Famsa celebrates its 21st

Knysna Famsa’s AGM at The Rock Church recently was no ordinary meeting.

The organisation celebrated its 21st anniversary this year and shared stories of hope, achievements and challenges at its meeting on 20 September. Only, the celebrations were some six years late.

According to Knysna Famsa director Karin Du Plessis, the organisation placed its very first advert with the Knysna-Plett Herald in 1991 calling for assistance from the community to volunteer.

“This then would add another six unofficial years to our history – 21 with six extra years of experience,” said Du Plessis.

“Without our management committee, staff and volunteers and those who fund and support us we would just be a name,” she added before members and volunteers of the organisation were also afforded an opportunity to reflect on their journey with the organisation.

Volunteer Ju-anne Mabie-Lewis from Sedgefield said community work is her passion and that through the organisation she has participated keenly in programmes like Women of Worth, which deals with domestic violence; men-care programmes that equip men on how to become better fathers and partners; as well as anger management classes in conjunction with Correctional Services.

Growing with the organisation

Melani van der Westhuizen, a social worker from Plett, described her nine years with the organisation as a blessing. I have grown with the organisation,” she said.

Another, Busisiwe Mqulwana from Knysna, who said it is always easy for people to cast judgements from the outside, admitted that their journey with the communities is not without ups and downs. “But it is filled with special moments too,” she said, making mention of a project they are currently running in White Location with men and how it is, “working wonders”. The project falls under My Fathers legacy and deals with problems that men inherited from their fathers, albeit subconsciously.

“I never thought that what they are dealing with could affect me so much, but it does,” she said.

According to the organisation’s treasurer Kathy Michaelides, the organisation has had remarkable achievements in the last three years, especially in the trying economic climate in town.

“Having a faith budget is awesome: unexpected income from churches fills my gaps, God is good, we are in a good space financially.” Those who have been with the organisation for many years received certificates of recognition.

Pat Buchan and Chris Spies were honoured for their 17 and 10 years of service respectively. Spies, who is Knysna Famsa chairperson, said that in the midst of high levels of gender-based violence, attacks on family structures, the negative economic outlook of the country and instability in the important areas of society, “We as Famsa Knysna stand stronger than ever before.”

Find out more

For more information, visit Facebook/ Famsa Knysna & Plettenberg Bay or call 044 382 5129.

Photo: Nwabisa Pondoyi 21 years later and FAMSA is still standing captured is the team at their annual general meeting at the Rock Church on 20 September.