Moyamunye Community Centre hosted a networking and luncheon event on Saturday 3 September at the Manor House at Knorhoek Estate, Sir Lowry’s Pass.
The non-profit company (NPC) was founded by Anne Jacobs and her daughter Nicole, initially as a group of moms belonging to the Helderberg branch of the Down Syndrome Association Western Cape.
Today it has grown to become an advice and support group for dozens of parents with children with compromised immunity, and is a platform through which access to therapy is provided and funds are raised to help others, among other significant means of assistance.
“The word Moyamunye translates as ‘one breath and unity’, and this encapsulates exactly what we’re about,” said Anne.
“We are here to help the community, raise awareness and support one another. We work every day to improve our children’s future, to make it brighter and encourage them to want it.
“Here at Moyamunye we do not see our children as disabled but differently abled, and we decide to focus on their abilities and strengthen their belief in what they can do rather than what they can’t. We have a team of dedicated expertise in their various fields who give of their skills and expertise to help these children one by one.”
Jacobs herself has a foster son diagnosed with Down Syndrome, whom she took in when he was just two weeks old.
Today he is six years old, and Jacobs says her personal journey has taught her the importance of having a solid support and advice group, which so many times makes challenging circumstances much easier to deal with.
The luncheon event at the Manor House was attended by 32 parents and served an occasion for introducing the Moyamunye Community Centre to more members of the community.
Guests were treated to live entertainment, lunch and a motivational talk from 21-year-old Amy Selfe, who has Down Syndrome, on breaking barriers in a quest to live a normal life.
“There’s many people in the Helderberg whom we wish to reach, so we invite them to get to know us, meet other moms and become part of a support group as we walk this journey together,” said Anne.
VMore information on the Moyamunye Community Centre can be found on Facebook, or one can visit the non-profit company at www.moyamunye.co.za.
