Category Archives: Charity fundraising event

The Big Give Christmas Challenge will double any donation made to The Waterberg Trust until 9th December

December 2, 2025Africa, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Education, Limpopo Province, Nature Conservation, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Big Give, biodiversity, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Christmas challenge, conservation, ecology, Lapalala Wilderness, Lapalala Wilderness School, Limpopo Province, nature, South Africa, The Big give ChristmasChallenge helping children of the Waterberg, The Big Give ChristmasChallenge2025, WaterbergSophie Neville

Our aim is to send teenage school children from the Waterberg in South African on a course in wildlife conservation at Lapalala Wilderness School to broaden their horizons, present them with career opportunities and raise awareness about the vital importance of the Unesco Biosphere Reserve where they live.

Would you be able to help?

A donation made through the Big Give will be doubled until 9th December 2025. Even small donations are a great encouragement and will make a big difference.

We have reached our challenge target but this remains a great way to donate and means we will be able to apply for a higher amount of matched funding next year.

Situation:

The Waterberg plateau in Limpopo province, South Africa is an unspoilt wilderness of great and valuable biodiversity. It has been awarded UN World Biosphere status.

Within this area are several impoverished communities. The Waterberg Trust works to uplift school children, providing healthcare and environmental training, in order to improve the life chances of individuals and thereby protect the environment.

Lapalala Wilderness School in the Waterberg, South Africa

Solution:

By providing a 5-day residential environmental training course for a classroom of teenagers, individuals will gain an understanding of their biosphere and its value to them, their communities and the world ecosystem. Follow-ups are conducted by the trainers back in the school classroom to maintain interest and deepen learning. This is often the first exposure these young people get to understanding wildlife. Some go on to have careers in nature conservation or work in hotel and catering management on game reserves in the area.

The Waterberg Trust has sent a number of groups to Lapalala Wilderness School in the past. As you can see from the photos above, this has always been a great success.

Lapalala Wilderness School is a long-established NGO or charity in it’s own right that has been changing the lives of young people in South Africa for 34 years.

You will find The Waterberg Welfare Society page here on the Big Give website under Waterberg Welfare Society Trust

Help us to make another course happen! All donations received via Big Give will be doubled until their deadline on 9th December.

Their match funding partners, or“Champions”, make everything possible. It’s a simple idea. When the public donates to one of their campaigns, they ask their Champions to match donations to help make an even bigger difference, as explained here and in the video below.

Many thanks to all our donors! We are deeply grateful.

Would you be able to help the uplift children of the Waterberg in South Africa?

December 1, 2025Africa, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Community projects, Education, Ending period poverty, Healthcare, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Home Based Care, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, School vegetable gardens, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, BigGiveChoice, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Education, Limpopo Province, South Africa, The Big give ChristmasChallenge helping children of the Waterberg, The Big Give ChristmasChallenge2025, uplifting-school-children-and-teenage-mothers-in-the-waterbergsouth, WaterbergSophie Neville

Big Give will double any funds The Waterberg Trust can raise between 2nd and 8th December 2025. Donations can be made via their site online.

Our aim is to provide a school class (53 children) with an in-depth, 5 day residential environmental/conservation course at Lapalala Wilderness School. This will have far-reaching benefits for both the children learning about the value of their environment and long-term conservation protection in the Waterberg which is a Unesco World Biosphere Reserve where they live.

Local students on a course at Lapalala Wilderness School

The children of the Waterberg so need help in broadening their horizons. School Nurse, Sister Grace says, “Over the last few months, 100 school children had issues that needed private intervention, with a home visit and family involvement.” She has listed current challenges:

Learners living with step-parents can face psychological and emotional trauma.
Sexual abuse of girls. Families choose to keep silent if the offender is a family member.
Trauma after being raped or sexually abused.
Gender based violence leading to physical injuries.
Suicidal ideation due to bullying by ‘friends’ via social media platforms.
Lack of concentration in class and failing to cope after the loss of parents or loved ones.
Unsuitable home environment for studying due to noise or dysfunctional families.
Poverty affects many children especially on weekends and holidays.
Guardians misuse the social grant meant for child upkeep.
Learners drop out of school due to substance abuse, addiction or failure to cope in class.
Lack of family caregivers at home to look after the babies of teenage moms when they return to school.

Equiping pupils who have no parents with school shoes

Sister Grace explained that, after home visits and the family meetings, “I managed to refer 20 learners to different stakeholders i.e. Victim Support Unit, SASSA, along with Social Development and Department of Home Affairs for ID and birth certificate application.”

Sister Grace helping schoolgirls in South Africa

She travels from one school to another on different days of the week. “I focus on addressing complaints and issues which were raised from the beginning of the year from learners who prefer to treat personal challenges individually in the presence of their chosen trusted guardian, parent or sibling.”

Ending period poverty – Schoolgirls in the Waterberg receiving packs of washable eco-sanitary pads

This year, schools reopened on the 13^th October, which is the 4^th term and busy time of the year when students prepare for final exams and Matric learners attend extra classes both during the week and on weekends. Dedicated educators are working hard to ensure they support the Matric learners especailly if they have fallen behind.

Six babies were born to teenage mothers who have returned to school. Some use formula while others are express-cup feeding. Hygiene measures to prevent infection are properly explained.

The Waterberg Trust is helping babies born to schoolgirls in South Africa — School nurse Sister Grace ensuring babies born to teenage mothers get a good start in life

Good News:

The Department of Education continues to supply disposable sanitary pads for schoolgirls.

The Waterberg Trust helping school children in the Waterberg, South Africa

Dignity Dreams supply re-usable packs of eco-sanitary pads

BEAUTIFUL VEGETABLE GARDENS ENSURE LEARNERS HAVE EXTRA NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS ARE SPONSORED BY THE EIMS FOUNDATION WHO ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LUNCHBOX MEALS AT ALL THE SCHOOL’S FEEDING SCHEMES, WHICH IS A HUGE BENEFIT TO LEANERS

Businesses in the Waterberg have been making generous donations

A BIG THANK YOU GOES OUT TO SUSKES, in VAALWATER for DONATING 220 SCHOOL UNIFORMS for MAHLASEDI PRIMARY SCHOOL

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

Matric learners attended educational camps
Enrichment classes continue during the school holidays
Sporting activities and competitions for both primary and high schools
Matric farewell functions

You can find out more about the Big Give and how they double the difference:

The Big Give is match-funding donations to The Waterberg Trust

November 25, 2024Charity fundraising event, Community projects, Education, Ending period poverty, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, WaterbergAfrica, Charity fundraising event, Limpopo Province, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

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 Website during 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.

Buy a child a pair of school shoes

Big Give have a pledge form we can share with donors: https://community.biggive.org/s/pledge?campaignId=a056900002TPX9BAAX

Photos of The Waterberg Trust Cycle Challenge 2024

May 23, 2024Charity fundraising event, Ending period poverty, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, UncategorizedCharity fundraising event, cycling safari, Raising funds for health and welfare projects in South Africa, Raising funds for helth and education projects in the Waterberg, Raising funds to small but effective health and welfare projects in the WaterbergSouth Africa, South Africa, sponsored bije ride through Cambridgeshire and BedfordshireSophie Neville

The Waterberg Trust Cycle Ride set off from Cambridge on Saturday 11th May

“It was a great success and made even more pleasurable by the gorgeous weather.”

“…England was showing off its rural best with spectacular views from the top of the beginning of the Chiltern hills to the picturesque village greens and cricket squares, particularly after lunch when we peddled through Old Warden and Ickwell Green and passed Shiplake College.”

‘Another brilliant TWT bike ride. So well planned and organised; everyone had such a good time. Hopefully we’ll have managed to raise lots of funds too.’ Jane Whitbread

The Waterberg Trust charity cycle ride 2024 — Riders were provided with refreshments enroute

TWT Cycle Challenge Ride 2024 — The riders were treated to a fabulous lunch at Southill Park

‘A wonderful day all round!’ Elaine Franklin

All levels of cyclists took part in The Waterberg Trust charity cycle ride 2024

“A very big well done to all and thank you for everyone’s help.” Barry Burles, Chairman TWT

To see the itinerary and map, please find an earlier post on this website here

Refreshments for riders were served enroute

Please think of joining The Waterberg Trust for another cycle ride in May 2025

Any donation you can make to The Waterberg Trust is carefully spent, greatly appreciated and a huge encouragement to our volunteers and supporters.

For anyone who hasn’t quite got around to making their donation yet, it’s easiest on the JustGiving site where +25% GiftAid is easy to add:

https://www.justgiving.com/waterbergtrust/donate

Alternative ways to send funds and examples of how money is used can be found on our Donate page.

Thank you!

Thanks to all who supported The Waterberg Trust Cycle Challenge 2024

May 13, 2024Charity fundraising event, Community projects, Nonprofit, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorizedbicycle, bike, bikes, biking, charity cycle ride, Charity fundraising, charity fundraising bike ride, Charity fundraising event, Cycle challenge Cambridgeshire Hertfordshire Befdfordshire, cycling, Long distance riding, Travel, Waterberg Charity RideSophie Neville

A massive thank you to all who have donated to The Waterberg Trust so generously this year. It really is most appreciated. The Waterberg a small part of Africa where we really can make a big difference.

For anyone who hasn’t quite got around to making their donation yet, it’s easiest on the JustGiving site where +25% GiftAid is easy to add:

https://www.justgiving.com/waterbergtrust/donate

It was a beautiful May morning when around 60 riders gathered in Fen Ditton to take part in this year’s amazing 80-mile TWT charity cycle ride around Cambs, Herts and Beds. Riders made a sterling effort to overcome the dreaded Rail Replacement Bus service by staying locally or joining us from Royston.

After greetings and reunions of TWT ride old-timers over coffee and pastries, the cyclists set of in their groups heading south along the cycle ways of Cambridge, past Addenbrokes’ biomedical campus and out through the Shelfords in the cool of the early morning. Turning west at Duxford, we wound our way up the hills (yes there are some!) of South Cambridgeshire, past Chrishall and Chishill.

Barry acting as sweeper, collecting TWT ride signs, lost his group who had taken a scenic detour via Newton and Thriplow. But all was well as teams arrived for the now world-renown Franklin’s hand-made scotch eggs and flapjacks, heartily consumed with much needed drinks at Reed village hall.

From here we crossed the rolling North Hertfordshire countryside, with spectacular views dotted with chromium yellow rape fields, before heading north where all made it safely back over the A505 to Ashwell. Here we overlapped with a seemingly never ending stream of classic MG cars on a rally as we wound our way through the more pastoral Bedfordshire with a notable uptick in village greens hosting cricket matches, an idyllic English summer’s day!

And indeed the temperature was rising fast, it was baking by the time we made it to our amazing lunch stop and the welcoming hospitality of the Whitbread’s at Southill Park and much needed drinks and sustenance.

Boerewors in rolls with sautéed onions and Mrs Balls chutney gave a very Waterberg, South African touch to a delicious lunch with quiches, salads and lemon drizzle cake from Elaine Franklin.

Such was the enthusiasm of the riders that all but about a dozen decided to continue on the full 80-mile course. We had such an incredible range of cyclist from first comers, who had never cycled more than a couple of miles, to those using the day as a training for upcoming 300km rides. The way home was shorter but somehow didn’t feel it and a rest and tea & cake was enjoyed by many at Wimpole Hall NT cafe.

Coming back in to Cambridge along Grantchester meadows was somewhat tricky for us as half of Cambridge had decided that it was a beautiful warm sunny evening for a stroll! Many of the faster cyclists decided this would be a good time to stop for a beer, and bit by bit everyone made it back home, most to Fen Ditton where, after hot showers and cold beers, vast quantities of rice and chilli-con-carne and bean chilli were consumed to restore tired bodies: a perfect end to a very enjoyable day. Thanks also to Charles and John for great support. Thankfully, and surprisingly for so many riders, they were never called on!

For all those that sadly couldn’t make it this year, there’s always 2025!

Please do save the date: 10th May 2025, the Saturday after the May Day Bank Holiday.

All funds raised go direct to The Waterberg Trust who detail various ways you can make a donation on their website here.

TWT Cambs-Herts-Beds Cycle Ride 2024

April 13, 2024Charity fundraising event, Ending period poverty, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, The Waterberg Trust, Trustees, Uncategorized, Waterberg, Youthbicycle, bike, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Cycle challenge Cambridgeshire Hertfordshire Befdfordshire, cycling, Fundraising, Long distance riding, sponsored cycle ride through Cambridgeshire, Sponsored ride, What to do in Cambridge May 2024Sophie Neville

Dear Friends, TWT supporters and fellow cyclists,

We are back and cycling again for The Waterberg Trust on Saturday 11^th May 2024. TWT continues its great work helping the people of the Waterberg, enabling all children to attend school regularly and to learn about their environment, the plants and animals, helping to improve their life opportunities and conserve their amazing ecosystem.

For this year’s ride we’ve decided again to stay local to Cambridge and offer something for everybody. The planned route takes the cycle-paths and by-ways of Cambs, Herts and Beds with an 80-mile, all tarmac, circular loop from Fen Ditton to Southill Park and back. Or a 45-mile option to end at Southill for lunch. All bike types are encouraged: electric, town, hybrid or road bike, whatever you have. We expect to be about fifty riders.

We all meet 8am at the Orme’s Fen Ditton, very close to Cambridge North for those coming by train.

After greetings with tea/coffee/croissant/pumps we head south down the cycleways though Cambridge, the Shelfords and up to the rolling hills, villages and back lanes of North Herts for our mid-morning stop. Refreshed we head west and descend to Ashwell before reaching Southill Park for some Whitbread family hospitality for lunch at their beautiful home. This is where the 45-mile route ends, 4 miles from Biggleswade station.

For the keener cyclist, we head North, skirt Sandy through Gamlingay and west for a tea stop at Wimpole Hall. From there we rejoin last year’s route at Barrington and via Grantchester take the cycle lanes of historic Cambridge along the river Cam to finish back in Fen Ditton for the riders and supporters after party chez Orme.

Please let us know if you’d like to join in, commit to the date and start training. And why not persuade your family and friends to come too, or organize a team? We’re hoping to better 2023’s amazing fund-raising total of over £10,000, so the more the merrier. Everyone should raise or donate at least £100 (£50 for the young). For those on the 45-mile trip we can help with returning you and your bike back to Fen Ditton.

barrington.burles@gmail.com williamorme@btinternet.com andrew.tusa@btinternet.com

TWT North Norfolk Cycle Ride 2022 — TWT’s Fundraising Cycle Ride, 2022

TWT Cambs-Beds Cycle Ride on Saturday 13th May 2023

February 20, 2023Charity fundraising eventCharity fundraising event, Fundraising for the Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride, Long-distance cycle ride through Cambridge and Bedfordshire, Sponsored ride, WaterbergSophie Neville

TWT supporters are taking part in a sponsored cycle ride through Bedfordshire and around Cambridge on Saturday 13^th May 2023

The route is fantastic, designed for every level of rider and the refreshments will be good. Let us know in the comments below if you can join us another time.

The Waterberg Trust needs funds to continue employing a school nurse. Sister Grace enables children of the Waterberg to attend school regularly, helping to improve their life opportunities. She runs an Environmental Club and manages a number of small but effective projects from four school vegetable gardens and a recycling project to the distribution of food parcels for the needy. You can see recent photos here.

TWT chairman Barry Burles is raising funds on Justgiving here

TWT trustee William Orme has an Orme Family Justgiving page for the cycle ride here

Sister Grace donating packs of eco-sanitary pads in schools fo the Waterberg

This year’s fundraising cycle ride offers something for everybody. The carefully planned route takes in the cycle-paths of Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire with an 80-mile circular loop from Fen Ditton to Southill Park and back.

There is a 47-mile option that ends at lunchtime.

All bike types are encouraged: town, hybrid, road bike or electric – whatever you have.

We meet 8.30am at the Orme family’s house Fen Ditton – close to Cambridge North Station for those coming by train. We head down the cycleway via Hemingford Grey to St Ives, enjoying our first party-stop.

Refreshed, head south to Sir John Soane’s Moggerhanger Hall before reaching Southill Park for some Whitbread family hospitality and lunch at their beautiful home. This is where the 45-mile route ends, 4 miles from Biggleswade station.

Keener cyclists will head east, taking back lanes through the villages of South Cambridgeshire, pedalling via Grantchester, through the cycle lanes of historic Cambridge and along the River Cam, to finish back in Fen Ditton for a riders’ & supporters’ after party chez Orme. 🥂🎈🥳

Please let us know via the comments box below if you’d like to commit to a date and start training for 2024. Why not persuade your family and friends to come too, or organize a team?

We’re hoping to double TWT’s amazing fund-raising total of over £9,000 raised in 2022. Everyone should plan to raise or donate at least £100. For those on the 45-mile trip we can help with returning you and your bike back to Fen Ditton.

TWT has a Justgiving page for donations here and can accept cheques – details here

TWT Chairman Barry Burles has a Justgiving page dedicated to the ride here

Highlights of 2022

January 20, 2023Africa, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Community projects, Education, Ending period poverty, Healthcare, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Peer Education, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Trustees, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, Charity activity and achievements in Africa in 2022, Limpopo Province, looking back on 2022, South Africa, Sponsored ride, The Waterberg in 2022, Waterberg, What we did in 2022Sophie Neville

As the year 2022 began, our school nurse, sister Grace was still busy checking pupils for Covid-19 every morning and face-masks were compulsory.

She continues to lead a busy life attending to first aid and a range of medical problems.

Talks on health form part of the life studies curriculum, covering sex education, HIV prevention and awareness, hygiene and food choices.

The Pretoria based charity Dignity Dreams have produced the book My Body #Noshame to be used with the distribution of washable eco-sanitary pads donated to every secondary school girl so they do not need to miss lessons.

Sister Grace has been able to help teens who have fallen pregnant, providing advice and resources.

She involved volunteers in local recycling projects.

Members of the environment club have also been maintaining the school vegetable gardens.

A range of nutritious greens were grown, providing food for the school feeding scheme and hotel and catering lessons. There were watered over the school holidays by community workers.

Outside of school, Sister Grace helped volunteers prepare and distribute food parcels for needy families.

Food parcels for the needy in rural South Africa

The Knitting Club in Vaalwater made some beautiful jerseys, hats and blankets.

The kind donation of a hand-knitted jersey

These were much appreciated over the South African winter when nights are cold.

Hats provided by the Vaalwater Knitting Club

Sister Grace working in Leseding Township

Other clothes were provided for those in need.

Trustees and supporters of The Waterberg Trust in the UK have been busy raising funds to finance these grass-roots projects that help and inspire so many. If you would like to take part or make a donation, please click here for our address and more information.

The Waterberg Trust challenge ride 2022

May 18, 2022Charity, Charity fundraising event, Nonprofit, The Waterberg Trust, Trustees, UncategorizedCharity fundraising event, in aid of the Waterberg Trust in South Africa, sponsored bike ride through north norfolkSophie Neville

The North Norfolk bike ride 2022 held on Saturday 7th May 2022

THE 77 MILE ROUTE ACROSS NORTH NORFOLK IN THE UK

Grey skies and Great Northern’s cancellation of trains from Cambridge to Kings Lynn was not the most auspicious of starts for the TWT 2022 North Norfolk fundraising cycle ride.

But Barry, plus trailer, and several cars with racks, meant we were in good time for a scrumptious welcome at Kings Lynn with the famous Franklin’s homemade scotch eggs, croissants, hot tea and coffee.

After much munching, chatting and two puncture repairs, the assembled throng of 30 cyclists, in three variable speed teams, were ready for the off.

Following Route 1, we wound our way north up the cycle paths of Lynn til breaking open countryside at the charming village of Castle Riding.

Passing spectacular views of spires and coastal meadows, we entered the Sandringham estate. Only Barry and part of the ‘C Team’ found time to scale the walls for a cheeky view of the Queen’s garden.

The sun shone, legs were fresh and the slight northerly breeze didn’t dampen anyone’s high spirits as they headed north up and down country lanes to our first pit stop at Ringstead Down. Tea and Dutch currant buns, flapjacks and bananas recharged riders young and old as they met up. Much refreshed, the faster A and B teams headed East as the Barry and the back markers arrived.

Taking the narrow inland road that runs parallel to the main coastal road, we passed just a single tractor, before rounding Burnham Market and reaching The Lord Nelson at Burnham Thorpe for the second pitstop. Some were keen to push on for lunch while others took the opportunity to sample some Norfolk ale.

The Chairman of TWT corrupting volunteer fundraisers

The route took us through the Holkham estate with its long drives, obelisks and landscaped parkland.

From Wells, much to the consternation of the purist road cyclists, route 1 cut cross country up to Wighton. A puncture or two later we emerged to witness the results of the impressive Wighton scarecrow competition.

The church at Wighton – spot the gruffalo scarecrow

From there, a mere two hops via the Piper-esque ruins of Binham Priory to Langham and lunch hosted by Sarah Burles.

After much needed refuelling and regaling, cyclists chose their afternoon: relax at Langham, back to Kings Lynn by car, or cycle or onward to Cromer.

It was a hardy dozen that braved a chilly Norfolk fret that blew in over the coastal hills across Felbrigg Hall.

Sadly not the seaside ice-creams by the pier we’d envisaged but cups of hot tea, biscuits and cake from the back of the Whitbreads’ support vehicle.

The route back cross country proved a navigational challenge for Tusa’s A-Team, but included the rhododendron rides of Sheringham Park and steam engines along the North Norfolk railway.

It was just after 7pm that the last riders made it back to Barry and Sarah’s where the after party was well under way with bottles of Italian wines and cauldrons of chilli-con/senza-carne.

Almost £8,000 was raised by the gallant riders for The Waterberg Trust

If you would like to sponsor them, TWT have a Justgiving page here.

If you are able to provide matched funding, please contact TWT here

You can see photos of the projects in the Waterberg that will be supported here

TWT TRUSTEES TAKING PART IN A FUNDRAISING CYCLE RIDE IN MAY 2022

A massive thank you to all the support crews and meal providers. Can’t wait until next year: Saturday 6th May 2023. See you there!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE PART IN THE WATERBERG TRUST NORTH NORFOLK BIKE RIDE NEXT YEAR, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW

“Thanks, Barry and William for such a great ride yesterday, and to Sarah and Jane and all others for wonderful support and hospitality.” Andrew Tusa

“Loved every bit of it. Great day. Great route, superb organisation, fantastic rescue team, amazing scotch eggs, wonderful people, inspiring cause. Thank you all at Waterberg Trust. Have booked out every weekend in May for next year.” Nick Froi

Very many thanks to you Barry for pushing this hard and getting us all involved and for raising a very decent sum for such a good cause. Loved being part of it this year and look forward to next! Thank you to everyone else for making it such an enjoyable day – from have the reassurance of back up to the delicious spread at the end of it. Ivor

“‘C Group’ knew its place in the pecking order, free of aspiration or status we had immense fun!“ James Bradley

Pint outside the Lord Nelson at Burnham Thorpe

“Thank you everyone for a great day out and hope we raised lots for The Waterberg Trust :)“ Benjamin Aluwihare

Update on care for the needy in the Waterberg, South Africa

January 21, 2022Africa, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Community projects, Education, Healthcare, HIV, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Home Based Care, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, Palliative Care, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Trustees, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Limpopo Province, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

Sister Grace monitoring the development of a baby

The Board of The Waterberg Trust met this week to review projects being supported in the Waterberg region of South Africa.

One of the Trustees, who had just returned from a visit, was able to report that Sister Grace has been busy looking after people’s health and welfare in schools and the wider community. One of her objectives is to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies, which take girls out of school and entrench poverty.

The Knitting Club have been busy producing the most beautiful blankets, hats and shawls, providing comfort for the very young and very old in the Waterberg. Sister Grace distributes these while making home visits when she can check that patients are taking their medication and have enough to eat.

Thanks to our supporters’ kind donations, The Waterberg Trust continues to work in partnership with St John’s Church ‘Acts of Mercy’ initiative to help those in need through the pandemic.

Sister Grace distributing hand-knitted blankets

Volunteers help purchase and pack food parcels for about fifty individuals within family groups.

Food parcels donated to the needy in the Waterberg

These are collected from outside the local super market by friends or relatives of the needy. Local farmers donate food.

Food for the school nutrition project is being supplemented with vegetables grown in school veggie gardens by the Environmental Clubs.

TWT has set up a ‘Dignity Dreams Club’ to raise funds to purchase eco-packs of washable sanitary pads for every girl entering secondary education. This is an important, low-cost initiative that gives girls confidence and means they do not miss lessons. Some were taking absence from school for five days a month.

Sister Grace explains how to care for washable sanitary pads.

The pads come with a book for teachers and are distributed with a structured sex-education talk about puberty. TWT is aiming to provide 400 packs a year at a cost of £15 each. The pads are carefully made by Dignity Dreams, a non-profit organization in Pretoria who provide work for the disadvantaged. They last four years. If you would like to help by making a small donation, please click here

For a full list of projects supported by TWT, please click here.