Mabopane NPO celebrates youth and children

Community members in and around Mabopane came together to celebrate children and youth month at a fundraising lunch on Saturday.

The Care-net welfare organisation hosted the event at their child protection centre in block A. Youth came in their numbers to show support for the event.

Care-net Founder Maria Mokgohloa is retired social worker who started the organisation in 2007, with the aim to help children in the community and offer protection to those who need it.

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“Most of the children we have are orphans whose parents died because of illnesses, some are neglected,” said Mokgohloa.

“Our purpose was for us to celebrate these children that have accomplished so much since they have been with us.

“One of them, Sipho Dladla, is an aspiring football player in Mpumalanga who is doing well,” she said.

Care-net employee Kedibone Mokgara said through the support of the department of social development, funds were raised to help build a computer centre for the children and the community to equip them with computer knowledge.

Mokgara said that all kinds of support from people was welcome.

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“Our centre is open to everyone who wants to help. Our computer centre that will be launched on 1 July, is for everyone, youth, children, and unemployed individuals who want help in that field,” Mokgara said.

Beneficiary of Care-net Ofentse Mashau said: “I joined Care-net under the supervision of Mama Happy and other social workers who have supported me throughout high school all the way to university. I am now capable to use my ability of thinking to achieve what I put my mind to. Their guidance has helped me a lot. That is one of the reasons I am still here.”

Promise Moagi was introduced to Care-net in 2016 after her parents died and her life has changed for the better.

“After my parents died, I was faced with the responsibility of taking care of my siblings at a very young age. Care-net offered counselling for me and told me that it will not be easy. So I took upon the responsibility and I am now the legal guardian and getting foster care for my siblings.

“I’m very grateful for what they have done for me,” Moagi said.

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