A CHARITY helping to educate and feed up to 1000 children in Africa is calling for donations so its Ocean Grove creator can continue her life-changing work.<\/p>\n
Local Robyn Casey started the Mphatso (pronounced ma-par-t-so) Children\u2019s Foundation, a not-for-profit charity registered in Ocean Grove and an NGO in Malawi, when she moved there back in 2004.<\/p>\n
But Robyn\u2019s current Temporary Employment Permit will expire this October and no more extensions are allowed.<\/p>\n
Therefore, in order for Robyn to continue her work in Malawi, she is applying for a Permanent Residence Permit, which will cost $18,000.<\/p>\n
To date, the Mphatso Children\u2019s Foundation has raised about $3,000, and president Meegan Rokesky said they were seeking everyone\u2019s help to make this happen, as it was very expensive.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny financial assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Lynelle Day, a supporter of the foundation, said Robyn was an amazing lady.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe help she gives to babies, children and adults where she works is miraculous,\u201d Lynelle said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all love this lady and want her to continue her life\u2019s work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Back 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
So, in 2004, she 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
Meegan said the Mphatso Children\u2019s Foundation\u2019s mission was 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
To donate, visit mphatso.org.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A CHARITY helping to educate and feed up to 1000 children in Africa is calling for donations so its Ocean Grove creator can continue her life-changing work. Local Robyn Casey started the Mphatso (pronounced ma-par-t-so) Children\u2019s Foundation, a not-for-profit charity registered in Ocean Grove and an NGO in Malawi, when she moved there back in […]<\/p>\n