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<\/p>\nA CHARITY created by Ocean Grove local Robyn Casey is helping to educate and feed up to 1000 children in Africa challenged by poverty and societal conditions.<\/p>\n
The Mphatso (pronounced ma-par-t-so) Children\u2019s Foundation is a not-for-profit charity registered in Ocean Grove and an NGO in Malawi, Africa. In 2002, Robyn visited Malawi as part of a church mission trip and was challenged by the poverty and societal conditions, but amazed by the warmth and resilience of the local people.<\/p>\n
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So, in 2004, Robyn moved to the Nkhata Bay District of Malawi and began a small nursery school (kindergarten) to provide children with a nutritious meal and a pre-school education.<\/p>\n
Nearly 17 years later, the foundation operates 13 nursery schools and feeds up to 1,000 children a bowl of porridge each school day.<\/p>\n
Children are taught by local qualified teachers and cooks are employed to prepare the porridge.<\/p>\n
There is a baby feeding program to provide baby formula to underweight babies or when the mother has passed away during childbirth.<\/p>\n
There are currently 88 babies on the feeding program \u2013 the twins (pictured) have just started on the Baby Feeding Program, they are six weeks old and each weigh 1.6kg.<\/p>\n
President Meegan Rokesky said the Mphatso Children\u2019s Foundation\u2019s mission is to \u201cFeed the Children\u201d, \u201cGrow the Community\u201d and \u201cImpact the Future\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cMphatso provides a fun and safe environment in which children can play \u2013 toys, balls, volleyball equipment, dress-ups, books, pencils and paper are used almost daily by children after school,\u201d Meegan said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe foundation also provides sporting equipment and sponsorship to local football and tennis teams.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThere are weekly sewing groups, a book club, a women\u2019s HIV positive living support group, and bible study groups where people from the community gather together, support each other and learn together.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurrently there are five students receiving tertiary college sponsorship.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2019, a purpose-built training facility was completed, called the AP Training Centre (in honour of a long-time Mphatso supporter, Alan Parker).<\/p>\n
The foundation also provides employment to about 70 locals from 56 villages.<\/p>\n
There is a Maize Mill to provide porridge to nursery schools as well as access for surrounding villagers.<\/p>\n
In December 2020, many were impacted by the tragic loss of Ocean Grove toddler Hava Ward.<\/p>\n
Her parents requested that any donations be given to the Mphatso Children\u2019s Foundation.<\/p>\n
More than $7,500 has been received and will be used to build \u2018Hava House\u2019, a dormitory style building where vulnerable girls can live while they receive an education.<\/p>\n
One hundred per cent of the charity\u2019s operation is funded by donations.<\/p>\n
The Mphatso Children\u2019s Foundation market stall will be held at the Rotary Market Ocean Grove Park on Easter Monday, April 5, 2021.<\/p>\n
For more information visit mphatso.org or follow on Facebook and Instagram.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A CHARITY created by Ocean Grove local Robyn Casey is helping to educate and feed up to 1000 children in Africa challenged by poverty and societal conditions. The Mphatso (pronounced ma-par-t-so) Children\u2019s Foundation is a not-for-profit charity registered in Ocean Grove and an NGO in Malawi, Africa. In 2002, Robyn visited Malawi as part of […]<\/p>\n