Umthombo’s programmes are designed to fit into a four-step approach to working with street children.
Engagement: Programmes that are the initial contact point for the children such as outreach, health, surfing, soccer, art, drama, music, kayaking, cycling and both fun and educational activities at Safespace
Therapeutic intervention: Programmes that address the trauma in the children’s lives and prepare them for an alternative to street life. This is where social workers engage in individual and group counseling.
An alternative to street life: ideally children will be reintegrated back into their families, if this is appropriate. Many cases will need family repair and reconstruction support. However, in cases where reintegration is not possible then some children will be taken into community based Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCC’s) until such a time that they can return to general community life.
Aftercare: when children are living an alternative to street life, this alternative needs to be monitored, nurtured and often supported. Aftercare is this follow-up process with former street children and their families to ensure that the situation that they are living in remains conducive to childhood.
