Honoured MU guest speaks of life in South Africa

Thursday August 13th 2009

Thandi surrounded by guests at Moira’s home. To Thandi’s left is Margaret Crawford, All Ireland President. Moira Thom, Diocesan President of Connor Mothers’ Union, recently hosted an evening in her home in honour of Thandi Xundu from South Africa.

Thandi, a General Trustee at the MU’s Mary Sumner House, was visiting Northern Ireland as a guest of Margaret Crawford, All Ireland President.

Moira invited a mix of people from Connor, Down & Dromore, Armagh and Derry & Raphoe dioceses to meet with Thandi over an informal fork supper. All were moved and impressed by Thandi’s commitment as she spoke of the challenges facing Mothers’ Union in the Province of Southern Africa.

The ladies there meet every week and their work is focused on supporting families, especially child-headed families. This is a common situation where both parents have died of HIV/AIDS, leaving a young teenager to look after younger siblings.

Mothers’ Union members support the family in making sure they have sufficient food etc, but most importantly ensuring that the young person heading the household is able to continue their education.

Moira said: “Thandi’s account of life in Southern Africa reinforced the need for us to support their work prayerfully and financially as the ladies in that Province seek to support families in often desperate situations.