Help MOP build on year’s success

IT has been a year of achievements for Mother of Peace (MOP) Lower Illovo in the last financial year.

Among these are improved recreation for children; expansion of the primary school which now includes grade 5; a 100% matric pass rate; increased advocacy and awareness; introduction of a sports development programme and a special skills class for children bridging into a grade or who need to enhance their learning capabilities.

“Our community believes that every child has the right to develop to their full potential. With this in mind, we have an inclusive policy and take both orphaned and vulnerable children in need of alternative care. We have a mix of children with various development needs, some are academically inclined, others are skill oriented, some require vocational training and a significant percentage of our children have special needs. We would like to improve our ability to provide for our children,” said general manager, Iris Canham.

There have been success stories as three special skills class pupils have developed the capacity and capability to re-enter mainstream schooling.

According to Iris, in South Africa, a child in special school can only study until the age of 18. “Unfortunately one of our children who is 18-years-old can no longer attend school. As an alternative, he will attend protective workshops facilitated by Durban Mental Health, which will help him to earn a little money.”

One of the children attends Durban School for the Hearing Impaired and is a great swimmer who seeks to develop further in the sport. “Similarly, we have six children attending different schools where they pursue interests in sport (basketball, soccer and athletics); craft (weaving and beading) and Scouts.

If anyone would like to support a programme for special needs children, email iris@motherofpeace.org.za.

Another success at MOP is a Teen Club, which forms parts of a children’s forum. “It is a platform to engage our teenagers in caring for and participating in our community-style living. One of our topics discussed was community development and how children can participate in the community beyond MOP. Some of the children felt emphasis should be placed on the rights of street children, their dignity and being heard. Through these exercises, we hope to equip our children with skills for independence.”

A mentorship programme will be introduced for 16 to 21-year-olds within the next three months, which hopes to teach the older children the significance of paying it forward and ability to impact the younger generation.

The organisation has also started a speech and drama club. Those with expertise are urged to contact MOP to help shape the programme.

It also has an active volunteer programme, and in 2014, 113 volunteers from Holland supported it. “Their contributions have ranged from education to helping in the homes. Our craft shop is a product of their enthusiasm and hard work.”

MOP appeals for financial support and physical assistance in the following areas:

• Salaries and stipends for a social worker, caregivers, housemothers and teachers; outdoor playground equipment for the early childhood development class from birth to three years;
• stationery and sports uniforms (T-shirts and shorts) for schools;
• five computers for the computer and media centre;
• maintenance work (painting, plumbing, electrical work, garden equipment);
• development of the craft centre (light fittings, tables, chairs, beads, wire and clay).

If anyone is able to assist, contact Iris on 031-916-2299.