Category Archives: Education

Could you sponsor an ourstanding scholar in South Africa?

December 20, 2025Africa, Charity, Education, Limpopo Province, Orphans, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, donate to further the education of orphaned students in Africa, Education, Limpopo Province, news, South Africa, sponsor a student from the Waterberg through university in South Africa, sponsor an orphan through further education, WaterbergSophie Neville

The Waterberg Trust sponsors outstanding students through university in South Africa — Huge congratulations to Elton

The Waterberg Trust is hoping to raise funds to sponsor outstanding students through further education in South Africa.

We have just received news that Elton Chitanda has completed a degree in Computer Science at Eduvos University in Gauteng, South Africa. He writes to say:

“I am pleased to share that I have officially completed my Computer Science degree. My final block consisted of two modules, including my final-year project, and I passed both. With these results, my three-year programme is now complete.“

This is a huge achievement for Elton, who has lived in Vaalwater with his auntie and younger brother Elvis ever since his mother passed away.

“I am truly grateful for the trust and encouragement I received from everyone at TWT. Knowing that I had people believing in my potential and supporting me throughout this journey gave me confidence and motivation even during the most challenging moments. Your guidance and support went beyond practical help, it reminded me that my goals were worth pursuing and that hard work can lead to real achievements.”

Having won a top achiever award, Elton passed fourteen modules with distinction, including Advanced Information Computer Skills and Computer Network Security.

“Looking back, I can genuinely say that University was an important experience for me not only academically, but personally. It allowed me to grow, develop new skills, and gain confidence in myself and my abilities. Reaching this milestone has been very meaningful, and I know I would not be here today without the support and trust of TWT.”

Elton Chitanda with his final-year project group at Eduvos University in Gauteng, South Africa

Recognised as an outstanding student lacking parental support, The Waterberg Trust was able to channel funds via the Northern Education Trust to pay for his university education. He kept TWT updated on his progress as you can see in an earlier post on this website.

“My immediate goal is to gain practical industry experience and continue developing my skills within the field of Computer Science, with a particular focus on web development.”

Elton adds:

“I would like to further my studies through postgraduate education once I have gained solid professional experience. For now, my focus is on learning, growing, and applying what I have studied in a practical, real-world environment.”

Some years ago TWT sponsored Donum Mandizvidza after his mother died. He gained a degree in Actuarial and Financial Mathematics at Pretoria University and is now working as an accountant.

Donum Mandizvidza at Pretoria University

If you are a student seeking help, please contact The Waterberg Trust using the comments box below.

There are different things TWT can consider. If you would like to personally sponsor, or help to support, another outstanding student from the Waterberg in South Africa, or to help Elton through postgraduate education, please contact The Waterberg Trust C/o Noel Cooper at The Trust Partnership (Phone: +44 1285 841900)

Many thanks go to our donors who have enabled us to support Elton and others.

Even small donations help enormously. TWT has a Justgiving site and several ways of making a donation listed on the How to Donate page on this website.

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:

News from our school nurse in the Waterberg, South Africa

June 11, 2025Africa, Charity, Education, Healthcare, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, School vegetable gardens, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, Education, learning, Limpopo Province, news, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

Every morning, School nurse Sister Grace checks into Meetsetshehla High School where her office is located, before attending other schools on weekly, scheduled visits. Teachers help identify needy learners and refer them to her on a one-to-one basis. She also spends time with groups of girls, educating them on puberty, menstruation, hygiene and access to contraceptives.

Examinations are looming. Grade 12’s attend classes from Monday to Sunday to ensure they are well prepared and can catch where they are behind.

Sporting activities, with learners competing with other schools in soccer and netball are popular. Winning teams have advanced to the next round of competitions.

School vegetable gardens are suppling extra food for the existing feeding scheme.

Recycling projects are generating funds for schools. The initiative empowers learners and reduces littering while keeping school premises clean. Each school now has four different waste bins for plastic, tin, glass and paper.

Coding and robotics classes are being introduced in primary schools to prepare children for the future. Tablets have been delivered for them to use:

PROGRESS:

Teachers have attended workshops on supporting learners and producing good results.
Extra classes have been provided for the Matric students of 2025.
Learners eat breakfast before classes commence and lunch during break.
The EMS Foundation is supporting schools on farms with lunchbox meals. These include instant porridge and lunch, adding to the existing feeding schemes.
The lunchbox is one of the best initiatives to help children from disadvantaged families.
Absenteeism in schools has declined since learners eat at school.

CHALLENGES:

Lack of parental involvement in school meetings or children’s activities
Gender Based Violence, sexual abuse and harassment
Poverty leading to dropping out of school
Increased teenage pregnancies
Bullying and physical fights among learners
Poor family background i.e. unemployed, low or no source of income & alcoholic parents or guardians

PREGNANT LEARNERS	NUMBER OF LEANERS PER SCHOOL
Meetsetshehla Secondary School – 4	596
Leseding High School – 8	1363
Motakamhotala High School – 1	368

BELOW ARE THE LEARNER ENROLLMENT PER SCHOOL

PRIMARY SCHOOLS	TOTAL LEARNERS	NUMBER OF TEACHERS
Mokolo Primary	1224	34 Teachers
Mahlasedi Primary	1423	38 Teachers

TOTAL NUMBER OF LEARNERS SEEN INDIVIDUALLY = 555

Medical condition=65 (Epilepsy 8, asthma 25, dental abscess 6, allergic conjunctivitis 26)

Social Problems = 45 (orphaned 25, alcoholic parents 10, physical abuse 8, suicide attempt 2)

Menstrual issues = 105 (Pads distributed to girls)

Referral for contraceptives =150 (girls aged 13-19 years-old accessed injectable contraceptives)

Minor ailments = 85 (soccer injury, physical cuts after picking a fight, insect bites, colds)

Counseling = 115 (HIV/AIDS preventative measures, how to deal with addiction and coping methods, how to overcome depression.)

Sister Grace adds, “Other learners discussed in class matters about learning, combating fatigue, importance of exercise, career guidance and the disadvantage of bullying in schools.”

Schools will have a winter break towards end of June but Matric learners have no holiday as they need to intensify their studies and prepare for the year end final exams!

Every donation made towards Sister Grace’s salary is recognized by the local community and the schools she helps. The Waterberg Trust is looking for people who would like to make a monthly donation, as small regular payments help hugely with budgeting. Please see the HOW TO DONATE page for more information.

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

Chairman’s Annual Report

October 8, 2024Africa, Charity, Community projects, Education, Ending period poverty, Healthcare, HIV awareness, Limpopo Province, Nature Conservation, Nonprofit, School vegetable gardens, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, Education, learning, Limpopo Province, news, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, Sponsored ride, teaching, Waterberg, womenSophie Neville

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 thinking The Waterberg Trust — 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 school shoes in the Waterberg — 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 his recent certificates — 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.

Fundraising: TWT pioneered a new circular cycle route from Cambridge across the counties of Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire for its annual sponsored cycle ride that was much enjoyed by an ever increasing field of riders. Circa £13,794 was raised, beating the £10,000 target.

The Waterberg Trust charity cycle ride 2024

TWT has a number of ways you can make a donation and a Justgiving page

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.

Barry Burles

Chairman

June 2024

The Waterberg Trust active in South Africa — Growing vegetables for the school feeding scheme.

School nurse Sister Grace reports from the Waterberg in South Africa

June 10, 2024Africa, Education, Ending period poverty, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Waterberg, YouthA school nurse transforming the lives of children in South Africa, Africa, Education, Limpopo Province, news, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

School nurse Sister Grace looking at new equipment in the Waterberg Innovation Centre

SCHOOL REPORT FROM APRIL – JUNE 2024

Dr Peter Farrant of the Northern Education Trust says, “The work is running well and the service provides a lifeline for many children.”

Sister Grace’s day extends from 08:00-16:00hrs from Monday to Friday. Her office and reporting centre is at Meetshetshela Secondary School just outside Vaalwater in the centre of the Waterberg. She visits other schools once a week. These include Leseding Secondary School, Mokolo Primary School and Mahlasedi Primary School, with occasional trips to Motlakamothala High School 25km out of Vaalwater.

Learners come to see the school nurse with headaches, coughs & fevers, allergies or asthma, injuries, menstrual issues or for mental health support due to anxiety, stress or depression.

“I do provide group health education and guidance per class when there’s free learning period upon arrangement with the teachers. I help learners in the junior classes with career choices and subjects which are linked to each career to enable them chose the right subjects when promoted to senior grades. Other topics are sexual reproductive health, puberty and various methods of contraceptives to girls.”

Waterberg school pupils gather for a sex education lecture — Waterberg school pupils gather for a sex and reproductive education lecture

“LEARNERS GATHERED AND ATTENTIVELY LISTENING TO SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH TOPIC“

School nurse Sister Grace discuses career choices with Grade 9 pupils of the Waterberg

Learners are encouraged to discuss:

Common forms of Gender Based Violence.
Teenage pregnancy, contraceptives, STIs and sexual abuse both in school and homes.
Importance of education and aspirations with the hard work and dedication involved.

GRADE 8’S RECEIVED THEIR LEARNING TABLETS LOADED WITH DATA TO BROWSE SCHOOL WORK AND DOWNLOAD TEXT BOOKS TO READ — GRADE 8s RECEIVED LEARNING TABLETS LOADED WITH DATA and TEXT BOOKS

Learners are motivated to take their studies seriously and accept discipline.
They are encouraged to take part in physical fitness to enhance mental capability.

Schoolgirls gathering for a netball tournament in the Waterberg — Schoolgirls gathering for a netball tournament with other schools in the Waterberg

PROGRESS:

Grade 12s attended educational camps in the Waterberg District and were offered extra classes in a quiet and conducive environment to prepare for their final examinations.
Regular school inspections by officials from the Department of Education motivate teachers on ways of helping learners to archive better results.
Extra classes are provided for all learners after school and on weekends to help them to catch up. Teachers are willing to offer their time.
Reduction in teenage pregnancy numbers due to availability of contraceptives.
Free sanitary pads are distributed to girls on a regular basis to ensure they don’t miss classes. The Department of Education provides schools with disposable pads.

EVERY GIRL LEARNER DESERVES FREE SANITARY PADS — EVERY FEMALE PUPIL DESERVES FREE SANITARY PADS

CHALLENGES:

Relocating teachers affects learners who must adjust to new teaching methods and expectations.
Disruption of familiar relationships and trust.
Learners experience fatigue due to long hours spent at school.
To much work is given to learners resulting in some failing to cope or submit school work.
Withdrawal of buses transporting learners led to increased number of late arrivals or absenteeism.

OTHER EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNERS FROM SURROUNDING SCHOOLS:

The Waterberg Innovation Center based at Meetsetshehla Secondary School in the Waterberg District of Modimolle Mookhgopong Munucipality aims to equip learners with enrichment classes from grades 4-9 & 10-12 in subjects such as Physics, Mathematics, Natural Science, and Technical Science. The Northern Education Trust has been supporting for about two years.

Dr Farrant tells us, “The Northern Education Trust has paid for the renovation and refurbishment of what were the teachers’ quarters at Meetsetshehla School, and the WIC have provided the labour for the project. The result is an office block, where Grace also has her office.” This includes a kitchen to provide refreshments for pupils attending enrichment classes.

The Waterberg Innovation Center provides enrichment classes aimed at scholars of all Waterberg schools. The subject list includes Physical Science, Chemistry, Biological Science, Mathematics, Numeracy, Reading and literacy, Career planning and career guidance.

Th expenditure by NET has been significant, but we think that the programmes are good. They now must start being implemented. You will see a wish ( or needs list) attached to the report.

The Northern Education Trust is not directly involved in the administration or presentation of the programmes, but we are supportive of the organization.

Learners will also be engaged in a reading competition, spelling bee, career expo and career exhibition along with other activities.

WISH LIST FOR WATERBERG INNOVATION CENTER:

Mobile Lab
Science Exhibit
Branding for the center
Lab equipment such as microscopes
Transportation bus for learners
Funds to reimburse expenses incurred by volunteers
We need to reach out to farm schools in remote areas

If you would like to consider supporting this amazing work, please take a look at the Donate page on this website where you can see how even small donations go a long way in South Africa.

Schools will be closed for winter holidays but Grade 12, s will continue to attend classes.

2024 – Talks on Addiction, Food Parcel Distribution and Home Based Care in the Waterberg, South Africa

February 6, 2024Africa, Charity, Community projects, Education, Ending period poverty, Healthcare, HIV, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Home Based Care, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, Youthaddiction, Africa, Charity, food parcels for the needy in the Waterberg, health, lectures on addiction to school children in South Africa, Limpopo Province, mental-health, news, Providing school shoes for African pupils, recovery, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

The addiction counsellor Chris West-Russell speaking about the sleeping tiger of drug and alcohol abuse

The Waterberg Trust partners with St John’s Church and the Tshepo Trust to help the needy in the Waterberg, providing homebased care, food parcels and talks on addiction.

ST JOHN’S ACTS OF MERCY REPORT FOR JANUARY 2024

Sister Grace continues to distribute food parcels and clothes. ”As we began the new year I managed to buy school items for needy children. The food parcels are bought from different supermarkets to get lower prices.”

The 24 beneficaries include an elderly widow from Mozambique with no source of income, a chronically ill single Mum, a victim of sexual abuse, a teenage mum without support and other child-headed families.

If you could help by making a donation, however small, please click here for The Waterberg Trust’s Justgiving site or visit our How to Donate page.

Some of the food parcels purchased this month

PROGRESS:

Acts of Mercy has made a huge impact on many families in Vaalwater community by providing food parcels, clothes and sanitary pads for girls.
Local organizations such as the Tshepo Trust and Noko Transformation Forum are being well supported.
Some beneficiaries find jobs, others continue to receive Government Social Relief grants.
Grants for child support and the elderly were increased.
Opportunities for the youth to gain skills in gardening, poultry rearing and security work while receiving a monthly stipend are available.

School items purchased and distributed this month

CHALLENGES:

Increase in food prices
Improper spending of social grants on alcohol and gambling
Overcrowding due to migration leading to poor living conditions and sanitation
Unemployed youth get involved in substance and alcohol abuse, community theft and gender-based violence. Community members feel unsafe walking in certain areas for fear of being attacked or robbed.
Increase in the number of teenage pregnancy despite information about reproduction & health, preventative measures and access to contraceptives.

Sister Grace compiled a power point presentation to summarize work achieved with Acts of Mercy from MAY 2020 – Dec 2023. The presentation also published on this website, specifies the number of food parcels distributed, including clothes and reusable sanitary pads. “Many families benefited from the donations.”

TSHEPO HBC REPORT JANUARY 2024

Tshepo Homebased Care continues daily routine work in the community.

“We checkup on patients, provide adherence support, collect patient medication from the clinic and identify new patients for admission. All the patients on our program have chronic conditions and are assisted according to their needs i.e. wound dressing, passive exercises, bathing and weekly pill box packing. Some patients are stable and take medication while others need proper adherence counseling and regular home visits to ensure they are well informed about the importance of adherence.”

The number of patients on the program stands at 22. “There has been a great improvement in mobility after our caregivers intervened.”

PROGRESS:

Tshepo Homebased Care is recognized in the community and by the local Government clinic who refer patients and help with basic dressing materials, specimen bottles for sputum collection and TB screening tools.
Chronic medication is collected on behalf of elderly patients who can not walk to the clinic.
A speaker from the Western Cape addressed the increased number of young addicts in our community and provided caregivers with training on addiction and recovery, along with stakeholders from Noko Transformation & Anti-corruption Forum and local schools.
Tshepo Trust assisted the Noko Forum with a letter to enable them to fundraise for their organization and ask local business owners for financial donations or food stuffs.

The addiction counsellor Chris West-Russell speaking about the dangers of drug abuse

CHALLENGES:

Very sick patients, including those who need surgery or specialist intervention, wait a long time before they can be transferred to the provincial hospital. Appointments are extended to further dates, making it difficult for families to cope with caring for their loved ones.
Increase in youth-related deaths due to substance abuse, drugs and alcohol, defaulting on chronic medication
Poor family support and abandonment of sick or elderly patients left alone at home.
Tshepo Trust is short of homebased care kits, stationery, and cleaning products.

FUTURE PLANS:

To continue providing required homebased care services
To bring in those who need day care services and close monitoring
To intensify patient screening for TB and reach out in other areas
To continue liaising with stakeholders to ensure we provide the necessary services for patients and their families

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Many thanks to St John the Baptist Church at 24 Rivers who support Tshepo Trust through their Acts of Mercy initiative, providing food for patients, clothes and assistance in the office.

2023 Annual Report from Sister Grace on her work for The Waterberg Trust in South Africa

December 12, 2023Africa, Charity, Community projects, Education, Ending period poverty, Healthcare, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Home Based Care, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, Peer Education, School vegetable gardens, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, donate for Christmas, Limpopo Province, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

School nurse Sister Grace working with Waterberg school in South Africa

In the last three years 1500 FOOD PARCELS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED, ALONG WITH ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES, TO 1000 INDIVIDUALS IN NEED .

You can make a donation on Justgiving to keep this amazing project going.

or visit our How to DONATE page

Food purchased by TWT and distributed to the needy in January 2023

ROUTINE TASKS AND INTERVENTIONS – REACHING OUT TO THE NEEDY THROUGH:

HOME VISITS TO IDENTIFY THOSE IN NEED

PRE NATAL AND POST NATAL VISITS

FOOD PARCEL DISTRIBUTION

DONATING CLOTHES, BEDDING AND SANITARY PADS

TREATMENT SUPPORT AND HEALTH EDUCATION FOR FAMILIES AND THE ELDERLY

TEMPORARY SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS

WE MANAGED TO HELP A SEVERELY MENTALLY ILL MAN TO GET MEDICAL HELP AND TREATMENT. AT FIRST, HE WAS UNAPPROACHABLE AND SPENT MOST OF HIS TIME BESIDE THE ROAD WITHOUT EATING. HE’S NOW STABLE, ON TREATMENT AND BACK AT WORK

Donations of clothes support those in need in the Waterberg, South Africa

SUPPORTING LEARNERS – IN ALL ASPECTS OF THEIR SCHOOL LIFE – BY ADDRESSING:

SOCIAL PROBLEMS

Matric students being motivated to study hard for their exams

LEARNING PROBLEMS

The Vaalwater based facilitator for Masifunde Learner Development

TEENAGE PREGNANCY

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

COUNSELING

NUTRITION – WITH A SHOOL MEALS SCHEME

Produce grown in a school vegetable garden

SCHOOL VEGETABLE GARDENS & RECYCLING PROJECT

CHALLENGES

POVERTY

ORPHANED CHILDREN

DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES

INCREASED TEENAGE PREGNANCIES

SUBSTANCE & ALCOHOL ABUSE AMONGST THE YOUTH

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE RESULTING IN PHYSICAL INJURY

Clothes being donated to grandmothers in the Waterberg

PROGRESS:

HELP FOR THE VULNERABLE

HEALTH EDUCATION IN THE COMMUNITY

INCREASED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

ACCESS TO CONTRACEPTIVES FOR TEENAGE GIRLS

SCHOOL GIRLS HAVE ACCESS TO FREE ECO-SANITARY PADS

SPONSORSHIP FOR ORPHANS AND OUTSTANDING SCHOLARS

INVOLVING AN INCREASED NUMBER OF STAKEHOLDERS IN THE COMMUNITY

Sister Grace with 2023 Matric students in new uniforms

Our school nurse reports from the Waterberg in South Africa

October 10, 2023Africa, Education, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, Peer Education, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, Limpopo Province, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, Vaalwater, Waterberg, Waterberg schoolsSophie Neville

SCHOOL REPORT FROM JULY – SEPTEMBER 2023

School nurse Sister Grace has been helping pupils of the Waterberg with learning problems by addressing social issues. “These include poverty, family crises, abuse, sexual abuse leading to unwanted pregnancy, gender-based violence, menstrual issues, and undisciplined learners attitude to fellow school mates and teachers.”

She reports, “My presence in surrounding schools has eased the pressure of teachers being disturbed during class. I have created a solid relationship with students who are free to come to me whenever they need help. Serious matters are referred to relevant stakeholders.” If she has a problem with students coming to school under the influence of drugs and alcohol or sees knives being brought to school, the Victim Support Unit at the local police station are notified.

“I have seen positive changes after facilitating health and safety,” Sister Grace says.

Thanks go to TWT donors who finance this sterling work. If you would like to make a donation, we have a Justigivng site and list other ways of getting involved on this website here.

Lapalala Wilderness School's rhino poaching project — Lapalala Wilderness School’s anti-rhino poaching project 2023

PROGRESS:

Grade10 learners from the Waterberg district participated in a Public Speaking Competition held at Lapalala Wilderness School on 23^rd September 2023. Students spoke on the impact, challenges and possible solutions to end rhino poaching in South Africa.
Junior students in grade 8 & 9 received IT tablets and data, enabling them to access the internet gain access to online studies.
The Matric students had their trial exams in preparation for their finals.
Learners continue to take extra classes and catch up on their schoolwork.
School clubs are doing well such as the Spelling Bee and the School Initiative Educational Club, which aims to address issues faced by learners and suggest possible solutions.

Learners performing a drama about becoming a teenage mother — Waterberg pupils performing a drama about becoming a teenage mother

CHALLENGES:

Inadequate resources in Government schools such as poor sanitation and rundown classrooms with broken windows, cracked floors and loose doors.
Relocation of teachers to other schools.
Poor communication between parents, stakeholders and school management.
Teenage pregnancy remains a huge problem with teenage mums returning to school a week after delivery, against school policy.

Masifunde Learner Development, an organization partnered with the Department of Education, implements programs for school safety to deal with social issues arising in schools.

Each school chose five learners as representatives and game changers who were trained and are able to share with fellow students about findings within their social environment.

LEARNERS DISCUSSING BULLYING IN SCHOOLS, QUALITY OF EDUCATION AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THEIR FUTURE CAREERS

All learners attend classes on life orientation topics such as nutrition, careers, physical education and the environment.

TOTAL LEARNERS WHO CONSULTED INDIVIDUALLY = 136

Pregnant – 9 (3 Meetsetshehla & 5 Leseding High School, 1 from Mokolo primary)

Referred for contraceptives – 37 (accessed different methods of birth control)

Adherence Counseling – 15 (those taking ARV’s, antidepressants & anti-epileptics)

Medical issues – 20 (Asthma, acid reflux, conjunctivitis, dental infection and tonsillitis)

Minor Ailments – 45 (menstrual pain, headaches, allergic rash, sports injury, cough & rhinitis)

Social Issues – 10 (No food at home, poor family support, alcoholic parents, fighting at school)

BELOW ARE POINTS HIGHLIGHTED BY THE GAME CHANGERS CLUB

Improved learning and safe environment in schools
To upgrade classroom with heaters in winter as they get very cold
To ensure teachers are present during their allocated period (We noticed an increase in teacher absenteeism)
To address issues of gender inequality
To improve and protect learners from bullying and abuse
To empower learners with knowledge and skills during academic periods
To engage with various physical sporting activities to keep fit

Many thanks to TWT donors supporting Sister Grace and volunteers at the Northern Education Trust who back up her work.