Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Community Development
Based in the Eastern Cape, the poorest province of South Africa, Mosaic Life (formerly called AMAXESHA) Africa’s vision is to see hope and dignity restored to the lives of the destitute people living in impoverished communities.
Their primary focus is within Area Q of Gqebera (Walmer) Township, a large area comprised of informal shacks, owned by unemployed people. The center is sandwiched between Gqebera (Walmer Township) and a refuse disposal area known as The Tip.
Over 30% of all pregnant ladies from the area are reported to be HIV positive. There are many families who have lost parents.
The children they care for are vulnerable in that either their parents are HIV positive or otherwise ill, they are being cared for by alternate people (caregivers) such as grandmothers, they show signs of abuse such as malnutrition, or their parents scavenge for their daily food through the refuse at the disposal area.
None of the beneficiaries’ parents/caregivers are employed and few can speak any business languages and are therefore unlikely to be employed. Some of the children attending school are also unable to concentrate due to insufficient food to sustain them.
Mosaic Life also aids in the administration of the Human Dignity Centre in Area Q. The effort there is to address the issues of children in crisis, supporting them and their parents in an effort to restore a functional and safe home environment for the children. This is done through feeding programs, a daycare and after-school program, supporting families with monthly food parcels and offering counselling and support to the parents and care givers. The parents are further supported by offering skills based training and assisted with income generation projects.
The core value of Mosaic Life is to create unity across all divides. To love unconditionally and to show compassion unreservedly. To speak the truth openly, and to live our lives with integrity and passion. We desire to see justice prevail and for people to experience the true joy of life.
