In South Africa, Kolping supports young mothers from poor families who have experienced violence. Many have dropped out of school and, without education or family support, see no prospects for the future. They are completely discouraged and often overwhelmed by the task of raising children.
“At Kolping, these young women experience appreciation for the first time in their lives,” reports coordinator Anthea November. In the SPARK program, they can talk openly in a safe environment about what they have experienced and how they envision their future. They learn to recognize their children’s needs and receive tips on how to deal with them.
“SPARK just brought out the best in me!” “Before the program, I did not have any direction because I lost myself. I’ve learned that I need to love myself and that this love can then be carried over onto my daughter.” Rue-Ann Claassen (Dysselsdorp, Western Cape)
Specialists mentor the young women and encourage them to pursue a career. Kolping helps arrange internships. Agcobile Mkisi says “I am using the skills both to cook and bake healthy meals and snacks for my family but also to earn some money. I am getting orders from the community for cakes and enjoy this very much.”
The project is now offered not only in the townships around Cape Town but also in the neighboring southern provinces, the Eastern Cape, and the Southern Cape. Over the past two years, 230 mothers and 360 children have benefited from the program.
