[ BHUBESI CHARITY DRIVE ]

On the 14 December 2010 the staff of Bhubesi Fire Projects visited the Mother Of Peace charity to deliver some Christmas Cheer and Goodwill.

The looks on the kids faces were rewarding enough to keep us wanting to give back to the less fortunate.

Mother of Peace is an appellation frequently applied to the mother of Jesus by the Catholic and other Christian communities. It is the specific name for communities founded by South African born Beverley Olbers and Rene van Meygaarden.

United Nations Organisation declared last year the year of the family.

“The well being of children depends on the ability of families to function effectively. Because children are vulnerable they need to grow up in a nurturing and secure family that can ensure their survival, development, protection and participation in family and social life. Not only do families give their members a sense of belonging, they are also responsible for imparting values and life skills. Families create security; they set limit on behaviour; and together with the spiritual foundation they provide, instil notions of discipline. All these factors are essential for the healthy development of the family and of any society. Children grow up in a wider range of family forms and structures, with different needs, role divisions, functions and values.” (White Paper – Social Welfare – Aug 1997)”

Never before has the loving support of a family been more important. It is in the intimacy of the family that the stresses and strains of modern life can be recognised and dealt with. It is in togetherness that we find the strength to face each new challenge. It is in the mirror of family love that a child can see where their potential lies and in the love of the family that a child can strive to achieve their best. Being incorporated into family structures obviates the likelihood of severe emotional scars often incurred by children who are brought up in institutions. Moreover, experience has shown that the vocational aspect of the community leads to a high level of dedication and commitment. Mother of Peace Communities accept children, HIV positive or not, who have no other family members to care for them

The organisation is of a voluntary, non-profit nature, in which Christian families live among and provide care for abandoned babies and children. The basic living environment is that of a self-sufficient farming community. Families are expected to be self-supporting; the breadwinner continues to support minor dependants while all members dedicate their service to the care of the abandoned children. Members aim to give such children a stable home life in which they can feel secure that their material needs will be met and that they will be equipped with the basic values, education and survival skills needed to meet the challenges and responsibilities of adulthood.


MOTHER OF PEACE - NORTHRIDING

The Community of Northriding is the Motherhouse, and is situated on four acres of land (donated) located at 457A Valley Road, Northriding, (Randburg municipality). The property is zoned for the construction of homes and sickbay facilities. The first house is bright, comfortable and full of sunshine, laughter and noise. A Prayer Chapel already exists on the site and is the spiritual centre of the community. The first home and sick bay facilities for plus minus 12 children is complete and is currently being furnished – thanks to donors. 7 children are permanently part of the family and 3 others have been placed with us. We have been chosen as a place of safety by the Roodepoort Child Welfare Society. Some of the reasons for this being that there is a lot of happiness, love and laughter in the home. We are also situated on a large property, so the children have a very large area for play. Two toddlers and one baby have been placed with us. They are in our care until court decisions are made for alternative care, if available. Some of these children are orphans and are HIV positive and have been placed on anti-retrovial programs. There is a waiting list of children who need to be placed in the community but this will depend on funding from donors.