Hope Springs Eternal for Vulnerable Women
This is one of those feel-good stories where hope springs eternal for women who have been saved from the streets, helped in every which way, and empowered with skills to cope in their new lives far from prostitution and hopelessness.
Visit Wild Mongoo in George
If you visit the Fat Fish restaurant in George, there’s every reason to pop into the Wild Mongoo shop next door for some unique retail therapy, but also to support this nonprofit organization making inroads into the complex world of prostitution.
The Origins of Wild Mongoo
Established in 2022, Wild Mongoo is a retail shop, online shop, and they do custom work for corporate gifts and specialist retailers. It all started with Azaria Outreach, established by Esmé and Neels Meyer in October 2016, which has since successfully reintegrated 20 former prostitutes into off-the-street lifestyles.
Comprehensive Support and Skills Training
The program not only addresses bigger-picture issues such as drug addiction and joblessness but also works towards true restoration of value, self-worth, and integrity so women can ultimately re-engage with and contribute to society.
Athane Scholtz shared the story with me:
“As Azaria regained momentum after COVID-19, the need for a more elaborate skills development division prompted the establishment of Wild Mongoo, a retail-based project that empowers vulnerable women by teaching them skills that will earn them an income. Their products are sold online and available in a very pink-and-pretty retail store in the George CBD.”
Diverse Product Range
Women from all types of vulnerable backgrounds, not just former prostitutes, are trained in a wide range of skills so they now produce high-quality decor items, corporate gifts, jewelry and accessories, pet products, baby products, and soft toys. At the Wild Mongoo shop, there is even a nail bar that offers pedicures and manicures. It’s a perfect place to find a unique gift.
Rapid Growth and Future Goals
The program grew in two years from eight women working in a tiny attic workshop to 25 women working in a double-storey studio in 2023, and this year has already seen more than 30 women joining the program. The dream is that one day, 1,000 women will benefit, Scholtz said.
Holistic Support for Vulnerable Women
“Women considered ‘vulnerable’ have limited options due to disability, extreme circumstances, and threat of personal safety when they leave behind prostitution, human trafficking, modern slavery, and gangsterism. Wild Mongoo gives them options — not just by providing work and skills training but also addressing medical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.”
“The estimated two-year program includes business management training, personal finance guidance, emotional support, and counseling — as the goal is for these women to become confident in society and able to provide for their families.”
Safe Housing and Community Support
Wild Mongoo has a small “safe house” where up to four women can stay, and there is a dream of growing this. Annalie Cable, a former schoolteacher and community project leader who took over the reins at Azaria in 2020, says Wednesday nights are a highlight for her.
Community Engagement
Cable and volunteers host a weekly pop-up soup kitchen for prostitutes on the pavement of a main pickup point in George’s industrial zone. “We just love them, pray for them, and listen to their stories. If they are interested, we introduce them to the Azaria outreach program, but we don’t judge and we don’t pretend to be the solution to all their problems.”
Cable believes in empowerment, not handouts. “Prostitution is a complex issue that requires a holistic approach and commitment to change. Azaria is the first step in a long-term relationship with women who want to leave the lifestyle, but feel the odds are stacked against them.”
“If they are willing, we connect them to people who can help with drug addiction, child custody issues, appropriate training, and ways to earn an income in an alternative way. It is not a quick fix, but there is so much potential and real hope,” she said.
Personal Stories of Transformation
Before looking after Azaria, Cable spent seven years at the Hope Church Wilderness Heights community project, where she was instrumental in establishing a crèche, after-school reading program, feeding scheme, clinic, and clothes bank. “It is so incredible how all the skills and experience I gained through teaching and programs have culminated in the collective services that these women need. I am humbled and privileged to be part of such a life-changing organization. Women arrive here broken but see all around them others who have triumphed over their circumstances. Within weeks of arriving, we see them transform physically, mentally, and emotionally,” Cable said.
Success Stories
Among Azaria’s success stories is Charmaine Witbooi (not her real name), a former prostitute whose life has been completely changed by the program. “People who knew me from back then, hardly recognize me now,” she said. “I have been sober for years, care for my own children, and have my own house. I have a steady income as a seamstress in the program and now even dare to dream.”
Witbooi started working the streets in her early 20s to support her drug and alcohol addiction. “I grew up in a house of violence, verbal abuse, and alcohol. I started using Tik for escapism, which made things much worse. I dropped out of school and could not hold down a job, so eventually started doing tricks.”
Supporting the Mission
While operational costs for Azaria Outreach and Wild Mongoo are supported by Soft Landings NPC, the women’s salaries and aid services must be covered by sponsorships, grants, and fundraising. “While we are excited by the recent growth, we now need additional funding to cover salaries for as many women as possible,” Scholtz said.
Proceeds from the shop, online shop, and orders are reinvested in materials and equipment to support and expand the project. How you can help: Buy the products in the shop at 124B York Street (next to Fat Fish, behind George Tourism). Buy products online at Wild Mongoo. Inquire about corporate gift and specialized wholesale options by mailing hello@wildmongoo.com.
To make a one-off donation, go to Wild Mongoo Donations. To make a monthly deductible donation or sponsor a woman’s salary, mail hello@wildmongoo.com.
