Robyn’s work in Africa inspires Jack to ditch his dreads

JACK Johnstone is ditching his dreadlocks to help raise funds for Ocean Grove’s Robyn Casey, who created a charity that educates and feeds up to 1000 children in Africa.

Robyn started the Mphatso (pronounced ma-par-t-so) Children’s Foundation, a not-for-profit charity registered in Ocean Grove and an NGO in Malawi, when she moved there back in 2004.

But Robyn’s current Temporary Employment Permit will expire this October, so fellow Ocean Grover Jack will shave off his dreads next month to help raise the $18,000 she needs for a Permanent Residence Permit.

Jack, 23, said the Mphatso Children’s Foundation was something very dear to his heart.

“I’ve lived in Malawi, Africa and visited on multiple occasions,” Jack said.

“I’ve seen first hand the impact that Mphatso has on the community of Malawi and the difference it makes.

“Robyn is an amazing woman who is an inspiration to so many people.”

Jack said if he had of told young Robyn that she would be in Malawi, Africa running Mphatso, impacting so many lives, she would have laughed.

“God called her to go to Africa and out of obedience she went,” he said.

“Now Robyn wants to help the people in Malawi and make a difference to the day she dies.

“She absolutely adores the people and the country.”

Jack said one of his favourite things about Robyn was that she wanted to help everyone.

“Robyn never wants to turn down mothers who come for the feeding program, she says yes to every single one… even when it’s tight on Mphatso financially.

“Her mentality is not, I’ll try and help the one to make a difference, it’s let’s help everyone.”

To help raise money for Robyn to be able to keep doing the amazing work she already does, Jack is aiming to raise at least $10,000 for the permit.

“I’ll be raising money until the end of September, and shaving the dreads off at the start of October (date of shave to be confirmed).

“I’d love your support and no matter how big or small your donation, every bit counts.”

Jack said Mphatso was a non-profit charity that Robyn had given her life to, to help support the people in Malawi for the last 17 years.

“She started Mphatso Children’s Foundation and Mphatso now feeds 1,000 children through 13 nursery schools, spreading over 40km.

“It also runs baby feeding programs, women’s positive living groups (women with HIV), the AP training centre and emergency relief.

“I’ve seen first hand the impact Mphatso has on the people in Malawi, and more specifically the impact Robyn has.”

To donate to the cause, visit the Mphatso Children’s Foundation on Facebook.