TWT Chairman Barry Burles (center) leading the TWT cycle challenge, 2025
The Waterberg Trust challenge cycle ride on Saturday 10th May proved a great success.
A massive thank you to all our sponsors, riders and supporters. It was a great day and (so far) we’ve raised a huge £10,680.88 with hopefully more to come from employers in matched donations and anyone who has been just too busy to make their donation yet. It’s never too late, our JustGiving account is: https://donate.justgiving.com/charity/waterbergtrust/donation-amount
A special thank you, to our regular monthly subscribers now at £341.50 pm (equivalent to £4,098 pa).
Forty-nine riders gathered in Cambridge at 8.00am, taking an exhilarating route to Southill Park to the west of Biggleswade.
Route of TWT’s 2025 cycle challenge
Drawing from past experience, TWT trustee William Orme planned the ride with care, accepting riders with all levels of experience on a range of bikes.
The TWT 2025 cycle challenge was a ‘first’ for some who made donations on The Waterberg Trust JustGiving Page where Gift Aid is automatically collected.
We are hugely grateful for monthly gifts by standing order made direct to The Waterberg Trust bank account as it helps us budget for the future. Our account details are:
Account Name: Waterberg Welfare Society Trust Sort Code: 40-52-40 Account Number: 00017512 Bank: CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ
Eliza celebrates her first TWT ride with brother Shane and Aidan “route-maestro” Prior
A fabulous lunch was provided by trustees Elaine Franklin and Jane Whitbread who were able to chat to riders about TWT’s amazing projects in the Waterberg sustained by their donations.
The weather was glorious and it was a family time for many.
Mother-daughter combos Katie & Pippa Lowe and Christina & Gemma Harrison
Everyone was grateful for refreshments served enroute.
Good friendships were made and great fun was had by all.
Some opted to take a lift home at the 40 mile point. Trailers were organised thanks to Martin Lines of Nature Friendly Farming Network and Charles Whitbread.
TWT Chairman Barry Burles checked all the bikes except his own! He now needs new handlebars and a new seat.
Most riders were keen to complete the whole circuit.
They leapt on their bikes and cycled on, completing the 75 mile round trip back to Cambridge where an evening meal was provided for the gallant riders.
You can see more photos and read more about the ride on out next blog post.
CAF cheques and funds raised via JustGiving will support the only school nurse in the Limpopo Province of south Africa. TWT helps to keep girls in education, shows schoolchildren in the Waterberg how protect their environment and effectively reduces rhino poaching.
The Waterberg Trust sponsored sixty grade 10 students from Leseding High School, along with one of their teachers and a SGB member, enabling them to attend a residential course at Lapalala Wilderness School in the Waterberg, South Africa from 10th-14th March 2025.
Students from Leseding High School taking part in a citizen science project at Lapalala Wilderness School in the Waterberg, South Africa
The aim was:
To spark an interest and passion for the natural world and conservation
To pass on knowledge relating to local and global environmental issues and demonstrate how individuals can impact the environment through lifestyle changes.
To develop team–building and leadership.
Lapalala Wilderness School provides residential courses in ecology and nature conservation
Learners developed orienteering skills, teamwork and communication skills.
They were provided with practical environmental education through various activities designed to deepen an understanding of nature and engage them in hands-on conservation efforts.
They learnt how to promote Sustainable Practices to empower other conservation champions with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions and positively impact the environment for future generations.
Learning about rhinos
Through their youth network they plan an awareness campaign to help learners understand environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, encouraging them to become more responsible and environmentally conscious.
The learners participated in a series of team-building activities aimed at improving collaboration, communication, build trust and enhance their ability to work together in group settings. Key outcomes included improved cooperation and problem-solving skills, which were applied throughout the week in all activities.
As one TWT supporter said, it’s “really encouraging to see the breadth of activities that these courses enable them to experience. They can only help in building all sorts of life skills and experiences for these youngsters.”
Lapalala Wilderness School in the Waterberg, South Africa
Nature Educational Walks
Guided nature walks allowed learners to explore the wilderness environment first hand. The walks were focused on educating learners about local flora and fauna, ecosystems, and the importance of conservation. They learned about indigenous plant species, archaeological sites, animal behaviour, and how human activities impact natural habitats.
Butterfly Traps and Citizen Science
Learners engaged in practical fieldwork by setting up butterfly traps to monitor local butterfly populations. This activity introduced them to citizen science, collecting data for environmental research. They learned about the importance of insects in maintaining ecological balance and the role of citizen science in supporting environmental research.
Game Drive
A thrilling game drive allowed learners to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. They had the opportunity to spot various species of animals and discuss wildlife conservation efforts. This experience emphasized the importance of protecting habitats to maintain biodiversity.
Debate on Environmental Issues
Learners participated in a structured debate where they discussed pressing environmental issues, such as climate change, habitat destruction, sustainable resource use, overpopulation, pangolin conservation, rhino poaching, and waste disposal. The debate promoted critical thinking and allowed learners to express their views on environmental responsibility and the need for immediate action to preserve the planet.
New experiences for local children
Obstacle Course
A physically challenging obstacle course tested learners’ physical stamina, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. It was also an opportunity for learners to push their personal boundaries and work cohesively in a group under pressure. The obstacle course emphasized perseverance and resilience, both physically and mentally, while fostering a spirit of camaraderie among students.
Key Learnings & Takeaways:
Environmental Awareness: Learners gained a deeper understanding of environmental conservation and sustainability practices. The hands-on activities, such as butterfly trapping and the game drive allowed them to connect with nature in a meaningful way. Collaboration & Teamwork: The team building exercises fostered strong relationships among the learners, enhancing their ability to collaborate effectively in both academic and extracurricular settings.
Critical Thinking: The debate on environmental issues encouraged students to think critically about challenges we face and to develop well-informed opinions on how to address them.
Physical & Mental Growth: The obstacle course and other physically demanding activities helped students push their limits and learn to overcome challenges together.
Conclusion
The week-long visit to Lapalala Wilderness School was a highly educational and impactful experience for Leseding High School’s Grade 10 learners. It not only broadened their knowledge of environmental issues but instilled a sense of responsibility towards nature. The activities provided valuable lessons in teamwork, conservation, and personal development. The learners returned with a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
This is the 6th group TWT has been able to send form Vaalwater schools. You can see photos of the last group that went on this website.
We would like to thank TWT’s kind donors for sponsoring this excursion.
In 2026 it only costs about £30 a night to send a teenage or a 5 day residential course at Lapalala Wilderness School – great value for a life changing experience.
The Waterberg Trust sponsors a school nurse in the town of Vaalwater in the Waterberg who is helping learners to fulfill their potential.
School nurse, Sister Grace, motivating pupils to grow food
Sister Grace interacts with pupils both individually and in class. “The aim is to create a good working relationship. I encourage learners to tend the school vegetable gardens, which helps the many who come to school hungry. I will continue to raise awareness on teenage pregnancy, sexual health and provide advice on contraception.”
Sister Grace distributing sanitary pads to schoolgirls so they do not miss lessons
SOME OF THE ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED BY The Waterberg Trust:
Provision of SCHOOL UNIFORMS for needy learners
PRIZE GIVING to encourage those who perform well
Provision of ECO-SANITARY PADS for all schoolgirls
4 x SCHOOL VEGETABLE GARDENS tended by pupils kindly sponsored by Environmental Impact Management Services who supply seedlings, shade netting, manure and tools
School shoes, uniforms and pens supplied for needy pupils who might otherwise miss school
If you are able to help, even in a small way, TWT has a Justigiving page which can receive donations in eight different currencies and collect UK Gift Aid.
Donated sanitary pads – 1000 x disposable pads were distributed to schoolgirls
Referred for contraceptives – 235 x depo injections every 2 months
Teenage Pregnancy – 15 (6 at Meetsetshehla Secondary School & 9 at Leseding High School)
Counseling – 180 (for HIV adherence, prevention of STIs, smoking, bullying , teenage mothers)
Social Problems – 496 (orphaned learners, dysfunctional families with alcohol abuse)
Classroom sessions – 1,200 grade 9 & 10 learners were reached with classes on health education, hygiene, types of addiction, bullying, and career guidance.
Sister Grace taking Life Studies classes
FUTURE PLANS: Sister Grace says, “Motlakamothala High School, 15km down the road to Modimolle, have asked me to visit twice a month.” Many of their 385 learners come from Vaalwater.
School Statistics for learners enrolled 2024 & 2025: Total number of learners in Vaalwater schools visited = 4,624 children
ENROLLMENT 2024
CURRENT LEARNERS 2025
Meetsetshehla Secondary School = 551 Leseding High School = 1240 Mahlasedi Primary School = 1410 Mokolo Primary School = 1240
Meetsetshehla Secondary School = 596 Leseding High School = 1393 Mahlasedi Primary School = 1406 Mokolo Primary School = 1229
ACHIEVEMENTS: Schools continued well without interruptions
More teachers have been hired to fill vacant posts
Grade 9 & 10 learners at Leseding High School received learning tablets loaded with data
Teachers dedicated time for extra classes during the week and on weekends to empower learners with more knowledge and enable them to catch up
Girls receive free sanitary pads to ensure they do not miss classes
Reduced numbers of teenage pregnancies due to better access to contraception
Matric results for 2024 were 28% better than in 2023. Many learners obtained good results and have been offered places in further education: Leseding High School: 91% Matric pass rate, Meetsetshehla High School: 86.1% pass rate, Mohtlakamotala High School: 90.5% Matric pass rate
Prizes and certificates to encourage high achievement
The Waterberg Trust is sponsoring outstanding students through further education. If you are able to help, email us: twt@thetrustpartnership.com
The Waterberg Trust, The Trust Partnership, 6 Trull Farm Buildings, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8SQ United Kingdom
The Waterberg Trust supports the amazing ‘Acts of Mercy’ project run by the Church of St John the Baptist at 24 Rivers that is active in Vaalwater and the township of Leseding in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. One goal is to provide immediate relief from hunger by distributing food parcels. Over 200 people benefited from these in 2024.
Many thanks go to local farmers who donated fruit and vegetables and to overseas donors. The Waterberg Trust has a Justgiving page that can channel funds in eight different currencies.
In addition to this:
250 PEOPLE RECEIVED DONATED CLOTHES
Items of school uniform distributed carefully
350 TEENAGE GIRLS RECEIVED FREE SANITARY PADS
School Nurse Sister Grace distributing sanitary pads in Vaalwater so that girls do not miss school
MANY BENEFITED FROM A 15-WEEK ADDICTION RECOVERY TRAINING COURSE
The brilliant addiction counsellor Chris West-Russell speaking to school children in the Waterberg
Beneficiaries are selected by school nurse Sister Grace who conducts regular home visits.
School nurse Sister Grace helping to alleviate poverty
Those supported include:
ORPHANS and teenage mothers
THE UNEMPLOYED
CHRONICALLY ILL PATIENTS
FOREIGN NATIONALS WITHOUT INCOME
THOSE NOT RECEIVING SOCIAL GRANTS
and NEEDY PEOPLE REFERRED BY THE POLICE such as victims of violence or fire.
A child needing a pair of school shoes
Sister Grace writes, “ACTS OF MERCY HAS MADE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE LESEDING COMMUNITY, CHANGING LIVES FOR THE BETTER. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THE SPONSORS AND STAKEHOLDERS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT. I WILL CONTINUE TO SEEK OUT AND ASSIST THOSE IN NEED.”
Some of the school items purchased and distributed in 2024
Help us to keep this small but effective project going
This was the final quarter of the year in South Africa and it was time for exams for grades 8 – 12 at secondary schools and grades 1 -7 at primary schools. Matric learners were assisted with extra classes and different educational camps or chosen lodges away from home to prepare them and provide a conducive environment to study.
Girls are missing school less, which is encouraging:
Every female learner receives free sanitary towels donated to schools or provided by the Department of Education
Low numbers of teenage pregnancies were noticed this quarter
Increased numbers of girls are accessing contraceptives and abstinence is encouraged
Sister Grace says, “I was privileged to be part of the ceremony.” As a guest speaker she was able to motivate students and to encourage parents to support their children’s schoolwork.
Farewell parties were held for the matric learners. Mokolo and Mahlasedi grade 7 primary school learners had a farewell too as they will be going to High School next year.
SOME OF THE MATRIC STUDENTS DURING THEIR FAREWELL CEREMONY
PROGRESS:
Teachers were trained how best they can assist and prepare learners before their final exams and in various ways of invigilation. Exams were written without any disruptions. Pupils were guided and supported on how to apply for University and other higher learning institutions according to their career preference.
Dedicated teachers who are passionate about their work put in extra hours to ensure learners are well prepared and engaged in various topics
Enrichment educational programs gave learners opportunities to explore activities and subjects that increase their knowledge and skills
Stakeholders are involved are involved in providing extra lessons in science, physics and mathematics along with career guidance, reading and a spelling bee at the Waterberg Innovation Center.
EVERY MOMENT CAPTURED WITH LEARNERS IS FILLED WITH LOVE AND LAUGHTER
LEARNERS RECEIVED AWARDS, GAVE SPEECHES AND PERFORMED DANCES AT END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONS
CHALLENGES:
Some teenage girls below the age of 15 years are sexually active and involved in relationships.
Poor family support. (Some well performing learners have alcoholic parents who don’t care about the future of their children.)
Shortage of teachers due to relocation puts others under pressure as they have to teach multiple subjects to different classes.
Too many learners per teacher, which makes it difficult to ensure they understand topics.
Fatigue in senior classes due to workload, extra classes and the stress of large classes.
Schools risk vandalism from thieves during school holidays.
Schools built on privately owned land risk evacuation from property owners.
School nurse Sister Grace at the Waterberg Innovation Centre
FUTURE PLANS:
Sister Grace says, “I will continue to support learners, counseling and educating them on ways of living a healthy life, while stressing the importance of abstinence and access to contraceptives. I will liaise with the Social Development, the Victim Support unit based at the local police station, and the local Government Clinic to ensure smooth collaboration and understanding.”
Schools closed on 11th December 2024 and reopen in January 2025
Thanks to encouragement from the Big Give initiative, supporters of The Waterberg Trust have been able to raise £5,360 this week exceeding expectations by 134%.
The target sum of £4,000 will be matched, so a total of £9,360 will be sent to support projects in the Waterberg of South Africa that enable girls to make the most of opportunities at school. Many were missing classes – sometimes one week a month – as they would not afford sanitary protection, others fall pregnant while at school and fall behind.
School nurse Sister Grace distributing packs of Dignity Dreams eco-sanitary pads ensure girls at secondary schools of the Waterberg do not miss lessons.
The money exceeding the target amount can’t be matched by the Big Give this year but they collect any gift aid for us making gifts from the UK tax efficient. The level reached will enable The Waterberg Trust to apply for an increased target next year, which is wonderful.
On top of this, a raffle held at Franklin’s Farm Shop in Bedfordshire raised another £300, and with additional gifts this brought in an amazing total.
Thanks go to our kind donors, the Big Give, to David Butters, all those who gave up their time to make this possible. The funds will go a long way in South Africa where they are carefully spent and accounted for.
It is not too late to raise funds for The Waterberg Trust! Different ways of making a donation can be found on this website site here.
Support Sister Grace helping girls stay at schools in the Waterberg
Great News! TWT have been selected for the ‘Big Give’ Christmas Challenge. Any funds raised from 3rd to 10th December will be doubled! We are hoping to hit the £1,000 target in this critical week, which will then be doubled to £2,000.
To help raise the first £1,000 we have organised a fun a fun 12 mile Waterberg Winter Walk in North Norfolk on Saturday 7th December, with the option of continuing on Sunday 8th December.
The circular route begins in Langham and embraces the magnificently wild coastal marshland from Stiffkey to Cley, and the back inland to the start. Along the way we will enjoy the spectacular views of sea and marsh, good conversation and lungfuls of fresh salt air. There will be a break for coffee at Blakeney, a picnic lunch at Cley and then back for tea & cake at Langham, about 4 hours 30 minutes of easy walking, rain or shine.
Some people will stop at Blakney and others after lunch at Cley. You can walk for as long as you like.
It’s not too late to join in the fun, just let us know if you’d like to come by leaving a comment below.
In the evening you might like to join us for a delightful Christmas Concert by Candlelight in Standhoe Church. On Sunday morning all are welcome to join a different, shorter inland walk overlooking the coast.
Please come and enjoy the walk with us, supporting TWT in this wonderful way. If you cannot, please tie a knot in your handkerchief to remind you to make a donation of £50 or more via the Big Give Websiteduring this critical week 3rd-10th December .
The Waterberg Trust is a small charity doing a big job in the Waterberg, South Africa. Thank you for your support.
Sister Grace taking donations to members of the Waterberg community
Sister Grace writes from South Africa to say she that she continues to distribute food parcels purchased by The Waterberg Trust to those in need. She also distributes clothes and sanitary pads donated to the local Acts of Mercy project. “Some families are facing hard times due to increased prices of food and having extended families to support.”
Beneficiaries are identified and assessed according to their needs and challenges. The food parcels currently benefit 31 individuals in 8 family groups. One mother’s dwelling burnt down recently. Others continue to receive monthly food parcels due to unresolved social circumstances. Items are bought from different supermarkets to obtain the best prices.
OPPORTUNITIES:
Girls continue to receive free sanitary pads and clothes on a regular basis
The Social Relief Grant continues to benefit many including unemployed youth
Job creation schemes benefit locals within town, surrounding farms and lodges
Churches are taking part in helping the needy with food parcels
School children continue to be provided with daily meals via the feeding schemes
CHALLENGES:
Poverty due to unemployment and a low source of income
Increased prices for essentials
Huge families
Dysfunctional families
Multiple family responsibilities
CLOTHES AND SHOES DONATED TO CHILDREN OF THE WATERBERG IN SOUTH AFRICA
For the last ten years, The Waterberg Welfare Society Trust has been operating under its new and broader remit as The Waterberg Trust (TWT) supporting welfare initiatives across the Waterberg, uplifting the people.
Quarterly reports from Sister Grace and Dr Peter Farrant detail the social welfare of the less privileged of The Waterberg. They give a measure of what TWT is seeking to address and are increasingly alarming. Major concerns include increasing substance abuse, vagrancy, absenteeism from school and general poor behaviour.
School nurse Sister Grace sponsored by The Waterberg Trust
The academic performance of the local schools is deteriorating because they are underfunded and teacher vacancies are often either poorly filled or remain unfilled. However, there are encouraging factors with some teachers providing extra classes to help children catch up and prepare for their exams, along with some supporting after-school activities with sport being increasingly encouraged.
School sports for girls of the Waterberg in South Africa
TWT initiatives include conserving the environment and helping the poorest and all the young people of the Waterberg to achieve their potential by encouraging them to stay in education. This involves basic and simple initiatives.
School nurse Sister Grace equipping the new intake of schoolgirls with washable pads.
By providing re-useable washable sanitary wear from the nonprofit Dignity Dreams, TWT has again met its priority this year by enabling all the adolescent girls of the Waterberg to attend school for all of every month for the five years of their secondary education. As a result, fewer girls drop out of education because they no longer fall behind through missing school.
Sister Grace distributing packs of Dignity Dreams eco-sanitary pads in secondary schools of the Waterberg
TWT raises funds to pay the school nurse’s salary. Sister Grace provides primary care for the medical, mental and general welfare needs of the school children of the Waterberg. She manages the distribution of the Dignity Dreams packs and instructing the girls in how to use them, when she explains accompanying leaflet on puberty and sex education.
A letter from a schoolgirl thanking donors for her washable eco-sanitary pads
Through dedicated Life Skills teaching sessions, Sister Grace instructs the pupils in human reproduction and sex education with the use and availability of contraception methods.
A drama about the risks of teenage pregnancy performed by Waterberg pupils
As a direct consequence, the numbers of teenage pregnancies have reduced consistently each year. Sister Grace supports any teenage mums with baby care instruction, guidance and provides essentials when they are not available.
Monitoring a baby born to a teenage schoolgirl
In South Africa, you cannot attend school if you do not have a uniform, which is something that the poorest families in the community struggle to afford. TWT helps to provide school uniforms and shoes so that every child in the Waterberg can go to school.
Providing hard-wearing school shoes in the Waterberg
Sister Grace champions important initiatives such as four school vegetable gardens that the children cultivate. She helps the children to remain motivated and to choose subjects that will support their career choices.
Ideas for careers open to pupils of the Waterberg
She also supports the health of the weakest in the community, distributing monthly food parcels to about seven needy households with volunteers from the “Acts of Mercy” initiative of the local St John’s Church.
TWT provides scholarships for exceptional pupils to further education and not be held back by the poverty of their family circumstances. For example, Elton Chitandra is a deserving and able student from the Waterberg who is an orphan living with his aunt. TWT awarded Elton a scholarship for his university tuition fees for three years. He is now in the third year of his Computer Software degree at university.
Elton with some of his school certificates
Importantly, TWT also contributes to wildlife conservation in the Waterberg by funding vehicle recognition cameras at strategic road junctions. As a consequence, the Waterberg has lost very few rhinos to poachers in the last few years, which sadly contrasts to other areas of South Arica.
This year, TWT has made another large donation to the Save the Waterberg Rhino initiative that has changed its name to the Waterberg Landscape Alliance (WLA). The name change was made to reflect a broader conservation remit.
TWT sends school children on residential course at the Lapalala Wilderness School to learn about their precious environment and the diversity of species. Educating the young in the importance of conserving the habitat results in parents becoming more aware.
Local students on a course at Lapalala Wilderness School
While there is still work to be done in enhancing the conspicuity of the Trust in the Waterberg, it has been the lead supporter of some important projects to do with health, welfare, education and the environment.
TTP have continued to provide massive support both administratively and in consultation, which is much appreciated.
The Acts of Mercy project in the Waterberg in the Limpopo Province of South Africa helps those with social problems by providing essentials such as food, bedding, clothes and sanitary pads.
Sister Grace reports that this is making a huge impact. “The charity continues to provide monthly food parcels to those who have no employment nor source of income.”
Food parcels provided in August 202
At present the project supports 25 individuals within 7 families and is there for those in desperate need. This month she found a room for a homeless man, providing him with furniture and bedding.
School nurse Sister Grace working in the schools of the Waterberg
Families are referred to Sister Grace for assessment. She compiles information on of their home situation i.e. how many people per household, any source of income and how many individuals are receiving social grants .
SCHOOLGIRLS PROVIDED WITH SANITARY PADS AND SHOES
PROGRESS:
Children going to school benefit from the feeding scheme, which is supplied with green vegetables from school vegetable gardens set up by The Waterberg Trust with annual donations of equipment from EIS.
Donated clothes, shoes and sanitary pads are gratefully received by many girls
Some beneficiaries have temporary job opportunities
Some earn income by collecting recycyling
Social Relief Grants continue to benefit many
CHALLENGES:
Child allowances can be used for gambling and alcohol
Youth struggle with addiction to nyaope and weed. This results in neighborhood theft as they strive to satisfy their cravings
Huge families struggle to make their food budget last till end of the month
Foreign nationals live in fear of losing their jobs or businesses due to threats from the locals
Gender based violence and sexual abuse fueled by alcohol & substance abuse can lead to physical injury
Growing vegetables at four Waterberg schools for the school feeding scheme.
If you could help by making a donation, we have details on this website’s How to Donate page.
Even small amounts of money go a long way.
Very many thanks go to those who knitted such colourful baby clothes!
The Waterberg Trust 