Appeal for help to bolster single moms
The official launch of The Myrtle Tree NPO took place in Mossel Bay on 28 July.
Founder of The Myrtle Tree, Berenice Kogana Paulson, outlined the mandate of the organisation, which supports single mothers.
Guests at the launch at the Santos Express conference venue included Mossel Bay mayor, Alderman Dirk Kotzé, council speaker Venolea Fortuin, town councillors, previous councillor Marie de Klerk.
Also present were representatives of the Mossel Bay Business Chamber, businesses, the Louis57 Foundation, church leaders and directors of The Myrtle Tree.
Emotional support, parenting advice
The Myrtle Tree hosts annual single mothers' breakfasts and workshops, where it provides emotional support and parenting advice.
It establishes support groups, with mentoring. Kogana Paulson said: “We started a group in Sonskynvallei. We have single mother mentors in five areas in Mossel Bay and wish to plant a single mom mentor in all our wards.
“We provide hospital bags. At the Mossel Bay Provincial Hospital, more than 50% of the moms of the newborn babies are single. Some don’t even have a nappy or blanket for the baby.
“We provide a bag filled with baby products and clothes. Our mission is to build the mom into a financially stable mother.
“The Myrtle Tree believes single mothers should get preference in the workplace.”
It has collaborated with sponsoring companies to provide CVs for single mothers applying for jobs.
Further education, bursary enrolment
The NPO facilitates a twiceyearly further education and bursary enrolment programme, where it invites facilitators from different institutions to assist matriculants in applying to study further.
“This was meant only for children of single mothers, but the interest was so huge, we had to open it up to all matriculants,” Kogana Paulson said.
“We give out food hampers. We have social workers who voluntarily serve our moms with counselling and I am a pastoral counsellor and counsel where needed.”
Appealing for assistance Kogana Paulson said: “The Myrtle Tree relies solely on donations and fundraisers. Our financial reports are audited yearly and can be made available at any time on request. As we would love to keep giving to these mothers, we need your help.”
In his speech, Mayor Dirk Kotzé said Kogana Paulson was a "lady with grit". He added: "Grit is one of the most important ingredients in any successful person."
He said he was proud to be among the “incredible women leaders” at the event, women
“willing to do things and get their hands dirty”.
Kotzé noted that social responsibility was an unfunded mandate of the municipality, that was why it was necessary for it to work with organisations and NPOs.
The municipality supported registered NPOs, he stressed.
Photo: Julian Scholtz