MOTHERS of Special Heroes (MOSH) marked their fourth anniversary with a touching Christmas celebration held on December 11 at the Church of Christ in Bulawayo.
The event brought together families, partners, volunteers and community members for a day filled with gratitude, joy and renewed commitment to supporting children with special needs.
MOSH director Chantelle Shangare said their organisation chose to combine their anniversary with a festive celebration because Christmas symbolises hope, love and togetherness.
“The milestone was a powerful reminder of the organisation’s journey of championing, encouraging, and supporting mothers raising children with special needs,” she said.
Shangare said the occasion served as an opportunity to honour the mothers and allow their special heroes to shine.
“The theme was Shining Bright with Gratitude and Giving Back MOSH,” Shangare said.
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Programmes manager Greatjoy Hlatshwayo said the theme perfectly captured the heart of the organisation, where “Shining Bright” reflected the strength mothers show daily, while “Gratitude and Giving Back” emphasised the organisation’s devotion to uplifting one another and serving the community.
“During the celebration, attendees were treated to a variety of family-friendly activities, the programme included inspirational testimonies from mothers, sensory-friendly games for the children, Christmas performances, and a shared festive meal.
“It also created special recognition moments honouring outstanding mothers, partners, and supporters, children received Christmas gifts, a moment that many guests described as the highlight of the day.”
Shangare said MOSH has provided emotional support, education, advocacy, and essential resources for families raising children with special needs.
“Many mothers have expressed feeling more confident, less isolated and better equipped to care for their children,” she said.
“Looking ahead, MOSH aims to expand its programmes, strengthen partnerships and continue building an inclusive community where every special child is celebrated.”
General attendee Sandra Tshuma said she was most excited to witness the joy on the children’s faces and the unity of families, and that the theme reminded her to appreciate life’s small victories.
Supporter Charity Dube said the theme personally encouraged her to uplift others and recognise her own blessings.
“I hope the event would inspire society to embrace inclusivity and create more opportunities for children with special needs, adding a sensory-friendly Christmas wonderland to future events to make the celebration even more magical for the children,” said Dube.
For partners and volunteers like Levity Moyo, the most joyful moment was watching the children receive their gifts.
He said it was a moment that lights up the whole room.
Moyo added that the message of the event inspired him to continue supporting families of children with special needs.
He praised partnerships with organisations such as Kuda Vana and Partners 4 Africa, saying they brought additional resources and strengthened MOSH’s
mission.
The community could continue to build a more loving and inclusive environment for all families.