Working Within Communities
In addition to providing support and education for the children and youth, Little Angels often acts as a go-between agent for Child Welfare, Social Development and the Police, monitoring the children on their request. Little Angels also reports any abuse, or suspected abuse, to the aforementioned organisations. In some instances Little Angels also ensures doctor’s orders are kept; such as if a parent has a severe form of TB and is not allowed to be near their children.
All children and youth are taught about abuse, both sexual and physical, and are encouraged to tell the teachers if anything happens at home. Many cases have been brought to Child Welfare, Social Development and the police thanks to this.
Little Angles is the only organisation in Hangberg where parents who cannot pay full fees for their children to attend a crèche, after school, or youth program can send their children. Whilst there are other free activities happening in Hangberg for children, there is no other educare center which offers a donation based program.
Little Angels accepts children from the nearby Imizamu Yethu as well; working across borders. This is important due to mistrust between various groups in society.
Once graduating from the crèche children normally attend the local Sentinel Primary School and later Sentinel High School. As there are up to 50 children in one class educational needs are often not met and it’s important that children receive additional education from other sources. Especially as bullying, gang formation and the use of drugs are all too common occurrences at Sentinel.