School nurse Sister Grace, writes from the Waterberg in South Africa to say that over the Christmas period she managed to distribute food parcels to those in dire need including a Mozambican man whose home was burnt down to ashes. “His neighbours were supportive and received the food on his behalf while he went for medical attention.”

An orphaned boy rescued from the streets was also given food, sent back to school and is now doing well along with his siblings.

Sister Grace Identified children in need of clothing for the Christmas season and was able to provide them with essentials provided by local supporters.

She reports that about 55 girls received donated clothes and sanitary items over Christmas. The Department of Education has been supplying disposable sanitary pads and these are distributed to learners when schools are open, but not over the long summer holidays. “The sanitary pads provided significant relief to the girls, who had been coming in on a daily basis.”

“Below are 20 food hampers generously donated by Sonja to be distributed to the community. I carefully identified 20 beneficiaries in need, and personally handed out the hampers.

“Attached are some of the photos showing the recipients.”

PROGRESS:

▪ We provided food to those who had lost hope and had no source of any income

▪ Vulnerable children are given ongoing social and material support

▪ Placement of school dropouts who are now back at school and provides with support

▪ Working with stakeholders who donate food, clothes and uniforms

▪ Giving dignity to teenage girls by providing donated pads and hygiene packs

CHALLENGES:

▪ Huge families struggle to buy enough food to last through the month

▪ Unemployment and poverty within families who survive on social grants alone,

which is not enough to sustain them

▪ Alcoholism, gambling and abuse of child & elderly social grants is a major problem

▪ Increased number of substance and drug abuse.

MANY THANKS TO ALL OUR SPONSORS WHO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE

If you are able to support his small but effective grassroots project, even in a small way, The Waterberg Trust has a Just Giving site that can receive funds in eight different currencies.

The Waterberg Trust can receive CAF cheques and donations in other ways specified on our How to Donate page.