Commitment to the sincere, selfless service of all humankind in a non-judgemental, warm and caring manner irrespective of race, religion, colour, culture or social class and upholding every individuals right to confidentiality.
This is the hallmark of Gift of the Givers Careline - a counselling service dedicated to the upliftment of the disempowered individual and the restoration of self-respect, unconditionally and compassionately, inspired by the dictum: “Best among people are those who benefit mankind”.
About us
Based in Pietermaritzburg, Gift of the Givers Careline has entered its second decade, having been launched on the May 5, 1997.
This project was initiated having identified a niche in the community for a service that would be racially and culturally sensitive.
At the time South Africa was still a fledgling democracy and was faced with many challenges that a diverse society brings.
In 2003, we started supporting a drug rehabilitation centre called Minds Alive.
At the end of 2003, Gift of the Givers rose to the challenge, and one of our milestones has been the establishment of the free, voluntary telephonic and face-to-face counselling service.
Our greatest success has been the ability to permeate all levels of society, traversing cultural, social, religious, racial and political barriers.
Individuals from across the spectrum of South African society have utilised our services, called in for “help”, trained and served with us.
Projects
Our growth has been tremendous.
We currently deal with between 300 and 400 telephonic and face-to-face counselling sessions per month.
Not only have several thousand individuals accessed our telephonic and face-to-face counselling service but a similar number throughout the province have benefited from Careline's projects which include:
1. Volunteer Counselling Training
2. HIV/AIDS workshops for educators
3. HIV/AIDS workshops for learners
4. Lifeskills workshops for learners
5. Lifeskills Train-the-Trainer
6. Advanced training for counsellors
7. Marriage guidance and parenting
workshops
8. Emotional empowerment and
capacity building
9. Community educational and
outreach programmes
10. Support Group:
- Children-in-need
- Women-in-need
- Bereavement work
- HIV/AIDS
11. Care of the Carers
12. Internship for Psychology and
Social Work Students
Contact:
The Careline counselling service -
Toll Free 0800 786 786 (8am - 4pm weekdays)
Drug Crisis Line - Toll Free 0800 786 911
Above left: Gift of the Givers Careline offers face to face counselling on an appointment basis. Above right: Gift of the Givers offers predominantly telephonic counselling. We field calls from all over the country. During our 12 year history, we have also received calls from beyond our borders and shores.
Community Education and Outreach: Muslim Personal Law
Gift of the Givers Careline adopts a two pronged approach in addressing psycho-social issues. Whilst it supports individuals, couples and groups through counselling it strongly advocates education and awareness on relevant issues that directly impact on society. With knowledge and information individuals are more aware and are in a position to make informed decisions.
Often women in the community are not aware of their rights and about the resources available to them. This brings on feelings of despondency, isolation and helplesness. Through attending seminars and presentations about pertinent issues they become empowered.
Recently Gift of the Givers held a seminar on the Muslim Personal Law (MPL) or the Muslim Marriage Bill for the public. Various stakeholders have been negotiating for the past two decades to have this Bill passed in Parliament. Members of the legal and religious bodies have had discussions but the community-at-large have not been included. This seminar was an attempt to educate the community and created a platform for rigorous debate allowing ordinary people from the public to present their perspectives. Contributions from the public on matters such as these play a valuable role in influencing policies and legislations that directly impact on the lives of individuals.
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Update
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Head of Southern African Anglican Church and Reverend Butterworth, leave for Haiti today on a multifaceted mission. They will be accompanied by Anglican Archbishop of USA. The mission is multifaceted and includes preperation to deliver 500 tons of aid from SA.Call 0832364029 for details.
