MoP strategy put into fruitful action in 2016

Mother of Peace (MoP) in Lower Illovo has described 2016 as a vibrant year, a year of strategy and a year of action.

MoP is a community for orphaned and vulnerable children, and it works to restore traditional family life and bring up children in a happy family environment to become responsible members of society.

“The focus for this past year has been on stability and improved management of existing resources,” said MoP director and community leader, Gavin Gradwell. “Our focus for 2017 will continue along the same lines with the addition of moving more towards sustainability.”

MoP general manager, Iris Canham said with changes in legislation and in the non-profit sector in the past few years, they have had to look deep into their priorities and key areas to carry out MOP’s mandate to the best of their ability.

“We were truly blessed to have the support of experienced strategist, consultant and beloved friend, Phil Shovlin of Ireland who guided us through a process that set our 2015/16 theme in motion,” said Iris.

This year MoP kicked off a youth development programme that incorporates skills development with two teenage school leavers having been trained and given some form of experience in entrepreneurshp.

Nontokozo Gumbi and Nkosi Nkabinde both lived at MoP for about 13 years.

Through a Rotary sponsorship, Ntokozo gained training in Sh’zen beauty consultancy and has had the opportunity to conduct ‘on the move’ massages where she has earned a small income.

“Nkosi has been placed in MoP’s bakery where he bakes bread and oversees production and distribution. This programme has been largely sponsored by the Society of St Vincent de Paul in Amanzimtoti,” said Iris.

Mervin Raman, friend of MoP, launched a Fatherhood in Action campaign, an initiative developed to raise awareness of the impact of absent fathers. The aim is to help children heal through sport, fitness and mentoring.

Apart from a sports day combined with life coaching sessions, the team has lobbied business and individuals to donate gym equipment. “The in-house gym is a great space for the teenage boys and girls to set physical fitness goals and contribute to their overall well-being,” said Iris.

Kelsey de Cerf launched MoP’s first cross-country programme which saw mostly children between the ages of six and 10 participate and a tennis development programme saw 18 children participate in weekly tennis lessons.

The infirmary was transformed into a multi-disciplinary clinic to support the children’s needs and introduced much-needed play therapy. Phytotherapist Mary Carpenter has facilitated general health programmes that empower children on basic health, hygiene and nutrition. “The greatest strides we have made in this area is healing through creative work,” said Iris.

Various programmes were run by Mallory Pfaff of Holland over a six-month period and children were introduced to new craft work.

“Workshops with craft as a healing avenue has not just helped develop fine motor skills but has had an impact on self-esteem, self concept and a sense of achievement.

MoP Crafts that launched online in October 2014 has grown to provide a significant revenue source. Funds generated go directly into recreation for the children and their individual needs, according to the individual development plans.

Some of MoP’s successes this year include:

* Four children under the age of five-years-old were admitted to MoP.

* Khethiwe joined Double Beat Studio. She has also presented KZN at national basketball championships and joined the Basketball Peace Players Organisation, promoting peace through sport.

* A Learn to Play ukulele programme was conducted over two weeks by Don Roeder.

* 75 children participated in excursions and outside events.

* MoP hosted its first music fundraiser to create awareness about human rights.

* Sane, MoP’s most senior girl has started her degree in business administration.

* Life coaching programmes have helped children with independent thinking and creative ideas.

* Children in the special needs programme created the Wullie doll, an African doll that carries a message of hope, diversity and respect. Wullie is now on sale at MoP Crafts and the MoP shop.

* An old chicken food storage was transformed into a creative space where children craft, learn and grow.

* Children six to nine-years-old went on their first survival camp.

MoP thanks its donors, supporters, friends and families for the tremendous love and support they have shown this year.