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.
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 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 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
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
Thank you for your gifts, kind donations and voluntary work
ACTS OF MERCY HAVE MADE A HUGE IMPACT IN LESEDING TOWNSHIP PROVIDING ONGOING SUPPORT FOR MANY FAMILIES
Acts of Mercy – helping the needy in 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
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 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 2023with 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 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
The Environmental Club, supervised by Sister Grace, grows food for school feeding schemes.
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
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
Pupils Health Education has continued with talks for school children
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
Donated items benefit the elderly, teenage mothers and neglected children
The Knitting Club in Vaalwater have provided endless homemade woolens and blankets.
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.
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.
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
A family receiving donations
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
LEARNING PROBLEMS
TEENAGE PREGNANCY
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
COUNSELING
NUTRITION – WITH A SHOOL MEALS SCHEME
SCHOOL VEGETABLE GARDENS & RECYCLING PROJECT
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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)
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
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.
Sister Grace continues to identify those in need in the Waterberg, and writes to say:
“Thank you for the ongoing support towards the Acts of Mercy project, which has made a huge impact to less privileged families in Vaalwater community.”
The needy are able to receive food parcels financed by The Waterberg Trust.
Vulnerable families receiveitems donated by St Johns Church and others.
Children continue to enjoy meals provided by school feeding schemes.
Schoolgirls no longer miss lessons as they receive free sanitary pads.
The youth participate in sporting activities, which keep them off the streets
Youth get free computer lessons and gain skills in poultry farming, agriculture.
Locals have gained short-term and permanent jobs on surrounding farms, at lodges and with the local municipality.
A TWT food parcel will keep a family going through hard times.
There are challenges:
Prices have increased dramatically.
Irresponsible people spend money on alcohol and gambling instead of food.
Orphaned children’s grant money can be abused by caregivers. Such issues are handled by social workers.
Community theft has increased in our township. Those involved are youth under substance abuse, school dropouts and the unemployed.
Damaged roads with potholes.
Sister Grace assisted a homeless young man who was sleeping on a dump without a blanket or proper clothing. “I noticed he had mental illness. He had arrived in Vaalwater from KZN by foot.”
“I went with him to the supermarket to buy food.” He was offered a vacant room, bathed and provided with clean clothes. Well-wishers donated a foam mattress for him to sleep on. “I bought him a blanket and took him to the local government clinic to seek medical help but he was not assisted due to not having a mental illness history and not having a passport.” After spending a month in Vaalwater, a cousin managed to buy him a bus ticket and he was successfully put on bus heading for Mozambique where he was welcomed home.
Arriving safely in Mozambique
Winter nights have been very cold in the Waterberg this year and children often lack warm clothing.
Donated clothes have been distributed to those in need
Toys were donated to a creche and drawing pencils to a Grade 11 student passionate about art
Art materials were donated to this aspiring artist.
THE KNITTING CLUB has been active
“We knitted blankets and beanies which were donated to the needy during winter season.”
Thank you for the ongoing support, which has made a huge impact in the Vaalwater community. The sanitary pads benefit many girls who are now able to attend classes.
Elton Chitanda with his recent certificates and the laptop he was awarded
The Waterberg Trust is raising sponsorship to enable students whose parents have died to take courses in further education.
The Northern Education Trust in the Waterberg identified Elton Chitanda as an outstanding student in need of support to enable him to study computer science at Eduvos University in Guateng, South Africa.
“We believe Elton is deserving of this support and we look forward to him becoming a very successful young man.”
If you would like to help, even in a small way, TWT can accept donations via Justgiving or other ways detailed on the website here.
TWT previously 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.
Elton Chitanda turned nineteen in April. He lives in Vaalwater with his auntie and younger brother Elvis.
Elton, Grace and Elvis in the Waterberg
Elton writes:
“Your invaluable contribution to my college education has impacted my life immensely, and I cannot thank you enough.”
“My computer science education has been truly enlightening and captivating. Through the curriculum at EDUVOS, I have gained a solid foundation in various aspects of the field. I have acquired programming skills in languages such as Java, Python, and C++, enabling me to develop software applications and solve complex problems. Moreover, I have also learned about database management, algorithm design, and artificial intelligence, broadening my understanding of the limitless possibilities that lie within the realm of computer science.”
“I have successfully completed the second quarter of my studies. It was an intense and challenging period, but with your support, I managed to excel in my exams and achieve promising results. Your belief in me has been a constant source of motivation, driving me to work hard and stay focused on my goals.”
“In addition to my academic pursuits, I have also been actively involved in extracurricular activities to maintain a well-rounded college experience. I recently joined the basketball team to enhance my physical fitness and encourage a sense of teamwork. It has been an incredible opportunity to engage with fellow students and build lasting friendships while staying active and healthy.”
Elton Chitanga in the Waterberg
“I am incredibly appreciative of the financial assistance you have given me, which has not only allowed me to focus entirely on my studies and personal development but also eased the strain of paying tuition. Your trust in my abilities has increased my confidence and given me peace of mind that I am headed in the correct direction for a bright future.”
‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous assistance. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and strive for excellence in my academic studies. Your investment in my education will undoubtedly have a lasting impact, and I am committed to proving myself worthy of your support.”
Sister Grace distributing packs of Dignity Dreams eco-sanitary pads in secondary schools of the Waterberg
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.
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
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.
Produce grown in a school vegetable garden
GOOD NEWS:
FOOD PARCELS WERE BOUGHT AND DISTRIBUTED to four families and a man involved in a car accident who is unable to walk.
Food purchased by TWT and distributed to the needy in January 2023
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.
Clothes being donated to grandmothers in the Waterberg
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.
A TWT School Vegetable Garden sponsored by EIMS
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
The final term of the academic year 2022 saw lots going on with Matric examinations, a career exhibition, educational camps and parents’ meetings.
The Department of Education rolled out a circular which stated that all learners must be kept at school, motivated and provided with extra lessons. In previous years, learners would stay home to study whenever they were not writing exams, but many would be seen roaming the streets and others were distracted by noise within the community. Parents were informed and we all agreed that learners must get extra lessons and not miss school.
All grade 12’s managed to attend education camps to prepare them well before they wrote their final exams. They had to go in divided groups with the top achievers followed by the lower achievers. During that time many learners faced challenges due to the pressure of study. Some grew fatigued and depressed. Sister Grace provided pre-exam counseling and provided coping mechanisms.
Exams went well without any interruptions within surrounding schools.
Dedicated teachers worked longer hours to support learners with extra classes, working over weekends.
The Department of Education introduced a Spelling Bee in schools to help learners improve their English vocabulary as some learners are not able to understand nor spell English words. The Spelling Bee Club members meet twice a week after class.
Some leaners attended a free computer course funded by Afrika Tikkun in partnership with the Waterberg Welfare Society.
Learners who attended computer lessons received certificates at the Farmer’s Hall when various stakeholders were present.
300 reusable sanitary towel packs were distributed to new grade 8 learners at Meetsetshehla and Leseding High Schools in in January 2023.
Each school has a vegetable garden which helps to supplement the feeding scheme and is used by students taking a course in catering.
Learners continue to enjoy balanced meals from school feeding schemes. These help many from disadvantaged families.
MAHLASEDI, MOKOLO AND MEETSHTSHEHLA BENEFICIARIES ACKNOWLEDGED THE RECEIPT OF DONATED SEEDLINGS AND COMPOST. IT WAS A MOMENT OF EXCITEMENT!
THE CIRCURT MANAGER WAS IMPRESSED BY THE SCHOOL PROGRAMME AS SHE WITNESSED ITEMS BEING DONATED TO VARIOUS SCHOOLS AND THANKED THE DONORS FOR THE KIND SUPPORT
Members of The Environmental Club volunteering to grow veggies
CHALLENGES:
A lack or shortage of learning resources such as computers
Broken doors and windows
Shortage of teachers
Some schools will be merged with other schools which will lead to overcrowding and difficulties for teachers
Unemployed school leavers could not access study bursaries and are currently sitting at home doing nothing
Some learners have dropped out of school while others continue to abscond classes.
Some learners are not coping due to peer pressure and poor family backgrounds.
Some continued to abuse alcohol and other substances within the school premises
Community workers keep the school veggie gardens watered during the holidays
LEARNERS WITH VARIOUS ISSUES DURING THIS TERM = 120
PREGNANT – 6 (3 FROM MEETSHETSHLA & 3 LESEDING SCHOOLS)
MENSTURAL ISSUES – 30 (girls with dysmenorrhea. Pads and counseling were provided)
CONTRACEPTIVES – 29 (were referred to the clinic and reproductive health education)
ADHERENCE SUPPORT – 15 (on chronic medication ie: HIV, Antipsychotics & depression)
SOCIAL ISSUES – 15 (Poor family support, alcoholism, age discrimination, poverty & food insecuritY)
NOTE: MORE LEARNERS WERE REACHED IN THEIR CLASSES FOR ASSISTANCE WITH HEALTH TOPICS RELATED TO LIFE ORIENTATION ie. Reproductive health, nutrition, bullying and risks of teenage pregnancies.
Sister Grace teaching Life Skills in the secondary schools of the Waterberg
FUTURE PLANS:
Sister Grace will continue to support learners from surrounding schools and motivate them about the importance of education and hard work while running the recycling project, gardening and providing health education. She will also continue to liaise with stakeholders and teachers to improve learning in schools.
Children of the Waterberg receiving wooly winter hats from the Knitting Club
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.”
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
Sister Grace donating blankets in Leseding Township in the Waterberg
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.
We continue knitting to bless others
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.
The Waterberg Trust 