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.”
Learners attending the TB Awareness Campaign at Mahlasedi Primary School in the Waterberg
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 12th 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.
Produce grown in a TWT school vegetable garden
STATISTICS: TOTAL NUMBER OF LEARNERS SEEN INDIVIDUALLY 175
PREGNANT – 10 (5 Meetstshehla & 5 Leseding .Four of them delivered babies and are doing well.
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.
Sister Grace continues to support those in need in the Waterberg, encouraging families to establish vegetable gardens to supplement to their meals. As school nurse, she encourages kids to return to school, ensuring they don’t get involved in substance abuse prevalent in Leseding Township. Many school girls continued to receive sanitary pads, pens and pencils.
If you would like to support her work and expenses, you can fundraise or make a donation via The Waterberg Trust’s Justgiving page here
PROGRESS:
Unemployed youth are attending learnership courses when they earn a salary.
School children have access to their daily school feeding scheme.
Families are running small businesses selling farm produce, poultry or clothes.
Those registered for Government Social Relief Distress grants continue to receive money.
Churches visit vulnerable community members, providing food and clothes.
Warm baby clothes made by the knitting club
Vulnerable school children were identified by teachers and supported with donated clothes or Matric school shirts. Food parcels bought from local supermarkets are collected by close family members.
Baby clothes donated to teenage mothers
Sister Grace continued reaching out to those in need, however some beneficiaries could not be found as it is harvest time and they have been going to the farms to pick peanuts.
Young mothers receiving items knitted by the knitting club
CHALLENGES:
Poor sanitation and lack of a water supply within the community.
Migration has contributed to an already over-populated community.
There are too many potholes to reach those living in informal settlements.
Small children are involved in smoking drugs, gambling and avoid going to school.
People buy alcohol instead of food for their family. This is a huge problem.
Gender-based violence caused by alcohol abuse affects children.
Food parcels for the needy collected by relatives
If you would like to support the needy by making a donation, funds can be sent to The Waterberg Trust in the UK who organise Gift Aid. We have a Justgiving page and can accept cheques or CAF donations.
We would like to thank members of St John’s Church who donated items and guests from Horizon for their ongoing support. The donations make a huge impact on the community.
Report By: Grace
Distributing donations to the needy in the Waterberg
The Waterberg Trust continues to reach out to schools and attend to learners needs. Many learners struggle to read and spell properly when enrolled in High School. Sister Grace is drafting a roster for primary schools to help pupils improve their reading before reaching secondary school. She referred 145 teenagers to the local Government Clinic to help reduce unplanned pregnancy and checks up on teenage mums and supports those who need adherence monitoring – although roads are in bad state after the rains.
Sister Grace says, “I reached out to all the schools to educate pupils about alcohol & substance abuse, bullying, puberty & menstrual issues and general hygiene. These were sessions were planned with teachers to meet each class separately on an allocated schedule.”
Sister Grace donating packs of eco-sanitary pads in schools fo the Waterberg
Learners consulted individually: 355
Pregnant – 10 (4 at Meetsetshehla & 6 at Leseding High School)
Social Issues – 45 (poor living environment, poverty, dysfunctional families, and orphans)
Learning problems – 65 (Those struggling to meet requirements due to visual impairment or chronic conditions who are repeating same grade several times.)
Counseling – 35 (Provided for those taking ARV’s, anti-epileptics, anti-depressants or suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, severe dysmenorrhea, sexual abuse or bereavement.)
Medical Issues – 45 (Asthma, HIV, epilepsy, depression/anxiety, otitis media, dental infection, chronic tropical ulcers and common skin allergies.) All these conditions were seen at different schools.
Obesity – 10 (were referred to see the dietician. They are monitored every 2 weeks.)
If you would like to support Sister Grace’s amazing work, TWT can accept donations on Justgiving in eight different currencies
Leaping obstacles facing schools of the Waterberg
PROGRESS:
The primary school has since merged with Mokolo Primary School with additional container classrooms provided. The total number of learners merged was 240 to Mokolo School which now has a total of 1,316 children.
Matric results for 2022 came out. Many did well and passed. Those who failed have been given an opportunity to repeat or/and be assisted to rewrite their final exams.
Learners are kept at school longer to attend extra classes.
The circuit office for Vaalwater introduced a prize giving initiative to honor and award learners who performed well. Teachers and schools with a high percentage pass rate (this includes both Primary & High Schools) were also recognized.
Prizes given were certificates, trophies. Laptop computers were given to those who performed best.
New teachers are filling vacant posts.
Schools conducted inter-school athletics at District level and received awards
Grade 12’s attended a career guidance camp.
Some school leavers were given in internships in farming & poultry production. Others have been placed in surrounding schools to assist teachers and learners. They get a monthly stipend. Contracts run from 8 to 12 months.
A snake handling course was held.
Sister Grace teaching Life Skills in the secondary schools of the Waterberg
WE DONATED 300 WASHABLE ECO-SANITARY PADS TO NEWLY ENROLLED GRADE 8s FROM LESEDING AND MEETSETHSEHLA HIGH SCHOOLS. THE DONATION WILL HELP KEEP GIRLS AT SCHOOL WITHOUT MISSING CLASSESDUE TO MENSTRUAL ISSUES. MANY COME FROM POOR FAMILY BACKGROUNDS AND CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY SANITARY PADS.
THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL DONATION
We will need more next year! If you are able to make a donation, however small, you can find our details on the TWT Donate page here
The Waterberg Trust has found sponsorship for every school girl to receive a pack of Dignity Dreams eco-pads
CHALLENGES:
Protests by the community due to lack of transport for learners to school. Many learners had to miss classes for 3 weeks
Overcrowding of learners due to merging of a primary school which was moved from privately owned land.
Inadequate toilets to accommodate the high numbers of learners.
Shortage of staff in surrounding farm schools .
Poor communication channels between schools and stakeholders.
Undisciplined learners who come to school whenever it suits them.
MATRIC RESULTS FOR 2022:
Leseding High School = 97% Now the leading School in the Vaalwater Circuit
Mohlakamotala High School = 79.7%
Meetsetshehla High School = 60.2%
HEALTH EDUCATION:
Schools of the Waterberg reopened on the 11th January 2023. Some were not ready due to various challenges: there were no busses to transport learners to school, toilets were inadequate and there was a closure of a primary school located on privately owned land.
New classrooms being delivered to Mokolo Primary School
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.
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.
Sister Grace in the Waterberg
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.
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.
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 