The good news is that we are bing able to make a huge difference to the lives of ordinary people in the Waterberg by giving advice, making connections and providing those in need with specific donations.

ACTS OF MERCY REPORT FOR MARCH AND APRIL 2022

Now lockdown restrictions have been eased, many of our former beneficiaries are back at work. Some are engaged in informal trading, selling farm produce or clothes. Others are farming poultry or working in hair salons and Spaza shops. And many are receiving Social Relief Grants and food parcels from the Social Development, which are being delivered to the community. School children benefit from the feeding schemes on daily basis.

Besides food parcels, some beneficiaries were in need of essential supplies like washing powder, bath soap, clothes and nutritional supplements.

CHALLENGES:

• We are seeing improper use of social grants meant to buy food for families
• Alcohol and substance abuse among youth and adults is leading to Gender Based Violence. Fighting in beer taverns has resulted in the loss of two young male teenagers’ lives.
• Community theft is on the rise. Houses are broken into and goods stolen. People feel insecure when walking alone, in fear of being attacked.
• Increased unemployed youth leads to lack of productivity, resulting in drinking alcohol, teenage pregnancy and family disputes.
• Increase in fuel prices have caused price fluctuation of food, transport and clothing.
• Many roads have been severely damaged due to heavy rains. It is difficult to reach out to those in need of proper assessment and support.

PROGRESS:

• Jobs have been created and some beneficiaries are able to provide for their families.
• The Government’s solidarity fund has helped some community members by providing them with free vouchers to start poultry projects and other small businesses, which can help to generate income to support families. The vouchers are worth R2000 per beneficiary.
• Many community members have had the Covid-19 vaccine and are aware of preventative measures and hygiene protocols.

Sister Grace says, “MANY THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO DONATED VARIOUS ITEMS WHICH BENEFITED THOSE IN NEED, MAY GOD GREATLY BLESS YOU ALL“

If you are able to donate funds, The Waterberg Trust has a Justgiving page here.

• £5 will buy seedlings for a school vegetable garden
• £10 will buy a pair of hard-wearing school shoes
• £12 will equip a school-girl with sanitary protection while she is in secondary school
• £15 will buy a food parcel to feed a needy family for a week
• £110 will send a pupil on a 5-day residential course at Lapalala Wilderness School

Please see our DONATE page for other ways of giving. We welcome fundraising activities and have some ideas here.

MEETINGS:

Sister Grace attended meetings with the Victim Support Unit based at the local police station, and an event to keep the community informed about Gender Based Violence and to ensure there is unity and teamwork when it comes to protection of children, women and vulnerable people. A 56 year old man was arrested for sexually abusing a 13 year old mentally ill girl several times. The girl continues to attend school as they await for court ruling.

“I also attended a meeting with the department of Social Development and SASSA who discussed social grants applications, food parcels and support needed for the homeless. We agreed that beneficiaries who qualify for food parcels may be referred to their office for further help.”

She has asked the Community to take part in identifying those in need of help so that they can receive timely support.

FUTURE PLANS:

• Sister Grace will continue to reach out to those in need.
• She will continue to work with stake holders to ensure everyone supports each other and avoid duplication.
• She will continue to educate family members on basic health, where to access essential services and provide ongoing treatment, support and counseling to those in need.
• Food parcel distribution continues

BENEFICIARIES RECEIVED DONATED CLOTHES, BABY THINGS AND SANITARY PADS FOR SCHOOL GIRLS