Care for Traumatized Children
The Need to Care for Traumatized Children
The Need to Care for Traumatized Children
It is no secret – the world can be a challenging place, with obstacles, challenges and sometimes real horrors waiting around every corner. Even as an adult who has the necessary support, navigating this landscape can be difficult, leaving scars we remember for years to come. How much more so for a child who has no support? Given the social conditions prevalent in South Africa, there are hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of traumatized children in desperate need of care.
What is the cause of traumatized children in need of care?
This is a very broad question with, unfortunately, a very long list of answers. There are many situations, events and environments that could lead to trauma among children. These include, but are not limited to:
- Violence and crime
- Abuse – whether physical or mental in nature
- Molestation
- Hunger and malnutrition
- Poverty
- Neglect
- Abandonment
- Illness and disease
- Disabilities
- Mental health issues
- Lack of education
Addressing these issues can be a complex process. It is not enough to simply remove the cause or provide the missing resource. Providing care for traumatized children requires special attention, developmental support, and a concerted effort to restore their trust, health and ability to thrive. This is often an uphill battle, as it requires immense resources. However, if the necessary care is not provided, it could potentially lead to traumatized children growing into adults who do not have the ability to develop in a way that allows them to reach their full potential. This, in turn, can often cause a repeat of the situation where trauma is transferred to the next generation.
Abraham Kriel Bambanani is a registered non-profit organisation that provides care for traumatized children and youth in need in the greater Johannesburg area. We provide shelter, physical care, rehabilitation and skills development for those who have been subjected to trauma, abuse, molestation, poverty, neglect and unemployment. This is done via residential care, community services and educational programmes.
Our support network comes a long way and can be traced back all the way to 1902 when Reverend Abraham Kriel established a safe haven in Langlaagte for children who were orphaned during the South African war. Today, we operate a number of shelters and educational programmes, including the Langlaagte Campus, the Maria Kloppers Campus, the Emdeni Campus, and the Johanna Malan Childhood Development Centre.
To find out more about the work we do – and how you can become involved and support the provision of care for traumatized children – get in touch with the team at Abraham Kriel Bambanani today.
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