Mothers graduate from The Zoe Project's antenatal course in Mitchell's Plain
Pictured are 17 mothers who shared their experiences with Plainsman at the The Zoe Project office behind the Mitchell’s Plain Midwife Obstetric Unit (MOU) on Friday June 20. Later that day, 11 teen moms were also celebrated at their own graduation.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Twenty-eight mothers marked the end of an eight-week antenatal course hosted by The Zoe Project with a combined graduation ceremony and baby shower.
On Friday, June 20, 17 mothers shared their experiences with Plainsman at the Zoe Project office behind the Mitchell’s Plain Midwife Obstetric Unit (MOU).
Later that day, 11 teenage mothers were honoured at a separate graduation ceremony.
The Zoe Project, founded by Tracey Aitken 25 years ago, is a non-profit organisation that supports pregnant women through antenatal education, counselling, and birth support at public health facilities.
The organisation supports over 200 women each year through its antenatal and counselling services, ("Free antenatal classes at Mitchell’s Plain MOU" Plainsman 16 November 2022; "Maternal health support centre gets a revamp" Plainsman April 26, 2023; "‘They will be great moms’" Plainsman May 1, 2024 and "Mitchell’s Plain Community Health Centre relaunches youth-friendly health services" Plainsman May 29).
Eleven teenage moms were honoured at a separate graduation ceremony
Image: Supplied
Course facilitator Autumn Williams said the mothers formed strong bonds over the eight weeks.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Founder Tracey Aitken said the antenatal course equips expectant mothers, whether they are first-time moms or already have children, with vital information and emotional support during pregnancy.
Course facilitator Autumn Williams said the mothers formed strong bonds over the eight weeks.
“This class made a really good community. Two babies have already been born from this group. Some of them even visited each other’s homes. They’re supporting each other as a community on their own now,” she said.
Pictured is graduate mom Nazley Stellenboom, 28, from Tafelsig, who said the programme should be made more widely available.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Graduate Nazley Stellenboom, 28, from Tafelsig, said the programme should be made more widely available.
“The MOU may not be able to cover all areas, but The Zoe Project really helps us as mothers. More women should join this programme to access these services,” she said.
First-time mother Asive Ngwanya, 27, from Phillipi, said she didn’t feel ready for motherhood, but the course helped her prepare.
Benecia Solon, 31, from Tafelsig, said although she is very independent, she realised that “it is in your village that you have strength and can find help.”
Zoe Paulse, 21, from Bayview, said she was very worried about labour, but the facilitator helped put her mind at ease.
Pictured is The Zoe Project founder, Tracey Aitken. Founded 25 years ago, the organisation supports over 200 women each year through its antenatal and counselling services.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Mothers Mishka Lamour, 32, and Duelene America, 29, from Eastridge, also thanked Ms Williams and The Zoe Project for the guidance and support provided throughout the course.
Seven doulas, known as the pink ladies, who support mothers in the birthing room, also qualified through The Zoe Project’s volunteer training programme recently.
Four trained counsellors are currently based at the Mitchell’s Plain MOU to assist expectant mothers.
“Our volunteer programme started 25 years ago, and every year it grows. We’re proud to walk alongside women as they prepare for motherhood, whether it’s their first or fourth child,” said Ms Aitken.