Queen Butterfly Foundation, a foundation for children with severe mental and physical disabilities, recently celebrated its grand opening.
The occasion was made even more special when Atlantis Mining donated R100 000 to help with the development of the non-profit organisation.
“I want to raise awareness about the programme,” said Palesa Mofokeng, the organisation’s founder and principal.
The foundation is deeply invested in increasing the awareness of the need for the proper care of children with disabilities. It also promotes interaction between children with disabilities and those without. Its mission is to implement a stimulating programme, aimed at engaging children through speech therapy and physiotherapy – to name a few.
The foundation will hold different workshops throughout the year, where community members are invited and are compelled to contribute whatever they can.
The Kloofendal-based NPO that was established on 20 July, is in dire need of community support and people willing and eager to interact with the impaired children.
Mofokeng, who was specifically trained to work with children who have disabilities, has always had aspirations to run a programme of her own – centered on enriching the lives of those who are powerless.
“I want to take away the ‘aah…shame’ stigma that is always linked to people with special needs, like those I work with,” she said. “My goals were always to add value to the children’s lives and their families, not to make a quick buck.”
Queen Butterfly is always looking for passionate facilitators to train so they can join the team of devoted caregivers who work for the betterment of others.
“I want Queen Butterfly to be about the quality and standard of work we put in engaging and caring for the children,” said Mofokeng.
The Foundation’s next event will be a make-up workshop on 6 November at NG Gemeente Kloofendal, 4pm–7pm, and is open to the public.
Details: Queen Butterfly Foundation palesa.queenbutterfly@gmail.com or 072 871 2559.