Mothers Unite is a NPO that aims to meet the needs of children through interventions and programs. Mothers Unite helps children achieve their potential and make a difference in their lives. The children are disadvantaged and vulnerable, restrained by poverty, crime, gangsterism and drugs. If we as parents, our organization, and the community can provide a medium whereby children can explore, express and showcase themselves, we will help them grow and work towards dreams and goals. We are the voice and ambassadors of the children. We want to educate, encourage, and feed our children!
What skills and resources were you able to draw from the community for this project?
Volunteers from the community help with the various programs. Some past students of the programs mange to established themselves and come back to Mothers Unite to help and share their experiences. Mothers Unite also receives support and donations from different organisations, including businesses.
The challenges
The aim is to provide a safe place as well as nutritional, educational and emotional support, including positive alternatives to antisocial behaviour.
Addressing the challenges
Mothers Unite uplifts the children and families of the Seawinds/Lavender Hill area by focusing on inclusivity and participation through a variety of different projects. The projects include, feeding, reading-literacy, early childhood development, computer literacy, recycle for a token, sports, arts and culture. Mothers Unite also has a sewing project. The organisations works with women in the community to sew goods to be sold, to generate funds for the sustainability of the organization. To support seniors in the community and provide them with companionship the organisation has a seniors club (SAWP) project. The seniors receive motivation and encouragement in their weekly meetings and plan various activities. There are times set aside for sharing their stories, having a nutritious meal together and building up friendships so that healing can take place.
The achievements
Received the Deutsche Bank Urban Age Award in 2012. In 2017, Mothers Unite provided 10,736 meals. The organisation continues to instil values of love, non-violence, and care to each student and family within the programs.
Johannesburg, South Africa