Category Archives: Orphans

The Waterberg Trust continues to distribute food parcels to the needy in Vaalwater in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

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

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

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

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

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

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

PROGRESS:

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

▪ Vulnerable children are given ongoing social and material support

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

▪ Working with stakeholders who donate food, clothes and uniforms

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

CHALLENGES:

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

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

which is not enough to sustain them

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

▪ Increased number of substance and drug abuse.

MANY THANKS TO ALL OUR SPONSORS WHO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE

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

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

Could you sponsor an ourstanding scholar in South Africa?

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.

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

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
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 13th October, which is the 4th 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

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 – 4596
Leseding High School – 8 1363
Motakamhotala High School – 1                                  368

BELOW ARE THE LEARNER ENROLLMENT PER SCHOOL

PRIMARY SCHOOLSTOTAL LEARNERSNUMBER OF TEACHERS
Mokolo Primary122434 Teachers
Mahlasedi Primary142338 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.

Help for the needy in the Waterberg, South Africa

                              

School nurse Sister Grace sponsored by The Waterberg Trust
School nurse Sister Grace sponsored by The Waterberg Trust

ACTS OF MERCY REPORT FOR JUNE & JULY

School nurse, Sister Grace has continued to reach out to those needing social support by providing food parcels, clothes and nutritional supplements.

“Among the beneficiaries,” she tells us, “are members of St Johns Baptist Church who have a low source of income and are unemployed. I have been reaching out to chronically ill patients and render psychosocial and emotional support through counseling and by managing their mental health.”

Items for food parcels are bought from different supermarkets to get the best deals. There are currently 24 people living in 7 family groups who receive this aid. Some have just returned from hospital chronically ill or mentally ill, others are unemployed.

“I provided nutritional supplements to three beneficiaries who are now deceased. One elderly man continues to receive monthly prescribed injections for his condition.”

Sister Grace writes: A MOTHER AND HER DAUGHTER HAPPILY RECEIVED A DONATION OF A BED AND MATTRESS. THIS RELIEVED THEM FROM SLEEPING ON THE COLD FLOOR WITH A LITTLE BABY.

THE MOTHER AND DAUGHTER HAVE MENTAL ILLNESS, LIVE IN UNHEALTHY SHACK AND SLEEEP ON THE FLOOR. THE DAUGHTER HAS A LITTLE BABY AND ALL OF THEM HAVE INFECTED SKIN DISEASE.

  • BED AND MATTRESS PROVIDED
  • PACKED THEIR CLOTHES IN A PROPER LUGGAGE BAG
  • ASSISTED TEENAGE MUM TO TAKE HER BABY FOR IMMUNISATION AT THE CLINIC
  • FOOD PARCEL AND BABY CLOTHES PROVIDED
  • WILL CONTINUE WITH REGULAR MONITORING OF THE BABY’S WELLBEING

PROGRESS:

  • Job opportunities for locals in various sectors helps them earn extra income and support their families.
  • Other charity organizations continue to assist the identified families with food parcels.
  • Donated clothes and sanitary pads are benefiting teenage girls and those in need.
  • Social Relief Grants continue to benefit the citizens eligible to apply.
Children receiving donated clothes carefully sorted by School nurse Sister Grace and her voluteers.
Children receiving donated clothes carefully sorted by School nurse Sister Grace and her volunteers.

      ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

  • Fellow church elders donated clothes, stationery and a bed
  • Ongoing donation of sanitary pads from guests who visit Horizon Horseback Adventures
  • Thanks go to The Waterberg Academy for the donation of shoes that were distributed to the local schools for the needy children:
Shoes donated by The Waterberg Academy

Providing on-going support for the needy in the Waterberg, South Africa

Sister Grace is sponsored by The Waterberg Trust, a UK Registered Charity that is able to accept donations in eight different currencies via Justgiving and benefit from the UK Gift Aid scheme.

Sister Grace working in the Waterberg

An experienced nursing sister, Grace continues to reach out to those who need support such as the elderly and the orphaned by carefully distributing food parcels, clothes, school uniform and medication much of which is provided by members of Church of St John the Baptist at 24 Rivers via their incredible Acts of Mercy project.

People come to Sister Grace with their problems
Community members come to Sister Grace with various problems

As the South African elections get closer, many political parties are helping community members with food parcels, temporary employment and learnerships in different sectors i.e. schools, creches, local clinic, road maintenance and municipal offices.

Items of clothing donated by Church of St John the Baptist being distributed to hose in need.
Items of clothing donated by Church of St John the Baptist being distributed to those in need.

The Social Relief Grant has been extended and grants such old age pensions, child support and disability allowances have been increased but some people fail to qualify or need specific help such as an elderly man who is losing his eyesight.

Homebased care nursing in the Waterberg
Homebased nursing in the Waterberg

There is a real need for home based care in the community.

“I have continued to shop from different supermarkets for essential supplies. Food parcels for beneficiaries living on the farms are collected by those closer to them or sent through lodge drivers.”

Food parcels purchased for those in need in the Waterberg

If you would like to contribute to Sister Grace’s office expenses, or make a donation towards specific items such as sanitary pads for schoolgirls or school shoes, The Waterberg Trust has a Justgiving page here. Other ways of giving are detailed on the Donate page on this website.

Small amounts of money go a long way. These hard-wearing school shoes cost £6.25.

Providing school shoes in the Waterberg
Providing school shoes in the Waterberg

Fourteen known beneficiaries, some of whom fall through the net of Social Services, receive food parcels and home based care, but many people in the Waterberg community have been benefiting and are truly grateful. Please give what you can.

Items of school uniform distributed carefully
Items of school uniform distributed carefully

Thank you for your gifts, kind donations and voluntary work

PROVIDING ONGOING SUPPORT FOR MANY FAMILIES

Acts of Mercy - helping the needy in the Waterberg
Acts of Mercy – helping the needy in the Waterberg

Highlights of 2023

Sister Grace distributing packs of Dignity Dreams eco-sanitary pads in secondary schools of the Waterberg
Sister Grace distributing packs of Dignity Dreams eco-sanitary pads in secondary schools of the Waterberg, in the Limpopo Province South Africa

School nurse Sister Grace reports “The last quarter of the year was quite hectic for learners and teachers as they had to prepare for their final exams. Grade 12’s went to educational camps and other grades were assessed before promoting them to the next grade. Teachers attended various workshops about examination invigilating, moderating of learner files and team building.

Sister Grace also got involved in providing learners with pre-examination counseling to ensure they felt less anxious during exams.  “Those who performed well progressed to the next grade.”

SCHOOL REPORT FROM NOVEMBER 2023- JANUARY 2024

The Matric results for the Vaalwater Circuit released on 19th January 2024 were lower than the previous year:

Leseding High School – 84.3%

Meetsetshehla High School – 57.8%

Mohlakamotala High School – 77.3%

Moshia High School – 17.5%

Waterberg pupils who did well in their 2023 Matriculation exams winning prizes and awards
Waterberg pupils who did well in their 2023 Matriculation exams winning prizes and awards

HOWEVER, THERE WAS PROGRESS:

  • All schools managed to write their final exams without interruptions
  • Educational camps helped some learners to catch up
  • Average Matric learners will have access to financial support to start their dream careers, enabling them to gain skills at vocational institutions
  • Buses continue to transport learners to school free of charge
  • Sister Grace continues to distribute donated sanitary pads to girls, clothes to disadvantaged learners and the elderly in the community

ON-GOING CHALLENGES:

  • Lack of learning resources in some schools
  • Under performed results for matriculants in 2023
  • Leaners affected by the relocation of teachers to other schools
  • Poverty and lack of parental support
  • Teenage pregnancy and substance abuse
  • Learners repeating the same classes

STATISTICS:

TOTAL NUMBER OF LEARNERS SEEN INDIVIDUALLY BY THE SCHOOL NURSE FROM NOVEMBER TO JANUARY: 145

SOCIAL PROBLEMS – 55

MEDICAL ISSUES – 25

MINOR COMPLAINTS – 30

PREGNANT – 5

REFERRED FOR CONTRACEPTIVES – 30

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

Sister Grace conducted home visits to address various issues faced by learners by involving their parents and guardians and to check the wellbeing of new born babies and their moms. “My involvement in schools has yielded a strong and positive impact among learners, teachers and the community.

However, we look back on 2023 with gratitude:

Keeping girls in school: As the year opened, TWT was able to give every girl entering secondary school a pack of washable eco-sanitary pads that should last them until they leave school and help them to avoid missing lessons.

A letter thinking The Waterberg Trust
A letter from a schoolgirl thanking donors for her washable eco-sanitary pads

Keeping four school vegetable gardens: Amazing supplies were delivered to the Waterberg by Andrew Smith of Environmental Impact Services who also sponsored the school vegetable gardens with seedlings, compost, shade netting and tools. This was a huge encouragement to pupils and staff.

Kind donations from TWT sponsors EIMS
Kind donations from TWT sponsors EIMS

The Environmental Club, supervised by Sister Grace, grows food for school feeding schemes.

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

Save the Waterberg Rhino has been supported by funds donated in the UK

Sponsoring a promising student Elton Chitanda, enabling him to take a degree in computer studies at Eduvos University in Gauteng – read more on this website here.

Elton with his recent certificates
Elton with his recent certificates

School nurse, Sister Grace continued her duties, checking newborn babies and helping the mothers with advice and practical aid.

Sister Grace monitoring the wellbeing of a newborn baby
Sister Grace monitoring the wellbeing of a newborn baby

Pupils Health Education has continued with talks for school children

TB Awareness Campaign in the Waterberg
Learners attending the TB Awareness Campaign in the Waterberg

Sister Grace has also been helping the homeless, including vagrants in need of psychiatric help, and families who lost their homes to fire.

200 TWT Food parcels have been distributed to needy families with beneficiaries sending relatives to collect their groceries put together by volunteers.

In partnership with St John’s Church ‘Acts of Mercy’ initiative, Sister Grace has distributed items of clothing and household essentials donated locally.

Clothes being donated to grandmothers in the Waterberg
Clothes being donated to grandmothers in the Waterberg

Donated items benefit the elderly, teenage mothers and neglected children

Donations for the needy

The Knitting Club in Vaalwater have provided endless homemade woolens and blankets.

Baby clothes
Warm baby clothes donated to teenage mothers in school

The charity fundraising event of the year was the Cambridge and Bedfordshire sponsored bike ride held in May. Another is planned for the second week of Saturday 11th May 2024. Please let us know in the comments below if you are interested in joining us.

TWT Cycle Ride 2023
A great team of cyclists gathered on Saturday 15th May to raise funds for The Waterberg Trust

TWT are planning a bike ride in the Waterberg from 1st to 8th February 2025 that will enable donors to visit the projects.

On 20th April 2024 – one of the South Africa trustees is running the 25 kilometer Oxpecker Ultra Run near Spioenkop in the northern Drakensberg.

You can support this valuable work by donating on Justgiving here and we detail other ways of donating on The Waterberg Trust website here.

The Waterberg Trust is governed by a team of trustees in the UK who meet four times a year and raise funds to finance the projects in the Waterberg.

Trustees of The Waterberg Trust
Trustees of The Waterberg Trust

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

School nurse Sister Grace working with Waterberg school in South Africa
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

Sister Grace with a patient

PRE NATAL AND POST NATAL VISITS

Monitoring a baby born to a teenage schoolgirl

FOOD PARCEL DISTRIBUTION

making donations
Collecting a food parcel

DONATING CLOTHES, BEDDING AND SANITARY PADS

A family receiving donations
A family receiving donations

TREATMENT SUPPORT AND HEALTH EDUCATION FOR FAMILIES AND THE ELDERLY

Young Mothers in The Waterberg

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
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

A drama about the risks of teenage pregnancy performed by Waterberg pupils

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

TB Awareness Campaign in the Waterberg

COUNSELING

NUTRITION – WITH A SHOOL MEALS SCHEME

Produce grown in a school vegetable garden

SCHOOL VEGETABLE GARDENS & RECYCLING PROJECT

Kind donations from TWT sponsors EIMS
Kind donations from TWT sponsors EIMS

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
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 distributing packs of Dignity Dreams eco-sanitary pads in secondary schools of the Waterberg
Sister Grace with 2023 Matric students in new uniforms
Elton with his recent certificates

Our school nurse reports from the Waterberg in South Africa

SCHOOL REPORT FROM JULY – SEPTEMBER 2023

School nurse Sister Grace working with Waterberg school in South Africa
School nurse Sister Grace working with Waterberg school in South Africa

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 23rd 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.
A drama about the risks of teenage pregnancy performed by Waterberg pupils
A drama about the risks of teenage pregnancy performed by Waterberg pupils

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

The Vaalwater based facilitator for Masifunde Learner Development
The Vaalwater based facilitator for Masifunde Learner Development

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
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)

Matric students being motivated to study hard for their exams
Matric students in Vaalwater being motivated to study hard for their exams

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.

Sister Grace encouraging pupils of the Waterberg
Sister Grace encouraging pupils of the Waterberg

Helping those whose lives were devastated by house fires in the Waterberg, South Africa

Sister Grace (centre) distributing warm clothes to those in need in the Waterberg, South Africa

Two families lost their houses and the contents to fire recently, leaving them homeless. The Dept of Social Development managed to provide them with temporary shelter and blankets, but they had no food parcels at their offices. Among the family members were school children who lost their school uniforms and stationery.

Nursing Sister Grace says: “I managed to buy and distribute food parcels. It was not easy as the local supermarket could only allow me to buy three of each item due to lack of stock.”

If you are able to help these families, The Waterberg Trust accepts donations on Justgiving. Details of how to help in other ways can be found on this website here.

Those who received gifts of clothing and sanitary products
A student who lost her school uniform in the fire receiving donated clothes

Sister Grace continues to reach out to those in need in the Waterberg District of South Africa, offering treatment support and health education despite challenges:

  • High cost of living affecting poor families
  • Poor sanitation and no water in informal settlements
  • Increase in teenage pregnancy
  • Dysfunctional families spending money on alcohol, gambling and drugs
  • Community theft involving the youth
  • Food parcels unavailable at the Department of Social Development
Food parcels purchased for needy people with funds raised by TWT

PROGRESS:

  • Short term and permanent employment has been available in the local community
  • Youth are involved in entertainments that keep them occupied during weekends and showcase their talents i.e. choir festivals, soccer & netball, cycling and drama
  • The Social Relief Grant continues to benefit many
Sister Grace purchasing food to donate to the needy
Sister Grace purchasing food to donate to the needy

KNITTING CLUB:

The knitting club continues to knit blankets and beanies which are donated to children in the community so they can keep warm this winter.

Very Many thanks to all our supporters!