Wild Mongoo going from strength to strength

GEORGE NEWS - Tucked away in a corner of a cosy business precinct just off York Street sits a beacon of hope: Wild Mongoo, a Christian ministry bringing light, purpose and love into the lives of vulnerable women in George.

Since their establishment three years ago, the ministry has progressed with leaps and bounds, and as it grew, so did the need for more space, which has now become a reality. On Friday 29 August they shared the joy of their expansion into a new premises with an open day for the public.

The new space is adjacent to their existing building in York Street (next to Fat Fish) and houses their gift shop, a beautiful nail, brow and lash salon and coffee shop, Wild Mongoo Café, where delicious coffee, cake and toasties are served.

Production for the gift shop and training is carrying on in the existing Wild Mongoo studio.

Lindsay Hogan and Annalie Cable, the driving forces behind this ministry, were elated at the support shown by the public on Friday. More than four hundred visitors were received.

The ministry focuses on empowering women who have been prostituted and trafficked. Through a wholistic approach these women are given help to heal, find purpose and receive skills training. They learn skills like sewing, beading, embroidery, printing and nail care.

Embracing the power of pink, from left: Xoliswa Fouchini, Angeline Klaasen, Lorikah Claasen and Kaylin Malgas. Photo: Supplied

The Wild Fire division also runs a training programme that empowers women to become entrepreneurs.

The gift shop, nail salon and coffee shop are all run by these women.

To date, 40 women have participated in the programme and have embarked on a new life of hope, learning, healing and independence.

"Our aim is to reach 1 000 women by 2030, and for this we need people's support. We invite anyone interested to visit us to see what we do and relax over a cup of coffee or browse through the lovely gifts in our shop."

The gift shop offers a lovely variety and is testament to the creativity of the women of Wild Mongoo. Photo: Alida de Beer