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Reflecting on April: Advocacy, Awareness and Empowerment

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.

NICU Awareness Month

NICU Awareness Month

September is NICU awareness month, therefore, our organisation joined the global effort to raise awareness about this life saving unit at the hospitals. Someone who has no experience with the preemie world may wonder what is a NICU? A NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT which forms part of the hospital in the maternity ward. Here, our premature infants receive round the clock medical care in the early hours, days, weeks, and months after birth. Because of different medical conditions at birth, some full-term infants sometimes end up in the NICU. Our babies are still in the early stages of development because we delivered prematurely. They require immediate medical attention which is provided for at this specific unit. Nobody really know the exact period of a baby NICU, sometimes the Dr and Nurses work on estimates. It is often determined by the baby development while we all join hands in giving them the support needed. This is a unit that completely changed many people’s life. Premature birth and the NICU experience has had an impact on families. The one unit that is full of mixed emotions and can be overwhelming at times. Doctors and NICU nurses working in this unit are often referred to as our “living angels”. They nurture our children like their own and go the extra mile to comfort each and every family that walks into their doors. We are forever grateful to every medical team member and the bonds created with all the NICU families. “The NICU is a place where the tiniest hands hold the biggest hearts.” Are you a NICU family, would love to hear about your NICU experience

August: A Month of Connection, Celebration and Support!

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

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

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