NOW that she is all grown up, former Mother of Peace (MOP) resident, Ntomikayise Promise Maphumulo is taking charge of her life and future.
Fondly known as Nana, the 23-year-old lived at MOP in Lower Illovo for eight years and is the first resident to move out and start her own journey.
On matriculating, she studied office management. Currently she works as an administrative clerk and lives in Montclair.
“I wasn’t initially prepared to leave, but the biggest push was transport costs and long hours. I start work early and finish late and the taxis aren’t able to drop me off in front of MOP. It was dangerous to walk in the dark. I knew I had to take this step at some point, so I have been trying my best to be brave.”
To help Nana get used to living on her own, she lived in a halfway house at MOP for over two years. It gave her more independence and prepared her for the outside world. She got used to doing basic chores such as washing, cooking and laundry.
“It’s been a month since I moved out and I feel the difficulties every day. I don’t earn very much because I am still new and gaining experience and I have to pay for rent, transport, clothes and food. What has been most difficult about leaving MOP is that I am all alone and have to do things on my own.”
She misses being around a house full of people, her brother and other children she has left behind. “Despite everything, I like living close to work and that I am able to be a grown up and stand on my own.”
MOP is very proud of Nana’s achievements. “She is an inspiration not only to MOP children, but to many others who cross her path. She continues to provide insight and valuable input that enhances our goals and objectives in recreating and restoring a family environment,” said Iris Canham, the organisation’s general manager.
