Atlas Copco teams up with Mother’s Nest to help change the lives of abused and vulnerable children
The fact that child abuse and neglect, fueled by growing economic hardships, are on the rise in South Africa is a matter of grave concern. Children are the most vulnerable citizens in any community and they need protection and care. Atlas Copco is passionate in its belief that all children and adolescents deserve a good start in life by having access to the basics – food, clothing and shelter – as well as having the opportunity to an education and being sheltered from violence and potential harm.
In striving to make this vision a reality, Atlas Copco is supporting deserving organisations like Mothers’ Nest. Based in in Brakpan, Gauteng, this level 4 BBBEE compliant, registered public benefit institution works tirelessly to improve the lives of vulnerable children and to eradicate the scourge of child abuse. Emma Ferreira, General Manager of Mother’s Nest, and her team are dedicated to helping abused and neglected children by providing essential care on a long-term basis, within a safe and secure environment.
“Since our inception in 1993, we have become a place of safety for severely abused boys and girls aged between six months and 18 eighteen years,” says Emma. “These children are legally removed from their parental caregivers due to abandonment, neglect, and emotional and physical abuse, and placed under our foster care by the South African Children’s Court. These children are seen as children in need of care in line with the Child Protection Act 38 of 2005 as amended.“ “We aim to provide our children, who often have complex and challenging needs, with stability, love, and specialist care in a safe and warm atmosphere. For many, this is a first in their young lives. We place emphasis on a normal and natural home environment which is crucial in the molding of balanced, responsible adults and in breaking the cycle of abuse.”
Mother’s Nest can provide full-time care for up to 22 children. “We currently have nineteen children in the home and our dedicated staff of five members and two assistant house mothers, are doing their best to meet the needs of each child,” states Emma.
Children in Homes of Safety like Mother’s Nest not only require nutritional care, education and developmental support but also medical care and mental and trauma support. Providing holistic care is a complex undertaking that involves significant effort, time, resources and money. “We are reliant on donors, sponsors, and the generosity of the public and the private sector to meet our financial obligations and to take care of our kids,” says Emma.
Mother’s Nest depends on volunteers to assist with administration and fundraising events which are organised during the year with all money raised going directly to the care of the children. Emma adds that there are many more ways to support the home: “Cash donations, food parcels, clothes, and even sharing of services like assisting with homework, teaching after school and even transporting kids to activities, are always welcome.”
The team at Mother’s Nest also gives back, working in their community and assisting with feeding schemes, supporting old age homes and other children’s homes where they can. Subsequently, the need for funding, donations, and support is never-ending.
Emma extends her sincere gratitude to Atlas Copco for their generous fund donation which she says enabled them to pay up their water and electricity account and to see to the children’s schooling needs in 2024. She is positive about the future of Mother’s Nest: “We aim to still be taking care of these special kids 30 years from now. They deserve every opportunity to be well-adjusted, active individuals in their communities.” “Supporting Mother’s Nest in their on-going quest to deliver the very best care to abused and neglected children has been one of the most rewarding projects within our social responsibility initiatives,” says Marilyn Govender, Human Resource and Compliance Manager – Atlas Copco Industrial South Africa (Pty) Ltd. and Sub-Saharan Africa. “We believe each child has the right to live, thrive, and to have a happy life and we are so encouraged by the excellent work being done by the committed and passionate Mother’s Nest team and the hope they bring to children.”
Web: marilyn.govender@atlascopco.com
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