LOGISTICAL SUPPORT 

Young Mother Support

Area of intervention: Villiersdorp, Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve

Timeline: 2021 – Ongoing

Main Funding Partner: Athénée Action Humanitaire

About the project

Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve’s (CWBR) engagement in Villiersdorp began in 2020 during the global Covid-19 pandemic, when the organisation supported local efforts through food parcel distribution and the upscaling of community-led soup kitchens. While critical at the time, these emergency food parcels highlighted the need for longer-term, dignity-based solutions addressing food security, health and social wellbeing. In collaboration with local mentors, CWBR was asked for assistance to start community gardens promoting nutrition self-reliance, which was featured in a UNESCO Proud-to-Share video in 2020.

Through ongoing collaboration, CWBR became closely involved with the Flourish programme and the local Flourish host, a national initiative supporting vulnerable, at-risk pregnant mothers and mothers with young children during the first 1,000 days of their child’s life. As part of South Africa’s Grow Great nutrition campaign, trained Flourish hosts address topics such as stunting and early childhood development in regular ante- and postnatal classes, empowering mothers to build a strong foundation for their children’s health, wellbeing and long-term success. In 2024, the CWBR secured funding through international partnerships to install two containers forming a safe space for the Young Mother Support in Villiersdorp. The centre is an extension to an existing Tools for Life Swop Shop, where eco-bricks are exchanged for points redeemable for dry foods and household essentials. Tools for Life focuses on community outreach for mentally and physically differently abled individuals, further strengthening inclusive community support.

CWBR volunteers contribute to Flourish classes, for instance through mental health awareness workshops and postnatal yoga sessions. In addition, a new programme, the Blossom Café, was co-created with a local psychologist to provide a safe, supportive space for vulnerable girls at risk of early pregnancy, bullying, or abuse in primary and secondary schools.

Objectives

The project aims to:

· Support the Flourish host in expanding reach and impact across Villiersdorp and surrounding areas

· Co-facilitate and support the bi-weekly Blossom Café for vulnerable girls, providing a safe space and early intervention support

· Offer career building, entrepreneurship and income-generating skills training for young mothers

· Support community-based mentorship initiatives working with young boys and men

· Identify and, where possible, support other Young Mother Support initiatives within the Cape Winelands

Project activities

· Ongoing support for the 10-week cycles of Flourish antenatal and postnatal classes in Villiersdorp

· Ongoing support for Lewendige Lyfies classes in Villiersdorp, fostering creative play and early learning for mothers unable to place their child in formal EduCare Centres or pre-schools, and offering continuous support to mothers having completed the postnatal course

· Ongoing collaboration and support for the bi-weekly Blossom café for young girls

· Skills-sharing and capacity-building through established local and national networks

· Volunteer support and cross-cultural engagements through experienced and trained individuals participating in a 6-month or longer CWBR volunteer programme

Strengthening long-term impact
· The initiative is community-led and implemented by community-mentors who have long-standing experience and understanding of their communities needs.

· Collaboration with local psychologists and social work oriented NPO’s to offer additional expertise, support, and services.