Category Archives: HIV prevention

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

Monitoring a baby born to a teenage schoolgirl

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 distributing packs of Dignity Dreams eco-sanitary pads in secondary schools of the Waterberg

Sister Grace with 2023 Matric students in new uniforms

A report from the School Nurse in the Waterberg, Limpopo Province, South Africa

June 22, 2023Africa, Community projects, Education, Ending period poverty, Healthcare, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Limpopo Province, School vegetable gardens, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Limpopo Province, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

The Waterberg Trust provides the salary for Sister Grace, a school nurse working in the schools of the Waterberg with the aim of giving young people the best possible start in life, safe-guarding their health and welfare.

If you would like to support Sister Grace’s important work in schools, provide an award or sponsor a promising pupil, please let us know in the Comments below or contact TWT direct. You can find the address along with ways of how to donate in this website here.

Sister Grace says, “My office is still based at Meetshehla Secondary School and I visit other schools once per week as planned on my roster. These are Leseding High School, Mokolo & Mahlasedi Primary Schools.”

Schools reopened on the 12^th April and lessons continued until 22nd June 2023 with no major problems. As you can see from the photo above, the Department of Health conducted a TB awareness campaign in primary and high schools, educating learners on how TB is transmitted, the preventive measures and treatment regimens.

An out break of mumps, chickenpox and measles was noticed at the two primary schools, however, the local Government Clinic rolled out a vaccination campaign in all the surrounding schools and vaccinated children from the age of 5–15 years with a measles vaccine after getting consent from parents.

Sister Grace working in schools of the Waterberg

LEARNERS FROM MEETSETSHEHLA HIGH SCHOOL WHO RECEIVED A MEASLES VACCINE

PROGRESS:

All Learners from High Schools are kept at school for longer hours including Sundays to ensure they are well prepared for exams and kept busy. This initiative was implemented in order to improve exam pass rates in surrounding schools as most learners don’t study nor submit their work as expected.
Mid-term exams went well in all schools and matriculants were motivated and prepared on various ways of performing well in final exams.
Meetsetshehla School learners were provided with buses to transport them to and from school during this winter season to help those living far away to get to school on time.
Maintenance of classrooms are taking place at Metsetshehla School, repairing of broken doors & windows, replacing electrical bulbs, fans and flooring.
Learners were occupied with various sporting activities to keep them physically fit and able to socialize. They competed with local schools and those who did well moved to the district level competitions in soccer, netball, chess and volleyball.

CHALLENGES:

Meetsetshehla High School had no water for 3 weeks due to not paying for water.
Inadequate toilets to accommodate 568 learners who spent the whole day at school i.e. only 6 portable toilets which aren’t in good condition and can pose a health risk.
Pregnant teenage mums are easily tired and lose concentration in class.
Some learners are depressed due to social issues, relationship breakups and dysfunctional family histories. Some take antidepressants and attend counseling.
Undisciplined learners are a bad influence and abscond from classes during breaks.

Sister Grace monitors the well-being of newborn babies.

Sister Grace monitoring the wellbeing of a newborn baby

BABIES BORN TO GRADE 10 AND 12 TEENAGE MOMS IN MAY 2023

I PROVIDED DONATED BABY CLOTHES, KNITTED BLANKETS AND SANITARY PADS

FUTURE PLANS:

To support girls with free sanitary pads distribution so they don’t miss classes due to menstrual issues.
To ensure each school has a vegetable garden to supplement the feeding scheme.
To revive school debating, drama, spelling and reading clubs to help learners handle complex grammar and improve their English .
To engage learners in various sporting activities to keep them off the streets and enable them to compete with other schools in the community. A sports person has been appointed by the Department of Education to engage with learners in various activities.

STATISTICS: TOTAL NUMBER OF LEARNERS SEEN INDIVIDUALLY 175

PREGNANT – 10 (5 Meetstshehla & 5 Leseding .Four of them delivered babies and are doing well.
MEDICAL ISSUES 20 (asthma, depression, epilepsy, mumps & chicken pox, ear & dental infection, migraine)
SOCIAL PROBLEMS – 35 (Poor family support, poverty, poor living condition, gender-based violence, bullying etc.)
MINOR AILMENTS – 45 (Menstruation, sports injury, headaches, common colds, menstrual pain)
REFERRAL FOR CONTRACEPTIVES – 40 (girls between ages of 13 – 17 were referred to the Local Clinic for contraceptives )
ADHERENCE COUNSELING – 25 (To learners on chronic medication for HIV, Epilepsy, antidepressants and antipsychotics)

Other learners were seen in their classes for various learning support and health talks.

Schools will be closed from 23rd June – 18th July for the winter break but Grade 9 – 12 pupils will attend extra classes during holidays.

If you would like to support Sister Grace’s work in schools, provide an award or sponsor a promising pupil, please let us know in the Comments below or contact TWT direct. You can find the address along with ways of how to donate in this website here.

Compiled By: Grace

Could you help change lives in the Waterberg, South Africa?

February 8, 2023Africa, Charity, 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, Charity, Donate, Limpopo Province, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, sponsor a child in Africa, sponsor a school vegetable garden, WaterbergSophie Neville

ACTS OF MERCY REPORT FOR JANUARY 2023

Sister Grace writes from the Waterberg: “I managed to assist beneficiaries identified this month and moved into one of St John’s Church cottages, which I am renting.” The adjoining church cottage will be used for the Knitting Club, as a counseling room for those going through family problems, and for those who need treatment or adherence support. The cottage can also be used for church related work or by church members who might need a quiet place.

Sister Grace at work in the Waterberg — A meeting held at St John’s Church cottage in Vaalwater

“Since I moved in, I managed to rescue five teenage boys who were addicted to alcohol and involved in substance abuse who are currently placed in different schools. They come once a week to show me their schoolwork and for ongoing counseling. These are boys come from poor family backgrounds where parents are alcoholics. Some are orphans. The matter was referred to the social worker for further intervention.”

Church cottage meeting room in Vaalwater — Church Cottage meeting room in Vaalwater

THE COTTAGE IS WELL SET UP WITH A KITCHEN WITH CUPS, GLASSES AND KETTLE.

Should you need to use it you may contact Sister Grace.

The garden at St John’s Church Cottage in Vaalwater

PROGRESS:

Short term job creation has provided opportunities for the youth
Social Relief grants were extended. Many are receiving the money on monthly basis
Political party leaders and organizations distribute food parcels to needy families

A nutritious sauce made from vegetables grown in a school vegetable garden

CHALLENGES:

Dysfunctional families continue to misuse child grants
Some foreigners fear accessing medical care due to rumors that they must pay for services or that they might be forced to return without help. This increases poor adherence to chronic medication.
Teenage pregnancy remains a big issue in our community. Babies are looked after by grannies when the moms go back to school.
Little has been done to clamp down on those selling drugs to the youth. Many lives are destroyed at a tender age with teenagers dropping out of school.

GOOD NEWS:

FOOD PARCELS WERE BOUGHT AND DISTRIBUTED to four families and a man involved in a car accident who is unable to walk.

KNITTING CLUB: We intend to start knitting blankets and beanies before winter starts and need more wool donated. It can be dropped off at the Farmers’ Hall or church cottages in town.

WE DONATED CLOTHES TO GRANNIES AND NAPPIES TO A TEENAGE MUM

Sister Grace donating nappies for a baby born to a teenager mother

SCHOOL UNIFORM: Sister Grace is working hand in hand with teachers to identify those who need uniform support and shoes. We received a gift of pens and pencils as well as clothes.

Sister Grace gathering butternuts grown in a TWT School Vegetable Garden sponsored by EIMS

SCHOOL VEGETABLE GARDENS: Thanks to sponsorship from EIMS, these are yielding impressive crops. Produce is used for cookery classes and school dinners.

We would like to thank all those who donated various items towards the Acts of Mercy. May God bless you all.

If you wold like to support these small but life-changing projects, you can find more information on our HOW TO DONATE page. Even small gifts can make a huge difference.

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

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.

TWT North Norfolk Cycle Ride 2022 — TWT’s fundraising cycle ride in the UK, 2022

Continued support for the needy in the Waterberg, South Africa

September 10, 2022Africa, Charity, Community projects, Education, Ending period poverty, Healthcare, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Home Based Care, 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, WaterbergSophie Neville

REPORT FOR JULY – AUGUST 2022

Dr Peter Farrant says that Sister Grace continues to do excellent work at various schools in the community. “She is doing home based care, home visits to teenage mums, counselling and support of those struggling with substance abuse, those that are homeless and destitute. This report barely covers the surface of her activity. She attends the schools during school hours. I work with her in a supportive role and also supervise the treatment and therapy as well as monitor the monthly spending and examine the bank account each month.”

The Waterberg Trust — Sister Grace working in schools of the Waterberg

DUTIES:

Sister Grace has continued to support those needing help and was able to monitor the sick. She distributed donated clothes and disposable sanitary pads to teenage girls.

Some previous beneficiaries have managed to get employed on farms, while others have been helped to start small businesses in poultry, livestock or informal trading by the Department of Agriculture’s subsidy to empower local community members. The beneficiaries who received support applied to the Department of Agriculture. In each and every location there’s a vegetable garden, chickens and livestock.

FOOD PARCELS WERE BOUGHT AND COLLECTED

DONATED CLOTHES AND SANITARY PADS.

MORE PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE ON POWERPOINT PRESENTATION

CLOTHES TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS IN LESEDING TOWNSHIP

CHALLENGES:

The sale of alcohol and loud music in the township disrupts learners busy studying and preparing for exams.
The Department of Home Affairs is reluctant to renew work permits due to expire by December 2022 ,which causes job insecurity for foreigners.
Increase in numbers of teenage pregnancies. Babies are looked after by guardians at home but are vulnerable to malnutrition and illness.
Regular community theft by teenage youths who do not attend school and are under the influence of substance abuse and alcohol consumption
Increased prices of essential supplies including food makes it difficult for those with low incomes to provide for their families

School girls receiving donations to end period poverty

PROGRESS:

Local job opportunities and Social Relief Grants continue to benefit the community.
Learners who go to school have access to daily meals from the schools feeding scheme.
Guests who visit the surrounding lodges have donated clothes and sanitary pads which have been distributed to those in need or to learners.
Locals are benefiting from a recycling project and are able to earn an income after selling the recyclable materials i.e. bottles, card boxes, paper and tins etc

KNITTING CLUB:

A donation of £1 can provide enough wool to knit a hat for a child in need.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

I would like to thank St John The Baptist Church at 24 Rivers, guests from various lodges and individuals who have contributed so much towards the Acts of Mercy Charity which continues to help many people from the community regardless of nationality or cultural beliefs. This has made a huge impact. May God bless you all.

Nursing Sister Grace’s salary is provided by The Waterberg Trust who can accept financial donations in the UK and redeem Gift Aid. You can find different ways of how to make a donation here. Do specify how you wish your donation to be spent, if you like.

Donations of bras and wool are much appreciated if you find yourself going to the Waterberg.

A donated blanket hand-knitted in Vaalwater

News from Vaalwater in the Waterberg

July 15, 2022Africa, Charity, Community projects, Education, Ending period poverty, Healthcare, HIV, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Home Based Care, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, Peer Education, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

Food parcels distributed in Vaalwater from May to June 2022

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

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

59 people received gifts of essential groceries and clothing this month

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

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

A donation of beautiful dresses. Boys received jeans or shoes.

CHALLENGES:

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

PROGRESS:

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

FUTURE PLANS:

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

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

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

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

Volunteers collect food parcels from the local supermarket

An end to period poverty in schools of the Waterberg in South Africa

July 1, 2022Africa, Charity, Community projects, Education, Healthcare, HIV, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Home Based Care, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Limpopo Province, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

Learners receiving a donation of sanitary pads so they do not miss lessons. They have each received a set of eco-pads with advice that has transformed their lives.

We have good news from the Limpopo Province of South Africa where the school nurse, Grace Ismail says the donation of washable sanitary towels, “has made a huge impact and girls no longer miss classes due to menstrual issues.”

The Northern Education Trust write from the Waterberg to say:

“Sr Grace Ismail is continuing to do a great job with Meetsetshehla School, Leseding High School and other feeder schools. We look forward to seeing her make a significant change in the lives of these learners. We so appreciate your generosity and continued support and encouragement over the years as we continue to strive to provide the best possible education for the poorest of the poor. “

SCHOOL REPORT FROM APRIL – JUNE 2022

DAILY TASKS:

South African education is at low ebb but after noticing that the numbers of Corvid–19 had declined, the Department of Education decided all schools should return to full daily attendance with daily screening of learners and teachers who all wear masks in classrooms.

“We noticed a few teachers at Primary schools tested positive with minimal symptoms which cleared within a short period. All grade 12’s are attending classes from Monday – Saturday to ensure they are well prepared before writing their final year examinations. All other grades wrote mid-year exams, which will enable them to be promoted to the next grade.”

The Department of Education has allocated examination centre numbers for the final year learners in all High Schools. Sister Grace says, “During this hectic time, I come across learners who are depressed, anxious or have fatigue due to the school workload. However, I provide pre-exam counseling about coping and how best they can utilize time when studying. Dedicated teachers are working very hard to support learners with extra lessons after school and on weekends, hoping for good results at the end of the year.”

PROGRESS:

Extra teachers have been employed to fill up the gaps left by those who have relocated.
Teachers from two High Schools work together at weekends to provide extra lessons.
Stakeholders and the School Governing Body visit schools regularly to address issues faced by learners and encourage them about importance of study and passing exams.
There are positive changes at Meetsetshehla Secondary School after the appointment of an Acting Principal and Head of Department who ensure leaners are getting support.
All learners have access to food from the feeding scheme. This helps those who come to school without eating.

Community members growing food for the school feeding scheme

CHALLENGES:

Inadequate toilets: some schools are using mobile toilets and others a school pit latrine. 10 mobile toilets at Meetsetshehla Secondary School are not enough.
Primary Schools are overcrowded with 1,700 to 1,900 learners, which makes it difficult for some to understand the teacher .
Teenage mums miss classes as they need to stay home to look after their babies.
Many school leavers have no access bursaries for University or College and are just sitting at home despite having done well at school.

A learner who is bravely coming for counseling for substance abuse

Addiction to substance abuse and alcohol.
Learners with depression have suicidal thoughts as they don’t want to share their challenges nor speak out. I provide psychosocial counseling
Overaged learners are not coping in the junior classes. They have repeated more than three times without progressing.
Fuel is needed for the school nurse – She has to visit different schools and learners at home such as teenage moms and needs to collect medication from the clinic.

Learners at Meesetshela Secondary School prepare seed beds before planting veggies

SCHOOL VEGETABLE GARDENS FOR MOKOLO PRIMARY SCHOOL AND MEETSETSHELA HIGH SCHOOL ARE PROVING SUCCESSFUL. NUTRITION IS KEY TO LEARNERS.

The Head of Department is willing to reinstate a Young Christians’ Prayer Club where they can have time of prayer with learners to empower them spiritually and prepare them for challenges such as a court hearing faced by a victim of rape.

A pregnant learner receiving a donation of baby clothes

MATERIAL SUPPORT:

“I received various items which were donated to learners in the form of clothes, school bags and disposable sanitary pads. Female learners are no longer having challenges due to menstrual issues as they come to my office whenever they need help.”

“SOME OF THE LEARNERS RECEIVED DONATED ITEMS – THEY WERE SO GRATEFUL“

Some of the clothing donated to primary schools this winter

MEETINGS:

Sister Grace says, “I attended meetings with various stakeholders from different organizations about issues of education in surrounding schools, bullying and gender-based violence, teenage pregnancies and substance abuse, which has affected youth and many family members. i.e. Victim support, the local Police Station, Environmental and awareness teams, the Mayor, church leaders and community leaders.”

“At the end of the meetings all participants agreed on how best they can support and protect youth especially those still at school. There are reports of insecurity for learners going to school as criminals hide in the bushes and attempt to snatch their phones or rape girls. The local municipality will consider clearing the tall grass to ensure the safety of the learners.”

A learner expecting a baby receives a donation

STATISTICS:

TOTAL NUMBER OF LEANERS SEEN INDIVIDUALLY: 120

PREGNANT: 5 – 3 at Meetsetshehla & 2 at Leseding High School.

MEDICAL: 20 – Asthma, Epilepsy, Arthritis, depression, chronic nasal bleeding & HIV.

SOCIAL ISSUES: 30 – Poor family support, improper home environment, alcoholic parents & no food at home.

MINOR ISSUES: 20 – Menstruation, common colds, headaches, toothache, dizziness, rashes.

ADHERENCE SUPPORT: 10 – ARVS, Epilepsy, asthma, antidepressant & HIV medications.

COUNSELING: 15 – Adherence to chronic meds, withdrawal methods of alcohol & substances, bereavement, and post traumatic stress counseling after sexual abuse.

CONTRACEPTIVES: 20 – Referred to access contraceptives from the local clinic.

NOTE: Numbers declined as learners were writing exams and some stayed at home to study.

Swollen hands make it difficult for this learner to hold a pencil

FUTURE PLANS:

To continue to monitor and support learners during the holidays and check- up on boys who have been referred for medical circumcision, which will be performed by the local clinic.

To continue to liaise with teachers who are secondary care givers who alert the nurse if there is an urgent matter to be addressed.

To continue to distribute washable sanitary pads and other donations.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

Sister Grace says, “I would like to thank Doctor Farrant for always being there whenever I have sick learners who need to be seen urgently. He makes time to see and examine them at no cost from his consulting room.”

“To my employers and all the sponsors, may you receive my gratitude for all the effort to ensure I have a secure job to be able to support my family.”

Schools are closed for 3 weeks but Matric learners will continue to attend extra classes.

Compiled by: Grace

Kind donations supporting the needy in the Waterberg region of South Africa

May 16, 2022Africa, Charity, Community projects, Education, Healthcare, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Home Based Care, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, Palliative Care, 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, WaterbergSophie Neville

The good news is that we are bing able to make a huge difference to the lives of ordinary people in the Waterberg by giving advice, making connections and providing those in need with specific donations.

ACTS OF MERCY REPORT FOR MARCH AND APRIL 2022

Now lockdown restrictions have been eased, many of our former beneficiaries are back at work. Some are engaged in informal trading, selling farm produce or clothes. Others are farming poultry or working in hair salons and Spaza shops. And many are receiving Social Relief Grants and food parcels from the Social Development, which are being delivered to the community. School children benefit from the feeding schemes on daily basis.

Besides food parcels, some beneficiaries were in need of essential supplies like washing powder, bath soap, clothes and nutritional supplements.

CHALLENGES:

We are seeing improper use of social grants meant to buy food for families
Alcohol and substance abuse among youth and adults is leading to Gender Based Violence. Fighting in beer taverns has resulted in the loss of two young male teenagers’ lives.
Community theft is on the rise. Houses are broken into and goods stolen. People feel insecure when walking alone, in fear of being attacked.
Increased unemployed youth leads to lack of productivity, resulting in drinking alcohol, teenage pregnancy and family disputes.
Increase in fuel prices have caused price fluctuation of food, transport and clothing.
Many roads have been severely damaged due to heavy rains. It is difficult to reach out to those in need of proper assessment and support.

TWT wants to equip every schoolgirl in the Waterberg with eco-sanitary wear so they do not miss lessons

PROGRESS:

Jobs have been created and some beneficiaries are able to provide for their families.
The Government’s solidarity fund has helped some community members by providing them with free vouchers to start poultry projects and other small businesses, which can help to generate income to support families. The vouchers are worth R2000 per beneficiary.
Many community members have had the Covid-19 vaccine and are aware of preventative measures and hygiene protocols.

Sister Grace says, “MANY THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO DONATED VARIOUS ITEMS WHICH BENEFITED THOSE IN NEED, MAY GOD GREATLY BLESS YOU ALL“

If you are able to donate funds, The Waterberg Trust has a Justgiving page here.

Learners working in a school vegetable garden. Produce is used in the school feeding scheme

£5 will buy seedlings for a school vegetable garden
£10 will buy a pair of hard-wearing school shoes
£12 will equip a school-girl with sanitary protection while she is in secondary school
£15 will buy a food parcel to feed a needy family for a week
£110 will send a pupil on a 5-day residential course at Lapalala Wilderness School

Please see our DONATE page for other ways of giving. We welcome fundraising activities and have some ideas here.

Would you be able to raise funds for school shoes? It would ensure children enter primary school at the age of six instead of wandering the streets.

MEETINGS:

Sister Grace attended meetings with the Victim Support Unit based at the local police station, and an event to keep the community informed about Gender Based Violence and to ensure there is unity and teamwork when it comes to protection of children, women and vulnerable people. A 56 year old man was arrested for sexually abusing a 13 year old mentally ill girl several times. The girl continues to attend school as they await for court ruling.

“I also attended a meeting with the department of Social Development and SASSA who discussed social grants applications, food parcels and support needed for the homeless. We agreed that beneficiaries who qualify for food parcels may be referred to their office for further help.”

She has asked the Community to take part in identifying those in need of help so that they can receive timely support.

Sister Grace working in schools of the Waterberg under Dr Peter Farrant

FUTURE PLANS:

Sister Grace will continue to reach out to those in need.
She will continue to work with stake holders to ensure everyone supports each other and avoid duplication.
She will continue to educate family members on basic health, where to access essential services and provide ongoing treatment, support and counseling to those in need.
Food parcel distribution continues

Volunteers purchase and distribute monthly food parcels to those in need. This is what each one looked like this month

A kind donation of essentials for a mother and baby made recently

BENEFICIARIES RECEIVED DONATED CLOTHES, BABY THINGS AND SANITARY PADS FOR SCHOOL GIRLS

Schoolgirls receiving sanitary protection this month. We need to ensure they do not miss lessons.

News from schools of the Waterberg

March 31, 2022Africa, Charity, Community projects, Education, Healthcare, HIV, HIV prevention, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, Sponsored ride, Vaalwater, WaterbergSophie Neville

SCHOOL REPORT FROM JANUARY TO MARCH 2022

Dr Peter Farrant writes to say, “Thank you for your continued support…it is GREATLY appreciated!” There is a significant shortage of teachers, which is concerning, and never-ending social and medical needs. He says “Sister Grace is a stable rock in the school, which is a huge benefit to the scholars.”

**LEARNERS BEING SCREENED BEFORE CLASS. THOSE WITH CHICKEN POX or SCABIES ARE SENT HOME**

All learners returned to school on full-time basis this term with Covid-19 protocols observed. Between 600–1200 learners are screened daily. Learners continue to wear masks and are sanitised upon arrival. Outdoor activities are allowed in all schools and pupils participate in various athletics, which increases physical fitness. The infection rate has reduced as many staff members and learners have had Covid-19 vaccines.

Only two primary schools had Covid-19 positive cases among staff members, and control measures were undertaken.

CHALLENGES:

**ADDRESSING LEARNERS ON DANGERS OF GENGER BASED VIOLENCE AND BULLYING AT SCHOOL AND WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITY**

Shortage of staff, as a result of teachers relocating or being promoted in different educational sectors, has prevented learners from catching up academically. Pupils can spend a whole day without being taught.
Poor sanitation due to inadequate toilets for the huge numbers of learners
Overcrowding now all learners are fully attending school: 42 learners or more per class
Pregnant learners continue to hide. Their condition is only noticed during routine screening when they reach their 2^nd or 3^rd trimester. Daily monitoring, counselling and support are then provided.
Overaged learners, who have repeated courses more than 3 times, are stuck in the same grade and can become bad influencers. Some are involved in theft of other learner’s valuables, which makes pupils feel unsafe.
Undisciplined learners come to school to disrupt others. Some are under the influence of alcohol. (Parents have been called to a hearing.)
Hysteric attacks in girls, which they believe was related to ancestral calling. These were controlled with the involvement of parents

PROGRESS:

Improved Matric pass rate for Meetsetshehla Secondary School of 78% – compared to 63% in 2020 and Leseding High School 73 %.
Senior learners continue to attend extra classes at weekends and during the holidays.
The employment of general workers and teacher assistants in schools has helped to keep school premises clean. Teachers are assisted with administration and book keeping. The Job Creation Scheme was a Government initiative to ensure youth are employed and equipped with skills by giving them a year’s contract in schools.
Feeding schemes continue to provide daily meals to learners many of whom come to school without eating.
The local education circuit office managed to source temporary staff to fill teaching gaps while schools awaited formal advertising of vacant posts
Sister Grace spoke to classes about teenage pregnancy, menstrual issues, contraceptives, cyberbullying, along with the dangers of substance abuse and its effect.

“I AM ALSO INVOLVED IN A RECYCLING PROJECT OF BOTTLES, PAPER AND CARDBOX WHICH ARE THEN COLLECTED AND SOLD TO THE LOCAL RECYCLING COMPANY. THIS PROJECT HELPS TO EMPOWER THOSE UNEMPLOYED TO EARN EXTRA INCOME THROUGH WASTE MANAGEMENT. A TRUCK COMES TO FETCH RECYCLABLES WHEN BAGS ARE FULL.”

STATISTICS: TOTAL NUMBER OF THOSE SEEN INDIVIDUALLY: 167

PREGNANT – 20 (12 from Meetsetshehla Secondary School & 8 Leseding High School)

MEDICAL ISSUES – 8 : Asthma, Chicken pox, Herpes Zoster, Epilepsy, Dental infection and HIV

MINOR ISSUES – 55 : Menstrual issues, abdominal cramps, headaches, sports injuries and allergies

SOCIAL PROBLEMS – 20 :Due to poor family support, obesity due to improper diet, lack of funds to access a rehabilitation centre, and unhealthy living conditions, which distract pupils from studying.

PSYCHOLOGICAL – 10 : 6 cases of hysteria, 2 rape victims, 2 grieving the loss of loved ones, plus cases of abuse.

ADHERENCE COUNSELING – 25 : HIV medication, Epilepsy and depression.

CONTRACEPTIVES – 29 cases referred to access various methods of contraception

FUTURE PLANS:

I will continue to educate learners’ about the risks of teenage pregnancy, reproductive and sexual health, sexual transmitted infections and preventative measures.
I will invite stakeholders from the local government clinic who run youth friendly programs to motivate our learners and to encourage more girls to access different contraceptives
I will regularly meet up with security personnel who can assist with learners’ safety due to increasing number of drug addicts who hide in the bushes and want to commit crimes like raping girls and snatching phones or school essentials. One 16 year-old girl was raped on her way to school. She’s currently receiving medical care and psychological counseling from the local clinic.

Schools are closed for 2 weeks from the 18^th March and re-open on the 4^th April 2022

Explaining how to use washable sanitary pads

If you would like to help The Waterberg Trust finance this amazing work, you can find details or who to contact and how to make a donation here.

MANY THANKS!

Even very small amounts of money go a long way to help the people of the Waterberg and enable learners to achieve their dreams.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: