We like getting to know the people behind the non-profit organisations that we partner with. Today, Lois Moodley, National Communications and PR Manager for Cotlands, tells us more about working for a non-profit organisation.
What does Cotlands do?
Cotlands is a non-profit early childhood development organisation addressing the education and social crisis by establishing early learning playgroups and toy libraries in poor communities to serve vulnerable children birth to age 6.
What is the best non-profit-related advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t apologise when requesting funding. The work we do seeks to end poverty in Africa and create a better society for all – no one can put a price tag on that.
What advice would you give those wanting to work for, or start, a non-profit organisation?
Create a personal mission and vision that will keep you inspired to come to work every day.
What, in your mind, has been Cotlands’ biggest success?
Cotlands play an important role curbing the HIV/Aids pandemic in South Africa. Cotlands joined the class action suit to make anti-retroviral’s (ARV’s) free to all. In 2012 we closed our paediatric AIDS hospice because there was no longer a need for this service as children are able to live longer and healthier lives on ARV’s, and fewer children are born HIV positive. We have also won the Impumelelo Social Innovation award for our early childhood development programme. For an organisation that’s only been in this field for 3 years we think this is a huge accomplishment.
What have you / your organisation learnt from mistakes that may have been made?
Authenticity is key. If you are genuine about your values as an organisation, you will be able to bounce back from any set back.
In what way would you like Cotlands to impact South Africa?
We would like to see children thrive in their formative years. With a solid foundation in the early years, children have the potential to graduate from poverty and end the cycle of dependency.
Have you met any people or heard any stories that have inspired you to do the work that you do? If so, please tell us a little more.
I am inspired daily by our early learning facilitators. Many of them come from the under-resourced communities in which they work. Their dedication to improving the lives of children in their communities is inspiring.
Why did you decide to do the work that you do?
I wanted to make a difference. I got tired of complaining and decided to use my skills to see an end to poverty.
Mbuso Mkumbuzi :
want to make more different in changing peoples lives , than other did
Mbuso Mkumbuzi :
also want to help those people who afraid to do HIV TEST ,help them to known their status and help them , to love them , to support them , and also to go to the clinics to fight the stigma , discrimination to other people
Mbuso Mkumbuzi :
Want to create a better society for all people , also to create a personal mission and vision that keep people inspired to come do some work everyday or to do something that is going to keep them busy , and also to make different to the society and fight poverty, I real want to do this , because it is in my heart