Annual Report for the financial year 1 March 2025 – 28 February 2026.

2025 was a year that tested our strength, deepened our faith, and reminded us of the foundation on which Ma’s vir Wellington stands. Through challenges, loss, change, and uncertainty, God remained faithful, sustaining our team and empowering us to continue serving with compassion and hope. As we share our 2025 Annual Report, we celebrate God’s provision, the dedication of our staff and volunteers, and the impact made possible through the support of our community. Thank you for walking this journey with us.

READ ANNUAL REPORT  

 

Call to action

Love in Action This Winter Season

As the colder days have already arrived in Wellington, we are launching our annual Winter Project Campaign—a practical way to care for the children and members in our programs during this season.

Each year, we aim to provide every child and member with a brand-new winter outfit, which includes a tracksuit, underwear, socks, blanket, beanie, knitted gloves, and winter boots.

This project is about more than just meeting a need—it’s about sharing warmth, dignity, and kindness in a meaningful way.

We invite you, your family, or your life group to partner with us. At R320 per child, you can help make a real difference. Supporting a child together as a group is a simple yet powerful expression of Kingdom giving—giving with purpose and love.

“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18

Please keep an eye out for our campaign ads and updates and consider how you can be part of this initiative.

TO GET INVOLVED CLICK HERE  

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Katryn, our beloved therapy dog at the Avodah program, has become far more than just a companion — she is an important part of our daily support and care. Research shows that therapy dogs can reduce anxiety, loneliness, and emotional stress for adults with disabilities, and we witness these benefits every day through the comfort and connection Katryn brings to our members.

The post The Healing Presence Of Our Therapy Dog appeared first on Ma's vir Wellington.

Canderin, a 20-year-old young woman with an intellectual disability, often faces bullying and misunderstanding in her community, leaving her isolated and overwhelmed. At Avodah, however, she finds a safe and loving environment where she is accepted for who she is. Surrounded by patience, care, and understanding, Canderin has begun to grow in confidence, build friendships, and express her joyful and gentle nature through group activities and creative projects.

The post Seen, Loved, and Accepted appeared first on Ma's vir Wellington.

Nicoleen, a mother of two boys in the children’s ministry, joined the program feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to guide her children. Through parent training sessions, she learned how to nurture and lead her family with confidence and love.

The post Finding Purpose appeared first on Ma's vir Wellington.

As overwhelmed emotions settle, their “thinking brain” can come alive again — eyes meeting ours, trust forming, and learning becoming possible. In these moments, children are given the freedom to breathe, to play, to grow, and simply to be children.

Click the link below to watch the testimony 

https://youtu.be/6JMMpepJGrY?si=OeoYEB1bOLNLKUHu

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Marius, one of our Avodah members, has recently begun an exciting new chapter through hands-on woodworking training at Prowell Woodskills. From the moment he stepped into the workshop, he embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm and determination, eager to learn and grow in a real working environment.

Each week, Marius attends training sessions where he is gradually introduced to the tools, techniques, and rhythms of woodworking. What stands out most is not only the practical skills he is gaining, but the steady growth in his confidence. Tasks that once seemed unfamiliar are now becoming part of his developing skill set, and he is beginning to take real ownership of his work.

One of his proudest milestones so far has been building his very own small bench. For Marius, this was more than just a project—it was a tangible reminder that he is capable of creating something meaningful with his own hands. Moments like these are powerful, especially for someone stepping into a new space of learning and independence.

During the recent holiday period, Marius was given the opportunity to assist in the workshop. In this role, he supported facilitators, helped ease their workload, and experienced what it means to be part of a working team. This exposure not only deepened his understanding of the environment but also strengthened his sense of responsibility.

Perhaps the most special moment came when Marius earned his very first wages. In a heartfelt act of generosity and gratitude, he chose to give his earnings to his father to help support their family. It was a moment of immense pride for his father—and for all of us who have had the privilege of witnessing Marius’s journey.

Marius’s story is one of growth, perseverance, and purpose. It is deeply encouraging to see how he is stepping forward, embracing responsibility, and making the most of every opportunity placed before him.

We are incredibly proud of you, Marius. Keep building, keep growing, and keep moving forward.

Prowell Woodskills offers hands-on woodworking experiences for individuals of all ages in the Paarl–Wellington area, equipping people with practical skills, confidence, and the opportunity to create something meaningful.

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Woman of Worth Event: From the Cross to Authority in Christ

Our staff and volunteers recently gathered for our quarterly WOW – Women of Worth event at the beautiful Langkloof Rose venue. It was a simple, yet powerful morning spent in God’s Word with Selma van Rooyen—a time to pause and be reminded that we are not defined by our past, but by what Christ has done for us. From the cross, we step into our true identity and the authority we have in Him.

We reflected on powerful truths from Scripture:

• Colossians 2:14 — our past is wiped clean in Him
• Revelation 12:11 — our stories carry power and purpose
• 1 Peter 2:9 — we are chosen to shine His light

One of the most meaningful moments of the morning was washing one another’s feet—a beautiful and humbling act of love and service. God continues to restore, strengthen, and use each of us as we serve Him together.

We also take a moment to honour and temporarily say goodbye to Selma van Rooyen, who has been part of the Ma’s vir Wellington journey since the early years alongside Stephanie Henderson. Selma has faithfully served in many areas over the years, including leadership on the Board, children’s ministry, the Thabisa group for vulnerable women, and leading our intercession team. Together with a dedicated group of volunteers, she has carried the organisation in prayer, faithfully leading our Thursday intercession gatherings.

Selma’s husband, Deon, has received a wonderful opportunity to work in Kenya. During the winter months, Selma will be spending time there with him, trusting the Lord for the doors He will open in this new season. Her heart is to first seek Him—spending time in the Word, building relationships, and simply being available. She also looks forward to expressing her creativity through art and painting during this time.

Selma plans to return in mid-September 2026. As she steps into this season, she trusts God to lead her into the places where He wants to use her—especially in His work of restoration and preparing the Bride of Christ.

We are deeply grateful for Selma’s faithful service and the impact she has made over the years. We bless her as she goes, knowing that God will continue to guide her every step of the way.

Marius: Building His Way Forward

Marius, one of our Avodah members, has recently begun an exciting new chapter through hands-on woodworking training at Prowell Woodskills. From the moment he stepped into the workshop, he embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm and determination, eager to learn and grow in a real working environment.

Each week, Marius attends training sessions where he is gradually introduced to the tools, techniques, and rhythms of woodworking. What stands out most is not only the practical skills he is gaining, but the steady growth in his confidence. Tasks that once seemed unfamiliar are now becoming part of his developing skill set, and he is beginning to take real ownership of his work.

One of his proudest milestones so far has been building his very own small bench. For Marius, this was more than just a project—it was a tangible reminder that he is capable of creating something meaningful with his own hands. Moments like these are powerful, especially for someone stepping into a new space of learning and independence.

During the recent holiday period, Marius was given the opportunity to assist in the workshop. In this role, he supported facilitators, helped ease their workload, and experienced what it means to be part of a working team. This exposure not only deepened his understanding of the environment but also strengthened his sense of responsibility.

Perhaps the most special moment came when Marius earned his very first wages. In a heartfelt act of generosity and gratitude, he chose to give his earnings to his father to help support their family. It was a moment of immense pride for his father—and for all of us who have had the privilege of witnessing Marius’s journey.

Marius’s story is one of growth, perseverance, and purpose. It is deeply encouraging to see how he is stepping forward, embracing responsibility, and making the most of every opportunity placed before him.

We are incredibly proud of you, Marius. Keep building, keep growing, and keep moving forward.

Prowell Woodskills offers hands-on woodworking experiences for individuals of all ages in the Paarl–Wellington area, equipping people with practical skills, confidence, and the opportunity to create something meaningful.

TO GET INVOLVED CLICK HERE

Call to action

Love in Action This Winter Season

As the colder days have already arrived in Wellington, we are launching our annual Winter Project Campaign—a practical way to care for the children and members in our programs during this season.

Each year, we aim to provide every child and member with a brand-new winter outfit, which includes a tracksuit, underwear, socks, blanket, beanie, knitted gloves, and winter boots.

This project is about more than just meeting a need—it’s about sharing warmth, dignity, and kindness in a meaningful way.

We invite you, your family, or your life group to partner with us. At R320 per child, you can help make a real difference. Supporting a child together as a group is a simple yet powerful expression of Kingdom giving—giving with purpose and love.

“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18

Please keep an eye out for our campaign ads and updates and consider how you can be part of this initiative.

Project deadline: 5 June 2026

TO GET INVOLVED CLICK HERE  

The post Newsletter April 2026 appeared first on Ma's vir Wellington.

The True Meaning of Passover: Sharing the Story of Our Savior 

In a world where truth seems no longer certain, and the line between the world and God’s kingdom is blurred, we took a week to celebrate the truth of Passover.

We remembered that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior, came from Heaven to Earth. He lived as a man, without sin, blessing us with His life, and sacrificed Himself as the perfect Lamb, the ultimate offering for our sins. Through Him, we can all have eternal life in His kingdom.

This is the message—not chocolates, not bunnies, not eggs—but a perfect offering that washes away our sins.

It is a challenging concept to explain, especially to small children and to our Avodah members with intellectual disabilities. Yet each of our programs tailored the story to ensure the Good News of Jesus was shared clearly.

If you do not yet know this story, join us on this journey—from a King traveling to Jerusalem on a humble donkey, to the Last Supper, washing of feet, His time in Gethsemane, to the capture, trial, and crucifixion. The truth of every part of this story is significant for every Christian, because this is the truth of our Savior.

Via Dolorosa

The Jews wanted a king to save them from Roman rule. But Jesus came not only to save the Jews; He came to save the whole world!

He entered Jerusalem on a colt—a donkey. Why is this significant?

• Kings rode horses when going to war
• Kings rode donkeys when coming in peace

Jesus came as a King of peace, not of political power.

Washing of Feet

In our programs, we had the opportunity to wash each other’s feet.

In Jesus’ time, only servants washed feet. His act showed us how we should serve one another in humility, on our knees.

The Last Supper
The Last Supper took place during Passover, a remembrance of God saving the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Jesus came to save us from the slavery of sin.

Our Avodah members recreated the Last Supper by breaking bread and sharing juice. At this meal, Jesus revealed to His disciples that the bread and wine represented His body and blood:

• Bread = His body
• Wine = His blood

The disciples did not yet fully understand that He would be flogged, die, and shed His blood for the sins of the world. This moment became the foundation for Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, which Christians practice today.

Bringing the Last Supper to Life Through Art

After the Avodah group finished acting out the Last Supper, we moved into a creative activity that helped bring the lesson to life in a practical way. Together, we went outside to collect feathers, which we then used as a gentle introduction to watercolour painting.

The members were guided to hold the feather lightly, dip it into water, add a small touch of paint, and softly brush it onto a clean canvas. This was an important exercise, as many of our members tend to press too hard with their brushes, causing the bristles to spread and lose shape.

Through using feathers, they learned the value of working gently and with control, developing both their skill and confidence. Once they understood the technique, they moved on to using soft watercolour brushes to complete their beautiful Last Supper paintings.

Jesus Praying in the Garden of Gethsemane

In quiet and reflective moments, the Avodah group spent time in prayer, remembering Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane.

Jesus was deeply distressed in Gethsemane. He prayed and asked God if the cup might pass from Him. Why was He scared?

• He knew that in death He would be separated from God
• He knew the crucifixion would be horrific
• He would bear the full weight of the world’s sin

Yet He did not run from the cross. He went toward the cross in obedience to God, even unto death.

Jesus on the Cross

Our Children’s Ministry shared the story of Jesus’ death from another angle. We focused on the cross as the ultimate act of love, not merely pain and suffering.

• John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Each child took a stone, that represents our sins and placed it at the foot of the cross.

Because of His love, Jesus moved toward the cross and obeyed God, dying for the sins of the world.

Each child made their own cross with red yarn representing Jesus’ blood, sealed with a heart to understand His love. Each child also received a second cross to take home, with the message:

“God loves you so much that Jesus died for you.”

They were encouraged to give it to someone at home, sharing the good news of Jesus.

The greatest Miracle

The tomb was empty! Jesus rose from the dead, having conquered death. He is alive!

We celebrated with singing and worship, children praising the King coming to gather all His children who believe in Him. Flags waved, hands clapped, and hearts rejoiced as we gave praise to our God!

Call to action

Be Part of a Child’s Strong Start

Do you want to play a role in building a child’s foundation for life?

Click here to support a child with a one-time gift or follow the link to sponsor a child monthly and make a lasting impact.

Together, we can ensure these little hearts and minds have the best start to life and help bring God’s love and hope into every home we serve.

TO GET INVOLVED CLICK HERE  

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Measuring What Matters: How We Track Real Change in Families’ Lives

At Ma’s vir Wellington, we believe that meaningful impact goes far beyond numbers. While it is important to know how many children participate in our programmes, what truly matters is the difference being made in their lives and in the wellbeing of their families.

This is why we use Wellbi, a comprehensive digital assessment platform designed specifically for organisations that care for vulnerable children and families. Wellbi provides a structured and reliable way for organisations to measure wellbeing and track progress over time.

The platform includes a standard assessment for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), developed in collaboration with universities and based on the internationally recognised Child Status Index (CSI) framework. This evidence-based approach allows organisations to assess children’s wellbeing across key areas of life and identify where support is most needed. In addition, Wellbi allows organisations to create customised assessments tailored to their specific programmes and community needs.

Why This Matters for Our Work

Every year, new children join our Children’s Ministry programme. At the start of the year, with parental consent, we conduct a baseline Wellbi assessment for the whole family. This helps us gain a clearer understanding of each child’s environment and circumstances from the very beginning.

During the first term, our three fieldworkers visit more than 50 families in their homes. These personal visits allow us to ask questions across four important domains that help us build a fuller picture of each family’s wellbeing.

Once the information is captured in the Wellbi system, the data is displayed visually on a dashboard. This allows our team to see where families may need additional support. From there, we can track interventions, referrals, and progress over time, ensuring that families receive the help they need.

Supporting Better Planning and Accountability

From a management perspective, Wellbi provides an organisational dashboard that gives us a bird’s-eye view of the wellbeing of the families we serve. It also allows us to securely store documentation, track programme attendance, monitor absentees, and record the work completed by our team.

This information helps us plan better, respond faster, and remain accountable to the communities we serve as well as to our supporters and funders.

Collaboration for Greater Impact

Platforms like Wellbi remind us how important collaboration within the NGO sector truly is. Meyer Conradie and his team developed Wellbi to provide organisations with a digital tool that helps keep accurate records, generate meaningful statistics, and share measurable impact with funders.

Most importantly, the data helps organisations like ours identify real needs and secure the resources required to continue supporting vulnerable children and families.

To learn more about Wellbi, click the link below.

https://wellbi.io/

 “Our vision is to help organisations move beyond counting the number of beneficiaries they serve, and instead quantify the change they are effecting in people’s lives.” – Meyer Conradie, CEO of Wellbi.

“Don’t Drop the Ball”: Walking the Parenting Journey Together

Each year, as new families join our Children’s Ministry, we are given the beautiful opportunity to start fresh relationships with mothers, fathers, and grandparents.

The little ones arrive bright-eyed. Some are excited, some shy, and some hold tightly to a parent’s hand as they step into a new environment. The parents feel much the same. Some arrive confident, others nervous, and a few are familiar faces—parents enrolling their third or fourth child in our programme over the years.

Our parenting sessions always begin with something simple and playful: a group activity where parents form a circle and pass a ball from person to person without using their hands.

The exercise quickly fills the room with laughter—but it also carries an important message.

The ball represents a child. Throughout life, children move from one caregiver to another, from parent to teacher, from family to community. At times the journey is smooth, and at times it is challenging. But the message remains the same:

Do not drop the ball.

Every child is precious—fearfully and wonderfully made—and it is our shared responsibility to care for them as they grow through the stages of childhood and school.

Building the Foundations for Healthy Families

During our introduction session, Salome guided parents through the basics of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a well-known framework that explains how human wellbeing is built layer by layer.

Maslow described five levels of needs that shape human development:

1. Basic needs – food, rest, shelter and physical care
2. Safety – stability, protection and emotional security
3. Love and belonging – family relationships, friendships and acceptance
4. Esteem – confidence, dignity and feeling valued
5. Self-actualisation – reaching one’s potential and pursuing)

Research suggests that in everyday life people often have their basic needs about 85% satisfied, safety about 70%, belonging about 50%, esteem about 40%, and only a small portion—around 10%—reach the level of self-actualisation at any given time.

This reminds us how important the foundations of life are. When children feel safe, loved, and valued, they are far more likely to grow into healthy adults who can dream, learn, and contribute positively to their communities.

Honest Conversations with Parents

Parents spent time reflecting together and discussing important questions:

• Which needs in the Maslow triangle are most important in raising a child?
• How do we care for our own wellbeing as parents?
• Are our homes and communities emotionally safe spaces for children?
• Do our children feel loved and secure?

These conversations opened meaningful discussions about emotional safety, trust, and healthy attachment—all essential elements in a child’s development.

Although we only scratched the surface in this first session, it is the beginning of an eight-session parenting journey we will walk together throughout the year.

Walking the Journey Together

Parenting is never meant to be done alone. Through these sessions, we hope every family will feel supported, encouraged, and equipped for the important role they play in shaping young lives.

Together, we hold the ball.

And together, we will do our best not to drop it.

Welcoming our new ECD teacher

We are excited to welcome a new Early Childhood Development (ECD) teacher to our team at Mas vir Wellington. Her journey with us began as a volunteer, and through dedication, growth, and a deep love for working with children, she has now stepped into this new role. Here she shares a little about her journey.

My daughter, Shaunica, was first part of Mas vir Wellington. The late Auntie Sarie, a former Tannie mamma, would often tell me about the wonderful things they did at Ma’s, and that made me curious to experience it for myself. I then approached Salome to ask if I could get involved. From the very beginning she made me feel comfortable and warmly welcomed.

My first day as a volunteer was a wonderful experience, and I immediately felt like part of the team. I never felt like “just a volunteer” compared to the staff – instead, I always felt included and valued.

My child was part of both the Children’s Ministry and the ECD programme. Today I can clearly see the fruits of that experience. The foundation that was laid, especially through the Amazing Brainz programme offered by Mas vir Wellington, was very informative and meaningful.

Ma’s vir Wellington also provided me with opportunities to attend training and workshops with Amazing Brainz and Inceba. Salome further encouraged me to continue learning, and with her support I enrolled in an online course and successfully completed my Level 4 ECD qualification last year.

I volunteered for two years. It was not always easy, as I also had other responsibilities, but despite the challenges I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity that was given to me. Through this journey I learned so much and experienced tremendous personal and professional growth.

During this time my relationship with God also grew stronger, and my relationships with the staff at Mas vir Wellington deepened. My relationship with my principal has also improved greatly, and today we share a very good understanding.

I truly feel loved and blessed to be part of this team, and I look forward to continuing this journey together.

We are grateful to have her as part of the Mas vir Wellington family and look forward to the impact she will continue to make in the lives of our children.

Be part of a child’s strong start
Give with heart. Save on tax. Your donation qualifies for a Section 18A certificate.

Support the children and adults with intellectual disabilities in our programs and receive a Section 18A tax certificate.
Every donation counts — and it’s tax-deductible too!

Contact Lizette Fereirra: lizette@masvirwellington.co.za

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