D.R.O.P.S. Foundation is proud to have been actively involved in the reopening of the newly renovated CEF FAMILY CENTER in Asla Park, Mossel Bay, South Africa. This reopening was possible thanks to the support of D.R.O.P.S. Foundation donors and volunteers.

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Creating Effective Families (CEF) is a non-profit organization whose work is guided by the belief that a safe and loving family environment is essential to a child's healthy development. Children experience and learn about relationships through their closest caregivers. Families shape later personal behavior patterns that are reflected in relationships and society. When children learn the skills to build positive relationships, they can practice these skills again and again as they meet new people. Only children who grow up in a loving nonviolent environment can pass on compassion and affection as adults.

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CEF's main goal is to provide single mothers, and at best both parents, with the support they need to build and improve their relationship with their children.

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The family center in the community of Kwanonqaba is staffed by qualified social workers. The parenting groups there are designed to foster the bond between mothers and their babies. The special bond with her baby is the most beautiful gift a mother can give her child. Emphasis is placed on the special bond that is created through a secure attachment between mother and child and also between father and child when fathers are able to attend. The program helps develop parents' ability to experience their child as a conscious human being with his or her own personality, preferences and needs. The bonding group classes are offered in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa. Of the more than 50 mothers who attended the opening ceremony, nearly 30 have already signed up for the course.

"The bond between a mother and her child is the only real and purest bond in the world, the only true love we can ever find in our lifetime.“ - Ama H. Vanniarachchy

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The CEF Family Center also welcomes mothers who live in difficult circumstances and feel the need for a peaceful, spacious environment to take time out from the rigors of everyday life with their baby. This initiative is especially aimed at young single mothers and women whose bonding process with their baby is hindered by daily domestic or social violence.

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A heartfelt thank you to all those involved.