November Recap: A Month of Milestones and Meaningful Impact
November was nothing short of extraordinary for us. From celebrating a huge milestone in our journey to making waves in the global movement for premature birth awareness campaign. November was packed with purpose, passion and progress. Here’s a look back at the highlights that made November a month to remember! 🎉 Celebrating 5 Years of ImpactNovember marked a special milestone, our 5th anniversary! Five years of dedication, compassion and advocacy for premature babies and their families. What started as a small initiative has grown into a powerful voice in the community. We couldn’t have done it without the support of our amazing families, partners, volunteers and supporters. Here’s to many more years of making a difference! We celebrated our 5th anniversary with a special podcast where we hosted Dr Khutso Sebetseba, talking about her journey as a preemie mom to quadruplets and a Dr for small people. She loves her job as a Paediatrician and enjoys putting smiles on our babies. Catch up on the episode to know who Dr K is and her prematurity experience https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmqIvyUi6lM&t=169s World Prematurity Awareness MonthWe joined the global community during World Prematurity Awareness Month. Prematurity is a cause that is close to our hearts, and it’s been incredible to see the world come together to highlight this important issue. Together, we are making strides in educating and advocating for the tiniest fighters who need our love, care and attention. https://trello.com/c/TBeplAzd/153-mahlogonolo-thobile-foundation. Family Fun Walks for a CauseWhat better way to raise awareness than through action? In November, we hosted not one but TWO Family Fun Walks. The first in Mankweng, Limpopo Province and the third in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province. These events brought communities together, with families, supporters, and local heroes walking side by side to raise awareness about prematurity. The energy, smiles and sense of unity were truly uplifting. A big thank you to our sponsors for their unwavering support. Your contributions helped make these events a resounding success, and together, we have made a lasting impact in the fight against premature birth. Engaging with Hospitals and Health LeadersNovember wasn’t just about our events, we were also deeply involved in the World Prematurity Day celebrations in both Limpopo and Gauteng. We responded to invitations from our network of hospitals to join them in raising awareness and supporting families affected by premature birth. Additionally, we had the honor of joining Dräger in their celebrations for World Prematurity Day. These collaborations allowed us to connect with health professionals, share resources and continue advocating for better care for preemies. A Month of Growth and GratitudeNovember was by far the busiest month for our organisation and while it was challenging, it was also incredibly rewarding. We are filled with gratitude for all the support, the hard work of our volunteers and the dedication of our partners. Together, we are raising awareness, making a difference and giving premature babies the fighting chance they deserve. We want to thank each and every one of you for your support. Whether you walked with us, shared our message or partnered with us, you are a part of this important journey. Here’s to more milestones, more awareness and more lives changed in the months ahead. Do visit our social media pages for daily updates. https://www.instagram.com/prembabies_moms/ https://www.facebook.com/MahlogonoloThobileFoundation https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FMahlogonoloTho1 Please donate by clicking on the link https://mahlogonolothobile.org/donations/ to help us keep the organisation growing while touching
September Recap: Raising NICU Awareness, Supporting Families and Family Fun Walk
In September, our organisation joined the global movement to raise awareness about Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) and the incredible work of the staff within them. As part of our commitment to supporting families with children in the NICU, we visited Bertha Gxowa Hospital in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province and Mankweng Hospital in Limpopo Province, Polokwane to donate Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) wraps in collaboration with Safeline Pharmaceuticals https://www.safeline.co.za/ As the organisation, we constantly emphasize the importance of skin-to-skin care, a practice which is beneficial for both premature and full-term babies facing complications at birth. This nurturing connection promotes brain development, helps with weight gain, stimulates breast milk production and fosters precious bonding time between parents and their little ones. Additionally, we continue to encourage families to be part of our upcoming Family Fun Walk, open to the public! This event aims to raise awareness about prematurity and encourage community involvement. Join us in this important initiative to learn more about the challenges faced by NICU families and how we can support them. This year will be the third leg in Gauteng, Johannesburg and will be the first of many to come for Mankweng in Limpopo Province. Don’t Miss Out! Be part of a growing tradition that just keeps getting better. This year promises to be our best one yet, more energy, more excitement and more memories to make! Together, let’s continue to make a difference in the lives of NICU families!
August: A Month of Connection, Celebration and Support!
August was an incredible month for the foundation, packed with meaningful events and impactful moments! 💜 We kicked off by raising awareness for Breastfeeding Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding for preemie families. Shortly after, we were honoured to attend Dr. Machaba’s “Secrets of Super Powered Moms” event https://www.drlmachaba.co.za/product/Secrets-of-Super-Powered-Moms-Book on Mother’s Day. Meeting warrior mom Andre Smith and hearing her powerful prematurity story was truly inspiring. Throughout the month, we visited Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Dr SK Matseke Memorial Hospital, Netcare Park Lane Hospital and South Rand Hospital to congratulate new mothers and welcome them into the preemie family. One of the highlights was South Rand Hospital’s exciting launch of their new Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) Ward, where we donated 40 KMC wraps, generously provided by https://www.safeline.co.za to the current new moms and for the hospitals to reuse. In total we distributed 80 wraps including Rahima Moosa Mother & Child hospital. As part of our ongoing podcast series, we featured Ivy, a proud member of our tribe, who shared her prematurity journey. If you missed it, you can catch up [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78mHC_GWz0k ]! Not only that, we look forward to host you and your family on our upcoming family fun walk in both Limpopo and Gauteng provinces. Click on the link below to be part of the initiative, the more the merrier https://mahlogonolothobile.org/preemie-day-fun-walk/ It was an incredible August, and we’re thrilled about what’s coming in September!
Recap on July
A Month of Milestones and Memories July has been another busy and fulfilling month for our organization, filled with significant milestones and memorable moments. Annual Trip to Mpumalanga We kicked off the month with our much-anticipated annual trip to Mpumalanga. This year, the trip was even more special as we celebrated Baby Amahle’s 4th birthday with our family. The joy and laughter shared during this celebration were truly heartwarming, and it reminded us of the importance of family and togetherness. Hospital Connect Sessions at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital Our commitment to supporting families dealing with prematurity continued with our hospital connect sessions at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital. These sessions are a core part of our mission, providing much needed support and resources to families during challenging times. 2024 Family Fun Walk Launch We are excited to announce the launch of the 2024 Family Fun Walk! Gauteng will be hosting the walk for the third time, and we are thrilled to expand the event to Limpopo Province, Mankweng, for the very first time. We invite you to mark your calendars and join us for a day of fun, fitness, and family bonding. Encouraging Public Participation As we go bigger and better in 2024, we encourage everyone to register their family and friends for the upcoming Family Fun Walk in both provinces. Your participation and support are crucial in making this event a success. Let’s come together to promote health, community and a great cause. Spread the word and make sure to bring your loved ones along for an unforgettable experience! Click on the link below to register for your friends and family to be part of the exciting walk Mandela Day Celebrations at Edenvale Hospital In honor of Mandela Day, we partnered with Safeline Pharmaceuticals to bring smiles to new preemie families at Edenvale Hospital. We gifted them Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) wraps, which are essential for the well-being of premature babies. This collaboration allowed us to spread joy and support to those who need it most, continuing Mandela’s legacy of kindness and care. As we reflect on the achievements of July, we are filled with gratitude for the support and dedication of our community. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of many families. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Stay tuned for more updates and events in the coming months! Warm regards, Mahlogonolo Thobile Foundation
Reflecting on June: A Month of Progress and Connection
June has been yet another busy month for our organisation, filled with meaningful activities and impactful initiatives. Here’s a recap of what we’ve accomplished: 1. Launching Our Podcast: “Untold Premature Birth Stories” We are thrilled to announce the successful launch of our podcast on YouTube. Through this platform, we aim to share powerful stories from our online support group, where families open up about their prematurity experiences. Our first episode featured Mashudu Ramanala, who courageously shared her struggles with Hyperemesis Gravidarum throughout her pregnancy. In our second episode, we heard from Mom Maureen Lolwana, who recounted her journey of giving birth due to pre-eclampsia. These stories are not just narratives, they are sources of strength and hope for many. 2. Winter Drive Drop-off at Marang House in Gauteng Province We had the privilege of visiting Marang House for our winter drive drop-off. Marang House provides care for children with serious health conditions that require continuous monitoring and specialised treatments. Our visit was a humbling experience, reminding us of the importance of community support and the difference it can make in the lives of these children. 3. Participation in the Global Kangaroo Mother Care Campaign Our organisation was proud to be part of the global campaign for Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) by GLANCE. KMC is a neonatal care practice that significantly benefits newborns, especially those born prematurely, with low birth weight or needing immediate medical attention. Our involvement in this campaign underscores our commitment to advocating for best practices in neonatal care and supporting families worldwide. 4. Preemie Family Connect Session at Mankweng Hospital in Limpopo Province We continued our Preemie Family Connect sessions at Mankweng Hospital. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity for us to meet with a large group of preemie families, offering emotional support. The engagement and strength of these families are truly inspiring, and we are grateful for their trust and participation during the sessions. Looking Ahead As we move forward, we are incredibly thankful for the continued support of our podcast. We encourage you to keep engaging with our content, subscribe, share it within your circles. Each story shared and each connection made brings us closer to a community where every family’s journey is valued and supported. We look forward to another busy and fulfilling month ahead, filled with more stories, more connections, and more impactful initiatives. Thank you for being a part of our journey
May Recap: Celebrations, Recognition, and Excitement!
May has been a month filled with achievements, celebrations, and anticipation for what lies ahead. At Mahlogonolo Thobile Foundation, we have been recognized and honoured during the Abigial Arise Women Seminar at Bold Move Foundation for the impactful work we do in our country. It’s truly a testament to the dedication and passion of our team members who strive to make a difference every day. Throughout the month, we’ve also been actively engaged in raising awareness about various important days. By joining the global community in educating others about these significant occasions, we aim to foster understanding and unity across diverse communities. One of the highlights of May was the official announcement of our upcoming podcast launch, scheduled for June 3rd, 2024. We couldn’t be more excited to share this new platform with you all! Our podcast will serve as a space to dive deeper into important topics, share inspiring stories, and engage with our audience in meaningful conversations. We invite you to be part of this exciting journey by subscribing to our podcast. By doing so, you’ll be among the first to access our premiere episode when we go live. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stay informed, inspired, and connected with us! Subscribe now and never miss a moment: https://www.youtube.com/@MahlogonoloThobileFoundation Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to a month filled with achievements, awareness, and anticipation for the future!
Reflecting on April: Advocacy, Awareness and Empowerment
As we bid farewell to April, it’s time to pause and reflect on the flurry of activities that kept our organisation bustling with energy and purpose. From raising awareness on crucial issues, to forging international connections, here’s a recap of the significant highlights from the past month. Autism and C-Section Awareness Campaigns April saw us amplify our voices for two vital causes. Our collective efforts in spreading knowledge and fostering understanding undoubtedly contributed to greater awareness and support within our community. Celebrating our Warriors’ Birthdays April marked another month of joyous celebrations as we honoured the birthdays of our cherished warriors. It’s heartwarming to witness the outpouring of love as we come together to celebrate milestones and victories, both big and small. These moments remind us of the strength and solidarity that define our tribe. Hospital Visit – Dr SK Matseke Memorial Hospital The Preemie Family Hospital Connect session in April was at the Clinix Health Group, , joined by the unit manager and amazing new preemie families. The sessions are always amazing to welcome them to the preemie world and of cause hold their hands through the journey. Participation in the 4th Parent Organisation Summit A pivotal highlight of April was the opportunity for our chairperson, Moshala Mothiba to represent the organisation at the EFCNI Summit held at Freising, Munich in Germany. This global gathering brought together 47 Parent Organisations from 32 countries, uniting advocates and activists with shared focus on supporting premature babies and their families. The summit was not only a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration but also a source of inspiration and empowerment. Our interactions with fellow advocates and organisations reaffirmed our commitment to driving positive change and provided invaluable insights to fuel our efforts moving forward. Empowerment and Networking in Germany The journey to Germany proved to be immensely enriching as we returned home empowered and invigorated by our experiences. Networking with like-minded organisations and leaders enabled us to expand our perspectives, exchange best practices, and forge meaningful partnerships. The connections we established hold immense potential for future collaborations, amplifying the impact of our advocacy efforts both locally and globally. We connected with our sister organisations from Uganda, Tanzania and Ghana where we will begin working together to support each other while raising awareness and implementing initiatives to address the unique needs and challenges within each context. Our presence and contributions in these communities underscore our unwavering dedication to creating positive change and fostering sustainable development across the African continent. As we look back on April’s accomplishments, we are reminded of the power of collective action and the importance of steadfast determination in pursuit of our mission. While each endeavour brings its own set of challenges and triumphs, our shared vision unites us in a common purpose: to advocate, empower, and uplift those in need. With renewed zeal and unwavering resolve, we embark on the journey ahead, fueled by the memories and milestones of April, and inspired by the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Would love to know how your April was. Maybe we could also collaborate in the future N.B: Don’t forget to sign up below for our monthly newsletter to be kept updated on all our programmes.
March Memories:
Embracing Community Connections and Celebrations March has been a month filled with heartwarming events and impactful engagements that have brought smiles and joy to many. As we reflect on the activities that unfolded during this memorable month, let’s cherish the moments that have shaped our journey: 1. 3rd Annual Preemie Family Picnic: In a beautiful collaboration with Netcare Park Lane Hospital and the Gauteng Emergency Services, we hosted the 3rd annual Preemie Family Picnic. It was a day filled with laughter and love as preemies, along with their nieces, nephews and friends, enjoyed engaging in activities like the Easter egg hunt and other fun games. The picnic created lasting memories and brought the community together in a spirit of celebration and togetherness. 2. Connecting with New Preemie Families at Mankweng Hospital: Wrapping up the month of March, we had the privilege of visiting Mankweng Hospital to connect with new preemie families. Welcoming them with open arms to our tribe, we shared support, empathy, and a sense of belonging. These moments of connection remind us of the importance of offering comfort and assistance to those in need, and we are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. As we bid farewell to March, we are filled with gratitude for the busy yet fulfilling month that allowed us to engage with communities, creating memorable experiences, and extend our support to those who need it the most. Every opportunity bestowed upon us is a gift, and we carry the warmth of these interactions with us as we continue our journey of spreading kindness and making meaningful connections. Looking forward to the adventures and activities that await us in the coming months, we remain dedicated to our mission and inspired by the impact we can create together. Thank you for being a part of our story, and stay tuned for more updates as we navigate the preemie world together!
A Dynamic February:
“Advocacy, Donations, and Exciting Firsts” February unfolded as a month filled with impactful moments and exciting developments. We joined in on global efforts to raise awareness about Feeding Tube Week and Pregnancy Awareness Week. Check out some of the fun facts we posted on our social media pages. We were invited to a Pregnancy Awareness Event at Eluthandweni Maternity Clinic in Vosloorus, where we engaged with expectant mothers, sharing insights on pregnancy and prematurity. One of the most heartening moments of the month came in the form of a generous donation of beautiful newborn preemie clothes made from yarn. Thank you to the mothers who knitted these tiny fashionable garments for our warriors! These precious items became gifts for new mothers during our monthly Preemie Moms Connect sessions at various hospital. This added a touch of warmth and care to the families we met, as they journey into motherhood. A heartfelt “Thank You” to Rahima Moosa Mother & Child Hospital, Netcare Park Lane Hospital and Life Brenthurst Hospital for supporting our engagement sessions with new families, as we help them navigate the Preemie world. February marked a milestone for the foundation. We got to participate in our very first radio interview on 702, The Aubrey Masango Show: “South Africans doing great things” . This experience provided an invaluable platform to share our mission and connect with a broader audience. We hope to get more of such opportunities, so that we may spread the word on Prematurity and create awareness to as many families as possible. Reflecting on the past month, we are grateful for the many opportunities granted to the foundation. As we strive to grow, we trust that we have made a positive impact to many lives, and provided support to many families new to the Preemie world. There is still a lot to be accomplished, and the team looks forward to March. With it, comes the excitement of our upcoming family picnic, a moment for our tribe to come together in celebration and unity. Stay tuned to our social media pages as we unveil the venue, promising a day filled with joy, connection, and shared experiences. How has your February unfolded? We would love to hear your stories and experiences on your preemie journey! Please share these on our social media pages and remember to reach out if you would like to join our tribe. Until next time – Please look after our little warriors!
5km Family Fun Walk
You’re probably wondering if you’re eligible to take part in our upcoming fun walk. The answer is simple, it’s a yes! The fun walk is open to people of all ages and is not limited to preemie families Did you know that children enjoy spending time outdoors? We encourage you to bring them along to the fun walk and let’s explore 5km in Braamfontein and Park Town together. Bring out their strollers and let’s make it a play date next month What is the intention of the fun walk? Throughout the year, we strive to raise awareness about preterm birth. November is Prematurity Awareness Month, and we will be intensifying our efforts for the big day on the 17th of November. November 11th, we will host a family fun walk where healthcare professionals will talk about their role on our journey while preemie families share their personal experience with the participants. We aspire to educate more communities about our journey. Exciting news! Gauteng EMS known as the “THE GREEN ANGELS” will be featured at the walk. On the day, they will exhibit their child friendly ambulance while providing emergency medical services. They’ve got so much to share with us, come through to the fun walk and get to know them better. Don’t be left behind, do the right thing by sharing with your family and friends about our upcoming fun walk. Click on the link below to let us know how many people will be joining you on the fun walk. www.mahlogonolothobile.org/preemie-day-fun-walk/