About MamaLita
One woman willing to go. An organisation being built to last.
MamaLita grew out of Julita Kok’s years of travelling through Africa and building relationships with people, families, churches and communities.
Again and again, she encountered two things at the same time: very real need, and extraordinary local people already trying to make a difference.
The question became simple: How can I help?
Sometimes the answer was financial. Sometimes it was practical. Sometimes it was a Bible, equipment, education, a business opportunity, encouragement or simply staying long enough to help someone find a way forward.
Julita is still very much part of MamaLita.
She remains the founder, active leader, traveller, speaker, fundraiser, storyteller and bridgebuilder.
She continues to travel, meet people, identify needs, build relationships, raise support and walk personally with many of the people and organisations MamaLita serves.
But MamaLita is also being built to stand on its own feet.
It is an organisation with its own governance, team, partnerships and way of working — created so that the work can continue, grow and outlive any one individual.
The heart of MamaLita
We do not believe in arriving with all the answers.
We listen. We ask questions. We build relationship. We look for the person already carrying the vision.
Then we help strengthen what is in their hands.
MamaLita does not measure success by how many projects it owns. We measure success by what remains when we are no longer financially needed.
People. Always people.
Projects matter because people matter.
The school matters because children matter.
The farm matters because families and food security matter.
The small business matters because dignity and independence matter.
The Bible matters because spiritual hope matters.
The organisation matters because good work needs to continue.
