FRIENDS OF MOTHER OF PEACE

NEWSLETTER

Summer 2008

Dear Friends of Mother of Peace:In this, our first newsletter of 2008, we would like to bring you up to date with all that has been happening at Mother of Peace in Illovo. The results of the generosity of so many people can clearly be seen, and things look so much better than they did before the Irish Friends of Mother of Peace became involved.

What Has been Happening at Mother of Peace

All around the project, it is clear to see that what we have been doing here in Ireland has made a huge difference to the children, carers and housemothers. From the new security fence and gates at the entrance to the bright and beautifully constructed new houses, it is quite obvious that there is great support in place, for Mother of Peace children’s home. It is hard to know where to begin to thank everybody for their support. At present there are about 60 children being cared for, all of them are doing well and their ages range from 7 months to 16 years. The only sad note is that baby Sanelisiwe, born on May 6 2006 and died on March 8th 2008, after suffering ill health for most of her life. She was brought to Mother of Peace gates by a young mother, who threatened to throw her away if she was not taken in, as she could no longer care for her. Both mother and child were very ill, but for the short time she was there, Sanelisiwe was much loved and cared for.

Thanks

Eddie & Gemma have just returned from South Africa, and while they were there another DVD was made. This time it shows not only how the project is developing, but it also shows much of what is happening in the surrounding poverty stricken area. They have spoken about how proud they felt when walking around and viewing the changes that have taken place in the past year. This is thanks to the kindness, generosity and hard work of the Irish Friends of Mother of Peace, and in particular to the Irish men and women who travelled to South Africa last October, at their own expense and helped to construct four beautiful new houses for the children. Mention must be made here also to the many people who contributed to the purchase of all the materials for the houses. These are now occupied by four delighted families, and they were present on one of the days when a family moved in. Such excitement was hard to describe, as they unpacked their new kitchen equipment, and many smaller items donated locally.

On Monday June 2nd in Illovo a further step towards registration by the South African Government took place, in that a social worker was employed. This is one of the criteria necessary for official registration. Irish Friends of Mother of Peace are paying her salary for the first year, and it is hoped that by then, and after registration, most of her salary will be covered by the South African authorities.

News from at Home

Plenty has been happening too, here at home. We had our annual Boyne Walk on June 10th and for the 3rd year we had a beautiful day. About 100 people took part, some walk to the half way stage where we had refreshments, and many finished up at the Village Inn in Slane where everyone had tea and sandwiches and lots of chat. Again it was a very enjoyable day, which we hope to repeat next year. Whatever funds are raised will go towards the renovation and extension of another of the houses.

On May 24th last Boyne Farmers Group celebrated their 10th year by hosting a black tie ball in Knightsbrook in Trim. They selected two charities to benefit from the function, and Mother of Peace was chosen as one of the beneficiaries, for which we are very grateful. Eddie & Gemma were invited along to say a few words and to raise awareness about our project and another group of Friends of Mother of Peace joined them for a wonderful evening. Some of the farmers group plan to travel out to Illovo to view our project, as well as the surrounding area.

Further events are planned for later this year, the first being a Table Quiz in August in Navan Racecourse (date to be advised). Matthew Reilly is organising a concert in Drumcondrath Community Centre on September 19th, and Dermot Deegan, for the 2nd year running, is arranging a concert in Clontarf Golf Club on November 15th. We hope many of you will come and support some of these events.

News from at Home

Once again we have a wonderful group of self funding Irish builders who plan to travel out to South Africa next September and October. There will be three groups, first the block layers followed by carpenters and roofers, and finally plasters and people to finish off the work. This year their projects are to build an infirmary, a chapel and a block of toilets in the local primary school attended by over 30 of Mother of Peace children. At present there are only 2 dry toilets, to cater for the needs of 250 girls, 200 boys and 25 teachers. It is also hoped to renovate and extend another house to provide for increasing number of children needing care.

On the latest DVD made in April, it can be seen the many other projects that are needed in the local surrounding area. There is an agricultural project where it is proposed to grow vegetables to help feed the local community and Mother of Peace home, and Gavin who is the community leader at Mother of Peace has been asked to manage the funds for the proposed co-operative. The community at Mother of Peace see it also as part of their work, to help and assist in any way they can in the wider poverty stricken neighbourhood.

If anyone has any ideas about fundraising, events, or would like to contribute in any way we would be delighted to hear from you. If you could help with a monthly standing order for any amount, this would help greatly. The account is held in AIB Navan, Sort Code 93 31 83, Account Number 28668187, Account Name Mother of Peace, and contact telephone numbers are 046 9072239 / 086 8248605/086 2598398. Next Mother of Peace meeting will be on Thursday July 3rd at 8.00pm in Navan Racecourse.