As Covid -19 restrictions have been relaxed, many people have returned to their daily routine. Some are employed, others are running small businesses selling farm produce, running hair salons, gardening or recycling. Chicken projects, funded by government vouchers amounting R2000 per person, help to generate income to buy food and essential needs for families.

Sister Grace says, “I reached out to those who really needed social support and have no source of income. I also supported one Matric learner with medication and 4 girls with Matric uniform (golf t-shirts). I donated some clothes to those in need, and baby wear to teenage mums.”

59 people received gifts of essential groceries and clothing this month

School feeding schemes continue to provide meals for learners with many gaining access to meals on daily basis. “We continue to issue basic food parcels to help those in need. Upon arrangement, beneficiaries normally collect their food parcel directly from the supermarket, while some send family members or friends to collect on their behalf.”

The knitting club continues to knit blankets, beanies and jerseys to bless those in need.

CHALLENGES:

• Shortage of supplies from the supermarkets. The regular contents of food parcels could not be found in one supermarket. We needed to shop around.
• The price of food and other essentials has drastically increased and varies from one shop to another.
• Huge families tend to run out of food. Some received two food parcels to enable them to last for a month.
• Some had delayed Social Relief Grants, but this has now been rectified.
• Dysfunctional families continue to abuse social grants by buying alcohol instead of food and essentials.
• Leseding Township has become a hotspot of community theft and gender-based violence, especially in taverns. Three young men were brutally stabbed to death after a fight.
• Most children below the age of 15 years are into substance abuse and alcohol consumption, skipping school.

PROGRESS:

• Some individuals have come up with activities for the youth in our community such as sports and a fun run. This happens on weekly basis and children are able to spend time playing at the local park.
• The Social Relief Grant has been extended, enabling those who apply to support their families.
• Many small business owners received vouchers through government solidarity funds.
• Disadvantaged girls continue to receive free sanitary pads during school holidays.

FUTURE PLANS:

• Sister Grace will continue to reach out to those in need and provide social support.
• Stakeholders include local churches, Social Development, Community leaders and the local Police Station who inform us of the needy.
• Sister Grace provides basic health care and methods of contraception in an attempt to reduce teenage pregnancies.

MANY THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO KEEP DONATING CLOTHES WHICH HELP THE NEEDY CHILDREN AND ADULTS

If you would like to make a financial donation to help this amazing work proceed, please click on TWT’s Donate page for details here

This work is privately funded and supported by the Church of St John the Baptist at 24 Rivers in the Waterberg