South Africa growing up without one or dominant theme that has emerged both of their parents. from the numerous tributes written by politicians, journalists, activists and The South African government realises ordinary citizens of our country is that that stable, healthy families are at the heart as individuals and as a country we must of strong societies. In October 2012 the continue to keep his legacy alive. According Department of Social Development (DSD) to Verne Harris, Nelson Mandela’s archivist, published a White Paper on Families in Mandela’s legacy “cannot belong to one South Africa. The mission of DSD as set out institution, to one family, to one country. in the White Paper is to undertake activities, It belongs to all of us. And it only has programmes, projects and plans to support, meaning if we are interrogating it, if we are promote and nourish well-functioning interpreting it and if it is a living, dynamic, families. This is an exciting and important changing thing.” development for the Parent Centre as the organisation is perfectly positioned In reviewing the history, achievements and qualified to play a leading role in this and excellent service the Parent Centre initiative and form strategic partnerships has provided over the past thirty years, I with government and other role-players. am convinced that the organisation and all those who support it and fund it, embody I continue to be inspired by the and live Nelson Mandela’s values of service compassion, commitment and enthusiasm to humanity and providing a better life for that the volunteers, staff and management all. I am privileged to be part of such an of the Parent Centre show in providing organisation. professional, high quality services to vulnerable children and parents in local Vanessa Pather communities. I thank them for their Chairperson

2 Director’s report

A question often posed to Non-Profit Organisations these days is “Are you sustainable?” The Parent Centre has demonstrated over the past 30 years that it is indeed. From its birth in 1983 to 2013 it has continued to grow, innovate, strive for excellence and become a leader in the field of parenting and family support services in South Africa. Since becoming an independent Non-Profit Organisation in 1997 it has touched, and changed, the lives of more than 164 446 parents, 450 708 children and 8 812 practitioners working with families and children.

Some key moments and achievements in Leadership Skills/Train-the-Trainer Programme the centre’s epic 30-year journey are detailed in the rural districts of Robertson, Worcester, further in this report. Lambert’s Bay, Grabouw, Caledon, , Strand and , revealed that During the year under review the the programme had “high impact personal organisation faced the significant challenge of outcomes” for the participants. The fathers change in leadership following the retirement reported improvements in their fathering; of the long-serving director, Celeste Van der improvement in family relationships at home Merwe, in December 2011. At the same time as well as high motivation and confidence to the organisation experienced an increased apply the training. and constant demand for its services. Mireille Landman and I presented various Other challenges included community aspects of the Parent-Infant Intervention violence and protests, rising costs and the Home Visiting Programme at the World looming end of a funding partnership with Association for Infant Mental Health the World Childhood Foundation which has International Conference which was held for committed to funding Parent-Infant Home the first time in Africa. Visiting Programme from January 2009 to December 2013. The Parent Centre Teen Parenting Programme Manager, Julia Starck, was But through the talents and relentless appointed as Chairperson of the Parenting commitment and dedication of staff, senior in Africa Network (PAN). The Parent Centre management and the Board of Management is thrilled to be a member of this network and financial support of our various funding which aims to promote skilful parenting partners the Parent Centre has continued to across Africa. grow and thrive. A large contingent of the Parent Centre staff completed Khululeka Grief Counselling Highlights and milestones Training which has strengthened the work achieved during the past year that we do with parents and caregivers living in communities characterized by crime, An external evaluation of the Parent Centre’s violence and HIV/AIDS and who often have to combined Fatherhood and Parenting and deal with loss and grief. It also led to 2 extra

3 “Everyone can be great, because everybody can serve. [to be great] you only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love” Martin Luther King

sessions on grief and loss being added to the Teen Our Parent Centre family expanded with new staff Parenting Skills Training Programme. members Carin-Lee Masters, Jenny Wright, Berenice Scott, Shirley Madlingozi, Edith Delcarme and Board members, staff members, clients and Shenaaz Moos who have brought additional passion, representatives participated in a Strategic Planning creativity and laughter. workshop facilitated by Julian Sturgeon which has set the organisation on an exciting journey of going from Through our basket of parenting services during this “Good to great”. year we have impacted some 11 060 parents and caregivers, 40 675 children and 733 practitioners The Parent Centre, in partnership with the Western working with families. Cape DSD, Families South Africa (FAMSA) and Gender Transformation Network hosted and participated in a very successful Parenting Seminar and Expo. “Greatness is not a function of circumstance.

In partnership with My African Dream several parents Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of who attend the Support Group attended conscious choice, and discipline.” hairdressing training which will hopefully enable Jim Collins them to generate income for their families.

A support group for pregnant and new mothers was launched at Medi-Clinic . We are thankful Some sad goodbyes during the year to Medi-Clinic Cape Town for acknowledging that mothers attending their clinic were in need of In November 2012 we bid a farewell to community support, and to the Parent Centre staff members, worker, Marilyn Matroos, who left to pursue a Linda Waner and Jenny Wright, for taking the dream of guesthouse ownership. A short few weeks initiative. later we were shocked by the sudden death of much loved Parent-Infant Community Counsellor, Parent-Infant Home Visiting Programme Manager, Faith Klaas. We continue to keep her husband and Milly Pekeur, facilitated a collaboration with the children in our prayers. In 2013 we also bid farewell Legal Resources Centre (LRC) aimed at ensuring that to Khairu Nagdee who loyally served as a board the rights of pregnant and birthing mothers are not member since 1994. We are eternally grateful to her violated when they engage with the public maternal and her family for their valuable contributions over health care system. the years.

The Parent-Infant Community Counsellors who conduct the home visiting programme completed Looking ahead UNICEF accredited breastfeeding training which is strengthening their ability to support and guide We will continue on our journey from “Good to lactating mothers. great”. We will constantly seek ways to better serve and impact the parents and children of our country. The first Parent Support Group Facilitators’ Manual We will strive to continue being a place where staff and Support Group Facilitators’ Training Programme and board members alike can contribute, grow and was developed by social workers Jann Watlington flourish. We look forward to fulfilling our dream of and Sharon Paulus. having our own property which we call “The Parent Centre Sanctuary”. The Parent Centre has been contracted by Western Cape DSD to lead a Family Resilience Project in the Venecia Barries much publicized community of . Director

4 Treasurer’s message Treasurer’s Report for the year ended 31 March 2013

It has been a very satisfying year for the Parent Centre, which continues to grow from strength to strength. Our revenue has increased by 12% and this is mainly due to grants from the National Lottery Distribution Trust and Special Project donations. It is very pleasing to see that our income from Counselling, Workshops and other Services has increased by almost 12% this year, an area where we can proudly start working towards self-sustainability.

Expenses have increased by 9%, mainly due to inflationary reasons. There have been more opportunities for the Parent Centre to share our knowledge around South Africa, Africa and internationally with the resultant increase in travelling costs – this is seen as an investment in that we are marketing ourselves and our expertise! The fact that expenses only increased by 9% continues to affirm that the finances at the Parent Centre are run as a tight ship.

The result is that our surplus for the year is up 56% compared to last year, and we can now start seriously looking at expanding our activities and bringing our dream of owning our own property to reality!

We express our sincere thanks to all our donors and funders without whose support we could not be spreading parenting skills out in the communities.

The Board expresses deep thanks to all the staff and dedicated volunteers of the Parent Centre for their commitment and passion.

Debbie Coombe Treasurer

“Excellence is the unlimited ability to improve the quality of what you have to offer” Rick Pitino

5 CELEBRATING of excellence in promoting 30 YEARS positive parenting in South Africa

30 Memorable moments and achievements

1983 1987

The centre opens its doors Recognising the need to as “Family Focus”, a project equip educators and medical of Cape Town Child Welfare professionals to positively Society, with a staff of four engage with parents, the Parent enthusiastic women (parents Centre initiates an annual and professionals): Hermine parenting skills module for the Wengrowe, Mireille Landman, students at Hewat Teachers Hilary Rosenthal and Janet Training College and UCT Bourhill. It is the very first Non- Masters in Medicine students. governmental organisation in South Africa to focus exclusively on parenting. 1987

In response to parents’ difficulties with some of the content of the North American STEP parenting programme staff creates the centre’s first Positive Parenting Manual for South African parents.

1987 1988

A Community Education The centre’s name is changed from “Family Focus” to “the Department, headed up by Parent Centre” to more accurately reflect the work of the Fouzia Ryklief, is established centre. which extends the centre’s services into under-resourced communities. 1990

The Parent Centre advances the rights of children through close work with the National Convention on the Rights of the Child.

6 “While it is evident that expansion and change have taken place over the years, certain core values have remained consistent at the Parent Centre, namely – the intention to support and empower parents in a non-judgemental way that enables them to better manage the often challenging job of parenting infants and children.

A nurturant stance towards employees is also an enduring quality of the Parent Centre mentioned by past and present staff of the centre.” Carol Cheesman, 2013

1994 1992 The Parent Centre Khayelitsha The Parent Centre opens an office is opened. office in Athlone.

1994 1992 Realising the importance of The Parent Centre partners intervening, and preventing with the University of Western child abuse and neglect, as Cape Parent Education Project early as possible the Parent to promote positive parenting Centre launches a home in deprived areas in the visiting programme with Northern Suburbs of Cape vulnerable pregnant women Town and new mothers in Hanover Park. The home visiting programme, an adaptation of the Healthy Families America programme, is called Healthy Families Africa 1996-2001

A Randomised Controlled Trial of the home visiting programme in Khayelitsha showed that the programme, delivered by lay community counsellors, had a significant positive impact on the quality of the mother-infant relationship and security of attachment.

7 2001-5 1997 The Parent Centre’s fledgling independence coupled with a The Parent Centre becomes downswing in the economy and an independent Non-Profit a “global tightening of belts” Organisation. It maintains its creates huge financial pressure. original focus on promoting The dedicated efforts of fundraiser positive parenting and healthy Tamsin Ractliffe helps to stave off family life in South Africa. the centre’s closure.

1997 2002 Acknowledging the important role that The Parent Centre model is Nannies play in the lives of children, used as a case study by the the Parent Centre launches its first South African Human Sciences Nanny Training Course which raises Research Council and its draft their awareness of the emotional and report notes that the clarity development needs of infants and young and relative simplicity of the children as well as child safety. Parent Centre’s approach means it can be replicated easily in other areas. 2004

1997 The Parent Centre employs its first male community development worker, Charles Teen parent support groups George, strengthening are launched in Nyanga, engagement with teen fathers and Khayelitsha. participating in the Teen Parenting Programme.

2000 2004-6

The first Teen Parenting Skills training A 2 ½ year external evaluation of the Parent- programme is launched in response to Infant Intervention Home Visiting Programme requests by educators in the townships who in Hanover Park shows that the home visits had were concerned about the increasing number helped the mothers to become more confident and of teenage learners raising their biological independent, had promoted positive and nurturing children or siblings. mother-infant relationships and breastfeeding (at 12 months postpartum most of the mothers in the study were still breastfeeding), had improved the mothers’ relationships with her older children as well as other families in the home.

8 2011

2006 An external evaluation of the Teen Parenting Programme indicates that The Parent Centre opens an office learners participating in the programme in Mitchell’s Plain, sharing premises experienced improvements in their with FAMSA and Lifeline. parenting as well their school performance.

2007 2011

The Mentoring and Support Programme, A specialised Zero-to-Three Counselling providing ongoing support and training to service is launched offering help to parents graduates of the Parenting and Leadership/ of children aged 0 to 3 years experiencing Train-the-Trainer Programme is launched. difficulties with feeding, sleeping, separation and prolonged tantrums.

2008 2012 The Parent Centre participates in roundtable talks in Kenya which An external evaluation of the Pilot Fatherhood culminates in the creation of the Parenting Programme reports that the programme in Africa Network (PAN) and subsequently participants experienced improvements in their becomes an active PAN member. fathering and family relationships.

2012 2009 Western Cape DSD, FAMSA, Gender Transformation Network and the Parent The Randomised Controlled Trial of the Parent-Infant Centre collaborate in the first Parenting Infant Intervention Home Visiting Programme is Seminar and Expo. published in the British Medical Journal.

2012

2010 The Mitchell’s Plain Parenting Forum under the leadership of Charlene Arkeldien is established to facilitate, co- In collaboration with the Western Cape DSD ordinate and deliver parenting services to the Mitchell’s a Pilot Fatherhood Programme is launched in Plain community. the West Coast and rural Eden/Karoo districts.

2013

The Parent Centre’s first Manual for Parent Support Group Facilitation is developed.

9 Counselling Service Since 1983

The history of the counselling service goes back to 1983 when “Family Focus” opened its doors and individual counselling and parenting skills training was undertaken by the first two counsellors on the staff.

The approach was to encourage “positive recently a support group facilitator parenting” through support and education observed that a mother attending the of parents. At times there have been as group appeared to be depressed. The many as eight counsellors doing individual mother was referred for individual counselling. When the Parent Centre counselling and was diagnosed with was operating from the Cape Town Child postnatal depression. This mother has Welfare Society office in Upper Claremont subsequently contacted the centre and counselling clients were predominantly expressed gratitude for the help that she from the Southern Suburbs. With the received and remarked “There is no need centre’s relocation to Main Road, Wynberg for parents to suffer in silence. Help is in 2004, there was a drastic decline in the available at the Parent Centre.” number of clients seeking individual help. In recent years the numbers have increased In 2011, with the intention of developing steadily but have also become more donor- an “Under 3’s” service at the Parent Centre, dependant as 95% of clients hail from five staff received training with Judy Davies poorer communities and are seldom able to (child psychotherapist) to do this more pay for the service. specialised work. The importance of this work is the focus on early intervention The nature of issues that have confronted with parents and infants, which research parents and counsellors over the years has shown to be advantageous for later have changed as well. In former years development and mental health. It is also parents came to counselling seeking help more cost effective – as improvements with setting boundaries, gaining children’s are seen more rapidly than in work with co-operation, sibling rivalry, and tantrums older children and adults. The counsellors in younger children. In recent years parents are supervised by Fouzia Ryklief and Judy engaged in counselling have also struggled Davies. with financial difficulties, alcohol and drug addiction, interpersonal and community violence, divorce, aggressive behaviour and depression. There has also been an increase in the number of grandparents coming Since 1997 some 10 865 for counselling, needing help to cope with parents and 18 188 caring for grandchildren left by their drug addicted parents. children have benefitted Referrals come in from schools, shelters, from this counselling welfare organisations and the Children’s Court as well as through other programmes service. offered by the Parent Centre. For example,

10 A poem written by a mother attending theTafelsig mother and child support group (In gratitude to Nasiera Ebrahim, support group facilitator)

We are so happy to know you. We being moms, friend, daughters and wives Like sunshine on a cloudy day You bring warmth to our lives

You give information, a clear indication, that there is Hope, VINDICTION You even tell us to listen to a radio station. Nasiera Ebrahim I like how your face lights- up Every time we say positive things. It seems to you a special kind of Joy it brings. I love how educated you are, you could have been anything A chef, a movie star You could have fattened up your purse or owned a bar, But you chose instead to be of help to others, us mothers.

Through you I find inspiration, motivation, causation, information. That is why every Tuesday I await with anticipation. So thank you for the difference you make, The hours we take That nothing is fake For not being afraid to give us a shake When silly mistakes we make For keeping us alert, awake And helping us not to fall even though we feel our earth quake.

Written by: Deverine Inglis (On behalf of support group moms)

11 Parent and Community Empowerment and Support (Paces) Programme Since 1987

In its early form, this programme was in operation since 1987. At that time, the term “Community Education and Training” was used to refer to these counselling and support groups that were offered in various areas.

In 2008 the name “PACES” was coined to more and Leadership/Train-the-trainer programme accurately reflect the nature and scope of the to equip these professionals and community programme which had undergone considerable workers to facilitate parenting training and groups expansion since its inception. in their communities. A special Child Behaviour Management Training Programme for educators In addition to counselling and support groups, had also been created. An example of this work parenting skills training courses, workshops is the Parent Centre’s collaboration during 2005 and talks for parents and caregivers had been and 2008 with organisations such as Bright Lights, developed and added. Furthermore, an increasing DSD’s Victim Empowerment Programme, City of amount of training was being conducted with Cape Town, G.C. Williams, The Homestead and professionals and community leaders who worked Lavender Hill Youth Care Centre to promote positive with families and who wanted to include parental parenting of children who had lived on the streets. guidance and support in their work. The staff of A considerable number of parents and caregivers of this programme had developed a special Parenting street children, and professionals working with street

12 1 2 3

1 PACES mentoring and support

2 PACES mom and baby support group

3 PACES mentoring and support participants

children, participated in the Positive Parenting Skills to groups or organisations which have completed Programme, Parenting and Leadership Programme the training. Since 2007 a total of 349 professionals and Child Behaviour Management Programme. and community leaders working with some 12 933 children have benefitted from the Mentoring and Between 2001 and 2013 more than 3 782 Support Programme. professionals and community workers in the Western Cape as well as Eastern Cape and Gauteng, working Parent Support Groups have been offered since with more than 99 119 children had benefitted from 1983 and have continued to be a place where these two programmes. parents meet weekly and have a space to focus on themselves; to be listened to and understood; to Over a number of years participants of the Parenting get support and ideas from other parents; to share and Leadership Training had requested ongoing their challenges ; to strengthen their families and support for their work. To meet this need a Mentoring grow personally and to gain information that fosters and Support Programme was established in 2007. and promotes the well-being of their children. These support meetings have included networking Between 2010 and March 2013 the number of and sharing problems and challenges in the work, support groups being requested and offered had presentation of general parenting topics as well doubled, from 5 to 10 – in Silvertown, Hanover Park, as providing refresher or follow-up training. In Gugulethu, Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Tafelsig, Lentegeur, addition, telephonic or email support is provided Woodlands, Medi-Clinic and Medi-

13 PACES Mom and Baby Support Group Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic

Clinic Cape Town. In some of the groups young and 2012 saw another milestone in this programme – for abusive parents have participated and facilitators the first time the PACES programme, contracted by have witnessed how these parents have grown Western Cape DSD, embarked on leading a Family emotionally and managed to attach to their infants. Resilience Project in the community of Hangberg. The fact that some parents try to find work or study This pilot project, still in its infancy stage, aims to again also indicates improved self-esteem. build resilience in families living in this community characterised by drug abuse, poverty and teenage In 2010 and 2011 a partnership with Western Cape pregnancy through joint collaboration of a variety of DSD enabled the launch of a pilot Fatherhood, community stakeholders and service providers. Parenting and Leadership Skills workshop in the rural districts of Robertson, Worcester, Lambert’s Bay, Grabouw, Caledon, Somerset West, Strand and Supervision and training for the Eerste River. The aim was to facilitate a process of P.A.C.E.S team has always been fathers passing on their experience, knowledge and skills to other fathers through counselling, considered vital for the successful workshops or simply through conversations. The five implementation of their work. In 2012 Parent Centre facilitators involved worked closely and 2013 a lot of work was invested with Hearts of Men and the Rural Transformation into strengthening supervision and Company in Lamberts Bay, and the district offices of DSD in these areas and trained a total of 101 training. A Manual for Parent Support fathers and community workers. One participating Group Facilitation was developed father shared that “since attending the training my and all Parent Centre support group children are more open towards me, they can see facilitators will complete the training and feel the difference in me”. A follow up Mentoring and Support Programme has been provided and a and will also receive further ongoing number of the participants have begun to implement quarterly training. the fatherhood work in various forms in their communities.

14 In Western cape: Claremont, , Plumstead, Newlands, PACES , Constantia, Cape Town, Bellville, , Elsies River, Athlone, , Ocean View, , Mitchell’s Plain, Strandfontein, Programme Epping, Retreat, Steenberg, , , Pelican Park, 1997 – 2013 Philippi, Du Noon, Vrygrond, Lavender Hill, , , Khayelitsha, Nyanga, Gugulethu, Langa, Lutzville, Koekenaap, , Ebenezer, Beaufort West, George, Hermanus, Oudtshoorn, Robertson, Worcester, Grabouw, Caledon, Somerset West, Strand, Eerste River, Prince Albert, Saldanha Bay, Lambert’s Bay, Vredenburg

In Gauteng: Johannesburg

In Eastern Cape: Kokstad, Umtata, Cala

Number of professionals and Number of Number of community workers working with parents and children other NPO’s, CBO’s and faith- caregivers impacted based organisations trained

Positive Parenting Skills Training (courses, workshops, talks) Understanding Childrens’ Behaviour; Active Listening; Assertiveness; Effective Discipline; 136 078 411 280 393 Managing Sibling Rivalry; Raising Boys; Raising Girls; Closing the gap with Teenagers; Nanny Training

Support Groups (4 weekly support groups for pregnant mothers, 5 285 26 7 953 new mothers and fathers, teen parents, grandparents)

Parenting and Leadership Skills/Train-the trainer Programme and Child Behaviour 304 3 782 99 119 Management Training Programme

Mentoring and Support Programme 349 12 933

Fatherhood Programme (positive parenting skills training, leadership 101 424 17 172 training and ongoing mentoring and support – all focusing on fatherhood)

TOTALS 141 768 4 992 417 570

15 Parent-Infant Intervention Home Visiting Programme Since 1994 Pregnancy and birth are in themselves life changing events. But, when a pregnant woman faces difficult circumstances such as an unplanned pregnancy, lack of support from her partner, teenage pregnancy, poverty, abuse, physical/mental illness, etc., then pregnancy and birth may be experienced as traumatic. This may result in an overwhelmed mother who is alienated from her infant and who may neglect, abuse or abandon her infant. Such an infant may become depressed and fail to thrive and may become a delinquent or violent child.

The Parent-Infant Intervention Home Visiting had a significant positive impact on the quality Programme recognizes the above and has as its of the mother-infant relationship and security of main objective to prevent child victimization, attachment. neglect and abuse through enhancing a parent or caregiver’s capacity to cope with the challenges of Between 2001 and 2002 two of the Hanover Park early parenting as well as teaching and strengthening home visitors were seconded to a research project positive parenting practices. on Foetal Alcohol Syndrome conducted by the Foundation for Alcohol and Related Research This ethos harks back to two studies done by Mireille (Medical School, ) and the Landman for the Parent Centre. The first, in 1994, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, USA. was the Healthy Families in Africa research project The home visitors provided parenting support and conducted in Hanover Park. The second, 1996 guidance to mothers and infants involved in the to 2001, was the Khayelitsha Mother and Infant research. (Thula Sana) Research Project. This included an epidemiological study, a pilot study and a follow Between 2003 and 2008 the redesigned programme up Randomised Controlled Trial in partnership with was implemented in Hanover Park and expanded into University of Cape Town, University of Stellenbosch, five additional communities – Gugulethu, Philippi, Reading University, Wellcome Trust and the World , Hangberg and Mitchell’s Plain. Health Organisation (WHO). The programme was redesigned, an adaptation of the Health Visitor In 2005 Mireille Landman moved into the role of Preventive Intervention Programme, a home programme consultant. Venecia Barries managed the visitation programme in Britain, with key principles programme for the next six years and Milly Pekeur of the WHO document “Improving the Psychosocial took leadership in March 2012. Development of Children ” incorporated as well. A Parent-Infant Intervention Training Programme Maintaining consistent funding for the programme as well as the first manual for home visitors was has been a significant challenge though. For this developed. A key aspect of the redesign was the use reason the programme was suspended in Philippi of 12 items from Brazelton and Nugent’s Neonatal and Gugulethu for six months of 2005. The entire Behavioural Assessment Schedule, taught by Lynne programme was also threatened with suspension at Murray of the Winnicott Research Institute at Reading the end of 2007. A significant funding commitment University in Britain. from World Childhood Foundation since 2008 has enabled the programme’s continuation in all eight The name of the programme was also changed communities as well as expansion into Nyanga, from Mother-Infant Programme to Parent-Infant and Retreat. Intervention Home Visiting programme since the redesigned programme offered support and Currently 14 Parent-Infant Community Counsellors guidance to mothers, fathers and other primary (PICCs), supervised by five social workers and caregivers. psychologists, conduct home visits in these 10 communities. They provide information during The epidemiological study revealed that the rate five antenatal visits and are available to listen, with of maternal depression in Khayelitsha was 34.7%, a non-judgemental stance, to any concerns that three times the rate in developed countries. The the pregnant mother and her partner may bring Randomised Controlled Trial showed that the about the pregnancy or other issues – for example, programme, delivered by lay community counsellors relationship difficulties, drug addiction, abuse by staff (supervised by infant mental health professionals) at Maternity and Obstetric Units.

16 The following are home visitor’s accounts of impact they have made Mariam Malan “When I first met Tanya (name changed) she was completely with families they have home visited: ruined. She was emotionally abused by her own mother and sometimes physically by her husband. She had no support and was just lying in her room. She even felt like taking her own life and these were times when she felt she don’t want to have her baby. With my departure she told me, “In times of need you were there for me, Mariam. You picked me up and carried me throughout this pregnancy, labour and birth and helped me survive, even though there were times when I was still in bed and my house wasn’t clean you never left me alone. You gave me courage and support that no-one ever did in my life. The knowledge that I gained from you made me strong and I can now walk without fear.” Lucy Yozi “I first visited Grace (name changed) when she was four months pregnant. She was crying a lot the first time I saw her. Her partner wanted her to have an abortion. He threatened to leave her if she did not have the abortion. He left her when she’d decided to keep the baby. Grace was also HIV positive and could not breastfeed, due to her CD4 count being so low. I spoke to the nurse at the local clinic and they gave Grace formula milk for her baby. I also referred her to an organisation that provides food parcels. At the end of the home visits Grace told me that she was much happier than before. She thanked me for all the help I gave her. She was very glad that her baby was so beautiful and growing so nicely”.

Following the birth of the baby, counsellors offer 15 group format, to reduce cost, was informally tested post-natal visits, by which time the baby is around in Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha. We found that 6 months of age. During the post-natal visits they while the mothers greatly valued the antenatal support the parents in providing the best possible group sessions, attended regularly and developed care for their baby. This involves encouraging the new friendships, they stopped attending once they mother to attend the clinic appointments as well as gave birth. In 2013 a third antenatal group will be listening to any concerns about her own or the baby’s implemented in Heideveld, with formal evaluation physical and mental health. If needed, referrals are by Social Work Masters students, University of the made to other agencies. Counsellors also facilitate Western Cape. bonding between parents and infant by alerting the parents to the stages of infant’s development, Between 1997 and 2013 some 8 661 mothers encouraging communication between parent and and 11 262 children have been impacted infant. The programme aims to involve as many fathers as possible. Where fathers have been involved through the home visits. they have generally responded positively to support and information given by the counsellors. A significant challenge in 2012 has been to secure funding for the programme for 2014 and beyond. Since 2006 the counsellors have also been giving The Parent Centre has embarked on an intense weekly talks on various pregnancy topics at the fundraising campaign incorporating funding community health clinics in their geographical applications to a range of funders and donors, areas of work. Apart from reaching large numbers dissemination of pregnancy and early parenting of mothers with information, this is also a way of information in partnership with corporate concerns recruiting mothers to the programme. and an online fundraising campaign for this purpose. It is critical that this early prevention programme, In 2011 the effectiveness of offering the support which reaches the neediest and most at-risk pregnant and content of the home visiting programme in a women, is continued and expanded.

17 Teen Parenting Skills Training Programme Since 2000 Between the 1980’s and 2000 support to teen parents was mainly in the form of teen parent support groups.

In 2000 social worker Tamara Ngcuka and community development workers, Bulelwa Kuse and Lephina Comments from the Head of Makhanya, consulted with educators at high schools Department, Life Orientation, at one in the townships who expressed concern about the increase in teenage learners raising their biological of the high schools about the positive children or siblings. A 9-session teen parenting difference made by the Teen Parenting course was subsequently offered at Chris Hani High Skills Training Programme, 2013 School, Bulumko High School and Thembehle High School.

In 2001 it was redesigned and structured into a 20 A pilot study for the Department of Social session programme under the guidance of Julia Development was also conducted in the Starck who continues to manage the programme communities of Mitchell’s Plain, , Atlantis and supervise the team of 6 facilitators. The team and Ceres in 2009 and 2010. This external evaluation was given more training at the time, based on what reported improvements in the participants’ they knew was needed having been working in the understanding of their children’s needs and community. feelings; respect for self and others and improved communication. The 20 session programme incorporated positive parenting skills as well as specific adolescent issues The study also recommended that the success of such as assertiveness, managing money, love the programme could be enhanced by offering the relationships and HIV/AIDS. Since 2012 sessions programme after school rather than during the on grief have been included to provide additional school day, by offering support to the parents of the support and guidance to participants who live in teen participants and providing ongoing support communities characterised by crime, violence and groups for the participants after they complete HIV/AIDS and often have to deal with loss and grief. the programme. All of these have since been Over the years the programme has also tried to link implemented. teens with job and study opportunities. When asked what helps the teens in this programme Since its inception the programme, whilst not the facilitators agree that having a platform to talk, condoning teenage pregnancy, has aimed to reach probably for the first time, is very therapeutic and teenagers who bear the responsibility of parenting contributes to an improved self-esteem. They provide their own biological children or other children in a non-judgemental space for the teens by letting their families. The belief has been that, by meeting them know that they themselves are not perfect the emotional needs of teenagers, the programme parents. This honesty makes the teens more receptive will help to eventually break the cycle of teenage to hearing how older parents may feel/think about pregnancy. Their sustained effective parenting of things which the teens do! Julia Starck believes that a their children will, hopefully, result in reduction of sense of security evolves from the supportive, caring teenage pregnancy in the next generation. relationship which develops between teenagers and facilitators over the 20 session programme. It Initially the programme was only offered to teen becomes the foundation upon which parenting skills parents attending school. Since 2004 it has also been can be learned, practiced and internalized. offered at community venues, to teen parents whose parenting responsibilities have forced them to drop The facilitators describe their pleasure in seeing the out of school. commitment some teens show to the groups and how they are able to change behaviour and regain Between 2001 and 2013 the programme has been some childlike sparkle in their eyes, despite the losses regularly run in Khayelitsha, Gugulethu and Nyanga. in their young lives. Programme evaluations completed by participants themselves and also educators who regularly Between 1997 and 2013 some 3 152 parents interact with them have consistently shown that and caregivers and 3 688 children have been the participants’ parenting and school performance improve as a result. impacted through the Teen Parenting Skills Programme.

18 “They [the learners] became more responsible for their lives, very accountable. They were exemplary to other learners. Before the programme the self-esteem of the learners was very low but after the programme it became very high. Most passed Grade 12”.

The Parenting in Africa Network (PAN) Since 2008

Recently the Parent Centre has acquired The Parent Centre’s Teen Parenting Skills a presence in the rest of Africa through Programme has also been featured in two participation in PAN, a network which aims PAN publications, “Strengthening Families to promote skilful parenting in Africa. to Protect Children” and “Voices of African Children”. The Parent Centre, represented by Julia Starck, has been involved in the network PAN has expanded consistently since since its inception in 2008, when we 2008, from 8 African organisations to more were invited to participate in roundtable than 200. Plans are underway to establish discussions initiated by two East African country-based chapters, comprising organisations, namely International Child member organisations who will network Support (ICS), Kenya and African Child and share expertise, as well as promote Policy Forum (ACPF), Ethiopia. skilful parenting and effective parenting practices in their respective countries. Since then the Parent Centre has been The country chapters will give input actively involved. We took part in the on parenting guidelines for the African Skillful Parenting Experts meeting in continent. The launch of the South African Nairobi in October 2009; in the Symposium chapter of PAN is planned for 17 May 2013. at Lake Naivasha, Kenya in March 2010 where the PAN structure was put in place; at the launch of the PAN Secretariat in Kenya in late 2010 where Julia Starck was elected into the position of Vice- Chairperson and in the first PAN Conference in April 2011. In June 2012 she was appointed as the Chairperson.

19 Growth of the administrative, financial, human resources, marketing and fundraising team

All the programmes currently offered by the Parent Centre can only function efficiently with the support and talents of the administrative, financial, human resources, marketing and fundraising staff.

The independence from Cape Town Child Welfare Since 2001 the team has grown from three (a Society in 1995; the rapid increase in the number finance manager, receptionist and housekeeper) to and scope of programmes and programme staff; eight (an admin/ human resources manager, finance an increased need for Non-Profit Organisations to manager, receptionist, two administrative assistants, effectively market their services and engage with a marketing assistant, housekeeper and fundraising social media has naturally required additional consultant). support staff. In 2013 the increased demand for Zaitoon Abed, who has been involved with the our parenting services has placed Parent Centre since 1991, and financial manager since 2001, points out that the growth of the centre considerable additional strain which is reflected in the turnover that has trebled in the will need to be addressed as a priority. 30 years of its existence.

20 Statistics: April 2012 – March 2013 S ND S A ND AR ENT CTED A ND OFE SS ION A L S ND AR EGIVE RS R K S HOP , AS E S , WO

ACTIVITY U N S ELLING N U MBE R OF CO C R EVENT MEETING S & OTHE N U MBE R OF S E SS ION N U MBE R OF P C N U MBE R OF P R R KE RS U NITY WO COMM N U MBE R OF CHILD EN IMP

Home Visits 7 003 733 772

Counselling and Consultation 288 366 288 296

Parent Support Groups 10 329 236 382

Positive Parenting Skills Training 13 91 231 572

Specialised Parenting Workshops 11 34 310 56 3 963

Parenting and Leadership Training 7 77 96 4 320 (P & L)/Train-the-trainer Programme

Mentoring and Support Programme 4 4 183 5 893 (Ongoing support and training for P & L training graduates)

Fatherhood Training and Parenting & 5 60 106 5 010 Leadership focusing on fatherhood

Mentoring and Support Programme 5 11 154 6 235 for graduates of Parenting & Leadership focusing on fatherhood

Fatherhood Support Group 1 8

Parenting Talks at Community Health 195 195 7 275 85 10 837 Clinics

General Parenting Talks 48 1 591 53 1 965

Radio Talks (KFM; Radio 786; Radio 20 830 000 Zibonele; )

Television Programmes (Soul City) 1 2 million

Newspaper & Magazine 1 Articles/Contributions to Articles

Questions and Answers 2 (Magazines, Website)

Networking at Forums and Open Days 38

Teen Parenting Programme 19 282 388 430

21 Thank you to our funders, donors Thank and sponsors You! The interest and support of funders, donors and sponsors enhances the centre’s capacity and determination to sustain essential programmes to parents, children, families and communities in need.

Funders Donors and sponsors Department of Social Anonymous Metropolitan Health Johnson & Johnson Development HCI Foundation Kim/Michaela Revlon World Childhood Community Chest of the F Davids Krisray Foundation Western Cape Vanessa Pather PNDSA Trifid Trust Din Din Trust Venecia Barries Rosemary Duncan Glencore International My School Card Anita Grant Rolfe-Nussbaum University of California, Judy Davies Foundation Los Angeles World Association for National Lottery PEPFAR Infant Mental Health Distribution Fund USAID

Financial Appeal YES, I WANT TO HELP THE PARENT CENTRE TO KEEP GOING AND GROWING!

1. Attached please find my cheque/postal order for R . .

2. I (full name) hereby authorise you to debit my current account on a monthly basis on the nn day of each month for R . as donations to the Parent Centre.

Account No

Bank Branch

Signature

3. Please debit my Master/Visa Card with the amount of R . . Card No nnnn nnnn nnnn nnnn Expiry Date nnM M nnY Y Signature

Name Telephone

Address

Code

Please return this coupon (or photcopy) to the Parent Centre address listed below.

The Parent Centre’s Bank Account: First National Bank (Wynberg) Account No: 50151118286 Branch code: 202.209 NPO No: 005-605 PBO No: 18/11/13/448 – Section 18A Fund P.O. Box 18889, Wynberg, 7824 Tel: +27 21 762 0116 Fax: +27 21 762 5160 Email: [email protected] Website: www.theparentcentre.org.za 22 Thank you to our board members Their commitment, support, guidance and ethical and responsible Thank leadership has ensured that the Parent Centre has remained a well- governed, respected organisation. You!

The Board of Management Chairperson: Ms Vanessa Pather Vice-Chairperson: Mrs Shona Sturgeon Treasurer: Mrs Debbie Coombe Members: Dr Hoosain Ebrahim, Mrs Khairu Nagdee (resigned prior to April 2013 meeting), Ms Vanessa Minnaar, Ms Nomfundo Ntoyanto (resigned prior to July 2012 meeting), Rev Buyisile Mqobongo

Thank you to our staff members and volunteers

Whose love and compassion for parents and children, talents and dedication has been the cornerstone of Parent Centre’s success and impact.

Permanent Staff Contract Staff Director: Venecia Barries P/I Programme: Supervisors: Programme Managers: Judy Brice, Carol Cheesman, Melanie Horwitz, Stine • PACES: Fouzia Ryklief Lundgren • Parent-Infant Home Visiting: Milly Pekeur Parent-Infant Community Counsellors: • Teen Parenting: Julia Starck Kulsum Achmat, Cheryl de Silva, Audry Johnson, • Finance: Zaitoon Abed Sizeka Klaas, Mariam Malan, Phumla Memani, • Admin/HR: Barbara du Toit Christine Nichols, Nompumelelo Sampies, Babalwa Social Workers: Tatsi-Ngala, Sheilla Tomsana, Vivienne Williams, Charlene Arkeldien, Sharon Paulus, Jann Watlington Lucy Yozi Social Auxiliary Workers: Marketing Generalist: Zeenat Hendricks Marilyn Matroos, Nasiera Ebrahim Administration Support: Bronwyn Thompson Area Co-ordinators: Facilitator: Noxolo Madlakane, Shuaib Salie Marjorie Feni, Lephina Mojakgolo, Bulelwa Kuse Community Development Workers: Sessional Staff Charles George, Bekiwe Sopangisa, Berenice Scott Counsellors: P/I Community Counsellors: Helen Barnard, Anita Grant, Shira Jankelson-Groll, Deborah Meyer, Nosiphiwo Nomaqiza, Noludwe Carin-Lee Masters, Sue Mitrani Tanale PACES Facilitators: Receptionist: Letitia Tomlinson Rasheda Ariefdien, Ruth Bruintjies, Pat Coombe, Admin Assistant: Zaiboenisa Parsley Ellen Dareis, Soraya de Goede, Edith Delcarme, Workshop & Stats Co-ordinator: Safura Solomon Margaret Flack-Davison, Helen Gosnell, Trish Housekeeper: Lhalha Feni Holgate, Nawhaal Jacobs, Shirley Madlingozi, Shenaaz Moos, Sandi Trout, Gadieja van Eden, Volunteers Linda Waner, Jenny Wright P/I Programme Consultant: Mireille Landman Zero-to-three Counselling Supervisor: Judy Davies Fundraising Consultant: Jetty Botes-Erasmus Photographers: Alexa Swanepoel, Waafiq Hendricks Website development and maintenance: Taariq Latiff The cornerstone of our

success and impact 23 Endorsements World childhood foundation

24 Endorsements Department of Social Development

25 glanz L3754

The Parent Centre Upper Level Wynberg Centre 123 Main Road Wynberg Cape Town 7800

Tel: +27 21 762 0116 Fax: +27 21 762 5160

Email: [email protected] Website: www.theparentcentre.org.za

NPO No: 005-605 PBO No: 18/11/13/448 – Section 18A Fund