Isolabantwana (Eye on the Child) is a community-based programme that provides short-term emergency safe houses for abused, neglected, and exploited children.

This programme, operational since 2003, was initiated in response to the increased incidences of child abuse reflected in StellCare statistics. Its success is based on the participation of community volunteers.

Isolabantwana was designed by Cape Town Child Welfare, shared with the child welfare movement, and is recognised internationally as a good practice model.

1. – Trained volunteers are the eyes of the children and are there to assist children until social workers can intervene. This includes community volunteers authorised and mandated by the local Commissioner of Child Welfare to remove a child from danger as per the Children’s Act.
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3. – Trained volunteers create awareness in communities, and provide preventative and early intervention services for children and families through events, talks, and workshops. They are recruited, screened, and trained by StellCare to assist social workers in the prevention and management of child abuse.
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5. – Volunteers provide a one-stop 24hrs protection service for children and safe houses with safety parents opening their homes to children in crisis for up to 48hrs until a social worker can intervene.
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7. – Isolabantwana educators create awareness on the subject of child abuse in communities.

It is evidence-based and has been piloted in some provinces. It is unique in its concept, approach, design, and implementation because it targets boys with approaches aimed at ensuring they become change agents. The model is premised on the view that boys, who acquire and build positive skills will make quality choices which enables them to relate with the opposite gender differently.

It will enable young people to develop skills to plan their future, prepare for life challenges, enhance relationship skills, learn the basics of personal growth, and understand how to seek economic opportunities. The intervention challenges certain gender stereotypes and behaviours which perpetuate and heighten violent behaviours towards women and girls.

Gender differences in South Africa are reflected in girls’ increased risk of HIV and AIDS. Population Council statistical data indicates that South Africa has been excessively affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Prevalence rates are higher for women than for men, with gender inequality being more striking among young people. Three female youths live with HIV per every one male youth (with prevalence rates of 15.5 vs. 4.8%, respectively).

The epidemic is becoming common in young women who are socially and economically marginalised.