EASTERN PROVIDENCE CHILD & YOUTH CARE CENTRE - Port Elizabeth

At a public meeting held in the Town Hall on 20th July 1905 the Homes became a public institution and the trust accepted by the City has been worthily fulfilled. On 19th January 1906, the foundation stone of the present Homes was laid by the Duchess of Connaught, on a site which then seemed to be well “out on the veld”, whereas now it is in the heart of the residential area of our city. The Duchess used a very special silver and ivory trowel, which unfortunately has been lost but the ceremonial wooden hawk and pestle are still to be seen at the Home today. The two hostels which were built to house 25 girls and 25 boys respectively were designed in the style of the Edwardian era. The first President of the Home was Lady Hely Hutchison, wife of the Governor General, and all  

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through the following years the Homes have been honoured by having the position of Honorary President filled by the wives of succeeding Governors-General. It is noteworthy that, through the years, the Homes have been served by prominent residents of the city who have given devoted service to the Homes. One of the most outstanding of the ladies was the late Mrs. Lenox Conyngham, who devoted her life to the welfare of the inmates of the Homes. The City Council honoured her memory and her work by naming the streets on either side of the Homes after her. Mrs. R.J. Joubert succeeded Mrs. Lenox Conyngham in 1940 as chairman of the House Committee and has continued the work by her selfless and untiring efforts on behalf of the Homes. In the early 80's the Management Committee, also drawn from the PE community, became aware of the changing needs in our society and responded with a more therapeutic approach resulting in dramatic changes in staff requirements, qualifications and structure as well as in the new cottage system taken into use in 1984.