Motherland Village Scholarship Fund Launches

Motherland is thrilled to announce the launch of the Motherland Village Scholarship Fund, which will enable rural mothers who are experiencing financial hardship to access the charity’s mother’s group program.

Supported by Thankful4Farmers, the fund will enable 20 rural mums from around the country to enrol in the program free of charge over the next 12 months, as part of Motherland’s commitment to reducing isolation for rural women.  

Motherland Village is a six-week personalised program delivered entirely online that matches rural mums to their own small support group. The initiative mobilises mothers from across the country and enables them to form meaningful connections and friendships.

Since launching in late 2021, Motherland Village has connected more than 170 rural mothers to their own virtual village. The program was inspired by a Motherland survey of hundreds of rural mothers which found more than 50% don’t have access to a mother’s group due to their isolated location or lack of local services, and 70% say feeling lonely or isolated from people and services is the hardest part of rural motherhood.

“Every rural mum deserves access to a mother’s group, no matter where she lives or what her circumstances are. Today marks a huge milestone for our charity, and we are very grateful to Thankful4Farmers who have stepped in to make this scholarship fund a reality”, said Motherland Founder & CEO Stephanie Trethewey.

“The geographic isolation means that rural women face unique challenges.  They are farmers, businesswomen, entrepreneurs, leaders, educators, wives and mothers, and are often the backbone of their families and local community. That’s why we are proud to provide the grant to Motherland to support the inspiring women in rural and regional Australia”, said Thankful4Farmers CEO Kim McDonnell. 

Rural mums who enrol in Motherland Village get access to their own mother’s group made up of 10 women maximum. They communicate via a private online chat room, take part in facilitated video calls, and are supported through weekly check-ins and activities. 

While Motherland Village focuses heavily on supporting rural mums with children aged from zero to three, the innovative program also offers online mothers groups for rural women with children aged 4-10 years and 11-18 years.

Rural mothers can apply for a scholarship quickly and easily through an online form at www.motherlandaustralia.com.au/scholarship.