When Busi* first walked through the doors of the room in the community centre where Linda would facilitate the parenting training, she wasn’t sure what to expect. They had met before, but not with the others who had also qualified for the programme.

“She is a widowed, unemployed mother, now caring for her young grandchildren. She was insecure and didn’t really know how to communicate well with the people around her, including her children.”

Linda Mavundla, one of GCF’s community workers, works wholeheartedly to strengthen families in the community. She shares her experience of bringing services to areas where many don’t know how to access them. She describes how mothers attend training sessions week after week and continue to come to the regular support groups. She sees first-hand how minds are shifting and how lives are changing, one step at a time.

“Busi grew in confidence and learned so much. She had always liked to help others, especially those who were suffering, and had a dream of opening a crèche one day.”

Equipped with the new knowledge and tools gained through GCF’s Families 4 Life programme, this very same woman has now made her dream a reality. Today, a few children are cared for daily under Busi’s wings when their parents are away, right from her sister’s home.

Listening to Linda speak with such pride about the progress the women in her group have made, from when they began last year to now, when the group has just graduated, is truly inspiring. Not everyone has started their own crèche, but some are now working at local ones. Strengthened, with developed skills and a deeper understanding of what children need to flourish, they are now entrusted to care for others’ children. And, they have a job.

Maya Angelou’s words ring true for them:

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

And the women in Linda’s group truly have.

There is always hope. With support, guidance, and access to services, many of which they had never received before, these mothers have awakened. What was always within them, but had never been nurtured, is now transforming their homes and likely the futures of their children. And, just like many of our past parenting skills learners, they are likely to take it upon themselves to educate their relatives and neighbours, too.

You can be a part of this transformation. Sign up as a monthly giver or make a once-off donation to support the work we do. Be the change in someone’s life today.

Click here to make a difference: https://gcf.org.za/donate/

(*not her real name)