Overseas Projects

Swansea and Brecon Mothers' Union also runs projects overseas. Some of these are below.

Student Hostel in Machakos.

Members have provided financial support for this project in Machakos, one of our Wave of Prayer links, in Kenya.
The Diocese of Machakos, with the support of the local Mothers' Union, built the Daystar Hostel to provide affordable, safe accommodation for female students.
Members in Swansea and Brecon raised funds, which were used to support the employment of a night watchman to provide security and maintenance for the hostel. In addition, it provided bed linen for the hostel.

In Phase two of the project, Machakos Diocese is extending the current hostel to provide much needed additional accommodation. This means that more young women can be properly accommodated, protected and cared for.

Many members supported the Bishop's Lent Appeal, in 2011, to support Phase two of this project. Bishop John presented a cheque to Bishop Joseph of Machakos, during the annual Mission and Ministry Service at Brecon Cathedral. They are pictured with members after the service.

Birthing programme in Kitui.

Swansea and Brecon provided financial help for this project in Kitui, one of our Wave of Prayer links, in Kenya. The project not only looks after the needs of expectant mothers but aims to increase knowledge on general health issues in the community including HIV/aids, TB, nutrition. The Mothers' Union Worker, in Kitui is overseeing the project.

Local Home Birthing Attendants are trained to assist mothers in the villages.

There is a great need for this as mothers often deliver their babies at home. Hospitals are too far away, expensive and require mothers to possess specific items of clothing for admission. Many mothers, in low income groups, cannot afford such financial demands at the time of delivery. A small number of birthing attendants had been in role for some time but did not have the necessary up to date knowledge

Mothers' Union Relief Fund

In 2006, after three years of drought in northern and eastern Kenya, 2.5 million people faced starvation. Many people were travelling long distances on foot each day in the hope of finding food; some even resorted to eating wild fruits, and/or contaminated maize which is a health hazard. Women, children and the elderly were worst affected by the crisis.

Swansea and Brecon began fundraise for the MU Relief Fund that Christmas and has continued to do so.

When having their Branch Christmas Lunch and family celebrations, members and their families are asked to think of those suffering from the effects of famine or disaster and donate at least 20p each.

When this project started, we expected to raise about £400 but each year the response of the members is overwhelming!

What does the Relief Fund do?

The Relief Fund provides emergency financial help for communities affected by natural disaster or conflict. The grassroots nature of Mothers' Union makes it well placed within communities to quickly obtain food, materials and medicines for immediate distribution where most needed.

Make a Mothers' Day

Members raise fund to support overseas work through purchasing ethical gifts instead of chocolates and flowers for Mother's Day. Sometimes members in branches club together to purchase one larger gift.

http://www.makeamothersday.org/

Wheel's Appeal

The Wheels Appeal is a summer fundraiser. Members are invited to raise vital transport funds for Mothers' Union aid and development work around the world. They bake for cake stalls, coffee mornings etc to raise the money.