A COMMUNITY’S COMMITMENT TO ADOPTION: STORIES OF LOVE, HOPE AND SUPPORT

Precious Mupenzi

• The Community Adoption Dialogue in Vryburg, held in celebration of World Adoption Day, brought together community members, government, and religious and civic leaders to discuss adoption openly and bridge knowledge gaps around the process.
• This collaborative effort highlighted the role of community support in making adoption accessible and transparent, with shared insights from diverse stakeholders, including foster parents and traditional leaders.
• Among the inspiring stories was that of Thabo Shopo, a mother from Ngaka Modiri Molema, whose adoption journey underscored the power of love, resilience, and community backing in creating stable, nurturing homes for children in need.

The Community Adoption Dialogue held in Vryburg as part of the World Adoption Day commemoration was more than just a gathering; it became a powerful platform for open discussion and genuine connection. Community members voiced questions and shared their concerns, creating a space for meaningful dialogue and fostering mutual understanding. The event highlighted the importance of community-based initiatives in closing knowledge gaps around adoption and making the process accessible to more people.

This initiative brought the adoption process closer to the public, underscoring the collaborative efforts of legal, governmental, and community stakeholders, including foster parents, traditional leaders, government departments, civil society, and members of the religious sector. Together, they demonstrated a shared commitment to making adoption both accessible and transparent.

Among the attendees was Thabo Shopo, a 43-year-old mother from Ngaka Modiri Molema, who shared her touching adoption journey. Shopo, a mother of two daughters, adopted her youngest when the child was just three months old; today, that daughter is now 21. “I had a job back then and one biological child, but my love for children and desire for a big family inspired me to adopt,” she shared. Her first daughter, now 28 and a mother of three, and her adopted daughter, who recently welcomed her own baby, bring immense joy to Shopo’s life.

After losing her job in Johannesburg six years ago, Shopo moved back to her hometown, where she now makes a living by selling goods in her community. She also receives the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which has provided some stability. Reflecting on the challenges of transitioning to a life without a steady income, she expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of her father and her partner, who stood by her as she adjusted to her new circumstances.

When asked what inspired her to adopt, Shopo spoke with warmth and conviction: “It was my love for children and my wish for my daughter to have a sibling. God blessed me with one biological child, but I felt there was room for more love in my heart and in our family.”

With a sparkle in her eye, she jokingly added, “Now that my children are grown, it feels like an empty nest again!” Her message to those considering adoption was clear and heartfelt: “It truly takes a community to raise a child. If you have love and support, you can make a difference. Every child deserves love and a warm home.”