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
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
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.
Food parcels distributed in Vaalwater from May to June 2022
As Covid -19 restrictions have been relaxed, many people have returned to their daily routine. Some are employed, others are running small businesses selling farm produce, running hair salons, gardening or recycling. Chicken projects, funded by government vouchers amounting R2000 per person, help to generate income to buy food and essential needs for families.
Sister Grace says, “I reached out to those who really needed social support and have no source of income. I also supported one Matric learner with medication and 4 girls with Matric uniform (golf t-shirts). I donated some clothes to those in need, and baby wear to teenage mums.”
59 people received gifts of essential groceries and clothing this month
School feeding schemes continue to provide meals for learners with many gaining access to meals on daily basis. “We continue to issue basic food parcels to help those in need. Upon arrangement, beneficiaries normally collect their food parcel directly from the supermarket, while some send family members or friends to collect on their behalf.”
The knitting club continues to knit blankets, beanies and jerseys to bless those in need.
A donation of beautiful dresses. Boys received jeans or shoes.
CHALLENGES:
Shortage of supplies from the supermarkets. The regular contents of food parcels could not be found in one supermarket. We needed to shop around.
The price of food and other essentials has drastically increased and varies from one shop to another.
Huge families tend to run out of food. Some received two food parcels to enable them to last for a month.
Some had delayed Social Relief Grants, but this has now been rectified.
Dysfunctional families continue to abuse social grants by buying alcohol instead of food and essentials.
Leseding Township has become a hotspot of community theft and gender-based violence, especially in taverns. Three young men were brutally stabbed to death after a fight.
Most children below the age of 15 years are into substance abuse and alcohol consumption, skipping school.
Ending period poverty
PROGRESS:
Some individuals have come up with activities for the youth in our community such as sports and a fun run. This happens on weekly basis and children are able to spend time playing at the local park.
The Social Relief Grant has been extended, enabling those who apply to support their families.
Many small business owners received vouchers through government solidarity funds.
Disadvantaged girls continue to receive free sanitary pads during school holidays.
Sister Grace Ismail in the Waterberg
FUTURE PLANS:
Sister Grace will continue to reach out to those in need and provide social support.
Stakeholders include local churches, Social Development, Community leaders and the local Police Station who inform us of the needy.
Sister Grace provides basic health care and methods of contraception in an attempt to reduce teenage pregnancies.
The gift of a new dress
MANY THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO KEEP DONATING CLOTHES WHICH HELP THE NEEDY CHILDREN AND ADULTS
Learners receiving a donation of sanitary pads so they do not miss lessons. They have each received a set of eco-pads with advice that has transformed their lives.
We have good news from the Limpopo Province of South Africa where the school nurse, Grace Ismail says the donation of washable sanitary towels, “has made a huge impact and girls no longer miss classes due to menstrual issues.”
The Northern Education Trust write from the Waterberg to say:
“Sr Grace Ismail is continuing to do a great job with Meetsetshehla School, Leseding High School and other feeder schools. We look forward to seeing her make a significant change in the lives of these learners. We so appreciate your generosity and continued support and encouragement over the years as we continue to strive to provide the best possible education for the poorest of the poor. “
Accepting a donation of school bags
SCHOOL REPORT FROM APRIL – JUNE 2022
DAILY TASKS:
South African education is at low ebb but after noticing that the numbers of Corvid–19 had declined, the Department of Education decided all schools should return to full daily attendance with daily screening of learners and teachers who all wear masks in classrooms.
“We noticed a few teachers at Primary schools tested positive with minimal symptoms which cleared within a short period. All grade 12’s are attending classes from Monday – Saturday to ensure they are well prepared before writing their final year examinations. All other grades wrote mid-year exams, which will enable them to be promoted to the next grade.”
The Department of Education has allocated examination centre numbers for the final year learners in all High Schools. Sister Grace says, “During this hectic time, I come across learners who are depressed, anxious or have fatigue due to the school workload. However, I provide pre-exam counseling about coping and how best they can utilize time when studying. Dedicated teachers are working very hard to support learners with extra lessons after school and on weekends, hoping for good results at the end of the year.”
Sister Grace
PROGRESS:
Extra teachers have been employed to fill up the gaps left by those who have relocated.
Teachers from two High Schools work together at weekends to provide extra lessons.
Stakeholders and the School Governing Body visit schools regularly to address issues faced by learners and encourage them about importance of study and passing exams.
There are positive changes at Meetsetshehla Secondary School after the appointment of an Acting Principal and Head of Department who ensure leaners are getting support.
All learners have access to food from the feeding scheme. This helps those who come to school without eating.
Community members growing food for the school feeding scheme
CHALLENGES:
Inadequate toilets: some schools are using mobile toilets and others a school pit latrine. 10 mobile toilets at Meetsetshehla Secondary School are not enough.
Primary Schools are overcrowded with 1,700 to 1,900 learners, which makes it difficult for some to understand the teacher .
Teenage mums miss classes as they need to stay home to look after their babies.
Many school leavers have no access bursaries for University or College and are just sitting at home despite having done well at school.
A learner who is bravely coming for counseling for substance abuse
Addiction to substance abuse and alcohol.
Learners with depression have suicidal thoughts as they don’t want to share their challenges nor speak out. I provide psychosocial counseling
Overaged learners are not coping in the junior classes. They have repeated more than three times without progressing.
Fuel is needed for the school nurse – She has to visit different schools and learners at home such as teenage moms and needs to collect medication from the clinic.
Learners at Meesetshela Secondary School prepare seed beds before planting veggies
SCHOOL VEGETABLE GARDENS FOR MOKOLO PRIMARY SCHOOL AND MEETSETSHELA HIGH SCHOOL ARE PROVING SUCCESSFUL. NUTRITION IS KEY TO LEARNERS.
The Head of Department is willing to reinstate a Young Christians’ Prayer Club where they can have time of prayer with learners to empower them spiritually and prepare them for challenges such as a court hearing faced by a victim of rape.
A pregnant learner receiving a donation of baby clothes
MATERIAL SUPPORT:
“I received various items which were donated to learners in the form of clothes, school bags and disposable sanitary pads. Female learners are no longer having challenges due to menstrual issues as they come to my office whenever they need help.”
“SOME OF THE LEARNERS RECEIVED DONATED ITEMS – THEY WERE SO GRATEFUL“
Some of the clothing donated to primary schools this winter
MEETINGS:
Sister Grace says, “I attended meetings with various stakeholders from different organizations about issues of education in surrounding schools, bullying and gender-based violence, teenage pregnancies and substance abuse, which has affected youth and many family members. i.e. Victim support, the local Police Station, Environmental and awareness teams, the Mayor, church leaders and community leaders.”
“At the end of the meetings all participants agreed on how best they can support and protect youth especially those still at school. There are reports of insecurity for learners going to school as criminals hide in the bushes and attempt to snatch their phones or rape girls. The local municipality will consider clearing the tall grass to ensure the safety of the learners.”
A learner expecting a baby receives a donation
STATISTICS:
TOTAL NUMBER OF LEANERS SEEN INDIVIDUALLY: 120
PREGNANT: 5 – 3 at Meetsetshehla & 2 at Leseding High School.
COUNSELING: 15 – Adherence to chronic meds, withdrawal methods of alcohol & substances, bereavement, and post traumatic stress counseling after sexual abuse.
CONTRACEPTIVES: 20 – Referred to access contraceptives from the local clinic.
NOTE: Numbers declined as learners were writing exams and some stayed at home to study.
Swollen hands make it difficult for this learner to hold a pencil
FUTURE PLANS:
To continue to monitor and support learners during the holidays and check- up on boys who have been referred for medical circumcision, which will be performed by the local clinic.
To continue to liaise with teachers who are secondary care givers who alert the nurse if there is an urgent matter to be addressed.
To continue to distribute washable sanitary pads and other donations.
A gift of school bags
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Sister Grace says, “I would like to thank Doctor Farrant for always being there whenever I have sick learners who need to be seen urgently. He makes time to see and examine them at no cost from his consulting room.”
“To my employers and all the sponsors, may you receive my gratitude for all the effort to ensure I have a secure job to be able to support my family.”
Schools are closed for 3 weeks but Matric learners will continue to attend extra classes.
The good news is that we are bing able to make a huge difference to the lives of ordinary people in the Waterberg by giving advice, making connections and providing those in need with specific donations.
ACTS OF MERCY REPORT FOR MARCH AND APRIL 2022
Now lockdown restrictions have been eased, many of our former beneficiaries are back at work. Some are engaged in informal trading, selling farm produce or clothes. Others are farming poultry or working in hair salons and Spaza shops. And many are receiving Social Relief Grants and food parcels from the Social Development, which are being delivered to the community. School children benefit from the feeding schemes on daily basis.
Food parcels for the needy in rural South Africa
Besides food parcels, some beneficiaries were in need of essential supplies like washing powder, bath soap, clothes and nutritional supplements.
CHALLENGES:
We are seeing improper use of social grants meant to buy food for families
Alcohol and substance abuse among youth and adults is leading to Gender Based Violence. Fighting in beer taverns has resulted in the loss of two young male teenagers’ lives.
Community theft is on the rise. Houses are broken into and goods stolen. People feel insecure when walking alone, in fear of being attacked.
Increased unemployed youth leads to lack of productivity, resulting in drinking alcohol, teenage pregnancy and family disputes.
Increase in fuel prices have caused price fluctuation of food, transport and clothing.
Many roads have been severely damaged due to heavy rains. It is difficult to reach out to those in need of proper assessment and support.
TWT wants to equip every schoolgirl in the Waterberg with eco-sanitary wear so they do not miss lessons
PROGRESS:
Jobs have been created and some beneficiaries are able to provide for their families.
The Government’s solidarity fund has helped some community members by providing them with free vouchers to start poultry projects and other small businesses, which can help to generate income to support families. The vouchers are worth R2000 per beneficiary.
Many community members have had the Covid-19 vaccine and are aware of preventative measures and hygiene protocols.
Sister Grace says, “MANY THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO DONATED VARIOUS ITEMS WHICH BENEFITED THOSE IN NEED, MAY GOD GREATLY BLESS YOU ALL“
Please see our DONATE page for other ways of giving. We welcome fundraising activities and have some ideas here.
Would you be able to raise funds for school shoes? It would ensure children enter primary school at the age of six instead of wandering the streets.
MEETINGS:
Sister Grace attended meetings with the Victim Support Unit based at the local police station, and an event to keep the community informed about Gender Based Violence and to ensure there is unity and teamwork when it comes to protection of children, women and vulnerable people. A 56 year old man was arrested for sexually abusing a 13 year old mentally ill girl several times. The girl continues to attend school as they await for court ruling.
“I also attended a meeting with the department of Social Development and SASSA who discussed social grants applications, food parcels and support needed for the homeless. We agreed that beneficiaries who qualify for food parcels may be referred to their office for further help.”
She has asked the Community to take part in identifying those in need of help so that they can receive timely support.
Sister Grace working in schools of the Waterberg under Dr Peter Farrant
FUTURE PLANS:
Sister Grace will continue to reach out to those in need.
She will continue to work with stake holders to ensure everyone supports each other and avoid duplication.
She will continue to educate family members on basic health, where to access essential services and provide ongoing treatment, support and counseling to those in need.
Food parcel distribution continues
Volunteers purchase and distribute monthly food parcels to those in need. This is what each one looked like this month
A kind donation of essentials for a mother and baby made recently
BENEFICIARIES RECEIVED DONATED CLOTHES, BABY THINGS AND SANITARY PADS FOR SCHOOL GIRLS
Schoolgirls receiving sanitary protection this month. We need to ensure they do not miss lessons.
Dr Peter Farrant writes to say, “Thank you for your continued support…it is GREATLY appreciated!” There is a significant shortage of teachers, which is concerning, and never-ending social and medical needs. He says “Sister Grace is a stable rock in the school, which is a huge benefit to the scholars.”
LEARNERS BEING SCREENED BEFORE CLASS. THOSE WITH CHICKEN POX or SCABIES ARE SENT HOME
All learners returned to school on full-time basis this term with Covid-19 protocols observed. Between 600–1200 learners are screened daily. Learners continue to wear masks and are sanitised upon arrival. Outdoor activities are allowed in all schools and pupils participate in various athletics, which increases physical fitness. The infection rate has reduced as many staff members and learners have had Covid-19 vaccines.
Only two primary schools had Covid-19 positive cases among staff members, and control measures were undertaken.
CHALLENGES:
ADDRESSING LEARNERS ON DANGERS OF GENGER BASED VIOLENCE AND BULLYING AT SCHOOL AND WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITY
Shortage of staff, as a result of teachers relocating or being promoted in different educational sectors, has prevented learners from catching up academically. Pupils can spend a whole day without being taught.
Poor sanitation due to inadequate toilets for the huge numbers of learners
Overcrowding now all learners are fully attending school: 42 learners or more per class
Pregnant learners continue to hide. Their condition is only noticed during routine screening when they reach their 2nd or 3rd trimester. Daily monitoring, counselling and support are then provided.
Overaged learners, who have repeated courses more than 3 times, are stuck in the same grade and can become bad influencers. Some are involved in theft of other learner’s valuables, which makes pupils feel unsafe.
Undisciplined learners come to school to disrupt others. Some are under the influence of alcohol. (Parents have been called to a hearing.)
Hysteric attacks in girls, which they believe was related to ancestral calling. These were controlled with the involvement of parents
PROGRESS:
Improved Matric pass rate for Meetsetshehla Secondary School of 78% – compared to 63% in 2020 and Leseding High School 73 %.
Senior learners continue to attend extra classes at weekends and during the holidays.
The employment of general workers and teacher assistants in schools has helped to keep school premises clean. Teachers are assisted with administration and book keeping. The Job Creation Scheme was a Government initiative to ensure youth are employed and equipped with skills by giving them a year’s contract in schools.
Feeding schemes continue to provide daily meals to learners many of whom come to school without eating.
The local education circuit office managed to source temporary staff to fill teaching gaps while schools awaited formal advertising of vacant posts
Sister Grace spoke to classes about teenage pregnancy, menstrual issues, contraceptives, cyberbullying, along with the dangers of substance abuse and its effect.
“I AM ALSO INVOLVED IN A RECYCLING PROJECT OF BOTTLES, PAPER AND CARDBOX WHICH ARE THEN COLLECTED AND SOLD TO THE LOCAL RECYCLING COMPANY. THIS PROJECT HELPS TO EMPOWER THOSE UNEMPLOYED TO EARN EXTRA INCOME THROUGH WASTE MANAGEMENT. A TRUCK COMES TO FETCH RECYCLABLES WHEN BAGS ARE FULL.”
STATISTICS: TOTAL NUMBER OF THOSE SEEN INDIVIDUALLY: 167
PREGNANT – 20 (12 from Meetsetshehla Secondary School & 8 Leseding High School)
MEDICAL ISSUES – 8 : Asthma, Chicken pox, Herpes Zoster, Epilepsy, Dental infection and HIV
MINOR ISSUES – 55 : Menstrual issues, abdominal cramps, headaches, sports injuries and allergies
SOCIAL PROBLEMS – 20 :Due to poor family support, obesity due to improper diet, lack of funds to access a rehabilitation centre, and unhealthy living conditions, which distract pupils from studying.
PSYCHOLOGICAL – 10 : 6 cases of hysteria, 2 rape victims, 2 grieving the loss of loved ones, plus cases of abuse.
ADHERENCE COUNSELING – 25 : HIV medication, Epilepsy and depression.
CONTRACEPTIVES – 29 cases referred to access various methods of contraception
Sister Grace in the Waterberg
FUTURE PLANS:
I will continue to educate learners’ about the risks of teenage pregnancy, reproductive and sexual health, sexual transmitted infections and preventative measures.
I will invite stakeholders from the local government clinic who run youth friendly programs to motivate our learners and to encourage more girls to access different contraceptives
I will regularly meet up with security personnel who can assist with learners’ safety due to increasing number of drug addicts who hide in the bushes and want to commit crimes like raping girls and snatching phones or school essentials. One 16 year-old girl was raped on her way to school. She’s currently receiving medical care and psychological counseling from the local clinic.
Schools are closed for 2 weeks from the 18th March and re-open on the 4th April 2022
Explaining how to use washable sanitary pads
If you would like to help The Waterberg Trust finance this amazing work, you can find details or who to contact and how to make a donation here.
MANY THANKS!
Even very small amounts of money go a long way to help the people of the Waterberg and enable learners to achieve their dreams.
Dr Peter Farrant of the Northern Education Trust reports that January and February 2022 have been a very busy time with all sorts of challenges in the schools and the community. As Covid slows down, there is a slow return to normal life. “The uptake of vaccine in the community has been good and, consequently, the severity of infections of Covid has declined.”
Nursing Sister Grace Ismail working in the Waterberg
ACTS OF MERCY REPORT JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2022
Sister Grace worked in collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure necessary requirements and social support was provided for 43 people in need. The Department of Social Development referred some families to us as they had no supplies. Others were referred by local religious leaders who asked us to help those in dire need. On being contacted, each beneficiary goes to the supermarket to collect their food parcel.
Sister Grace liaises with church elders and reassess beneficiaries before providing support. “I come across challenges like loss of shelter due to rain, no food or essential supplies, and orphaned children left with no proper guardians to look after them.” Other issues have been violence-related due to misunderstandings, with youngsters involved in domestic theft, alcohol and substance abuse. “I noticed that many children who live with secondary guardians lacked proper care. Their social grants are being misused.”
Purchasing food for food parcels for those in need
CHALLENGES:
Insecurity in our community is on the rise, which has led to houses being broken into and belongings being stolen
Increase in teenage pregnancies. Girls aged between 14 – 20 are expecting and drop out of school
Social grants are mismanaged: funds intended for buying food are used for gambling and alcohol
Youth with addictions have no access to rehabilitation due to lack of funds. As a result they still roam within the community, abusing drugs such as glue, smoking nyaope, and sharing injections. Those addicted are between the ages of 10 -20 years.
Increase of prices for essential supplies and food stuffs including clothing.
Inadequate food supplies from the Department of Social Development.
I do face difficulties reaching out to many families due to damaged roads but am able to call or send someone to deliver messages and food.
WHAT WE ARE DOING:
Helping teenage school girls who fall pregnant
A knitted blanket was donated to a 14 year old expecting a baby
“TEENAGE MOMS HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH BLANKETS AND BABY EQUIPMENT. ALL ATTEND DIFFERENT SCHOOLS.”
The kind donation of a hand-knitted jersey
“TEENAGE PREGNANCY IS HUGE PROBLEM IN OUR COMMUNITY. MANY OF THESE GIRLS DON’T WANT TO USE CONTRACEPTIVES REGARDLESS OF ALL THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EDUCATION OFFERED TO THEM.”
Re-gaining health in the Waterberg
ONE MOZAMBICAN NATIONAL WAS UNAPPROACHABLE, AFFECTED BY MENTAL ILLNESS, UNTILL WE INTERVENED AND SENT HIM FOR MEDICAL HELP.
Sister Grace says, ‘I collect his medication from the clinic every month to ensure he doesn’t default treatment.’ He now seems to be doing well
A man whose home blew down in the storm
“THIS MAN LIVES IN A SHACK WHICH WAS BLOWN AWAY BY WIND AND HEAVY RAIN. I PROVIDED FOOD AND A BLANKET BEFORE REFERRING HIM TO THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR ASSISTANCE WITH PROPER SHELTER.”
DONATIONS:
“I am thankful for the sanitary pads and clothes donated by Horizon guests, which I was able to distribute to those in need. The sanitary pads benefited school girls who received them with gratitude as they will not miss out classes due to menstrual issues.”
The Department of Social Development managed to provide food parcels to those with valid identification documents.
As we have moved to level 1 of lockdown restrictions, many people are back at work. Some are receiving the Social Relief Grants to enable them to provide food for their families.
“I will continue to reach out to those who are in great need and encourage those with income to spend it on basic needs instead of alcohol and gambling.”
Learners have access to daily meals from all surrounding school’s feeding schemes.
“I will continue regular meetings with the local Police Victim Support Unit, religious leaders and with social workers to ensure community members have access to services they need.”
The work of The Waterberg Trust is being added by a Knitting Club in Vaalwater who have been making blankets and clothing for the needy. Please let us know if you would like to donate money for us to purchase wool, at a reduced price, in the comments below.
ACTS OF MERCY REPORT DECEMBER 2021
Dr Peter Farrant writes to say: “Grace has been busy in the community as you will see. We were able to distribute some seven bed bases and mattresses to deserving people…a lodge in Welgevonden was up grading, and a member of our community assisted with mattresses. Food inflation is a significant problem. The support is therefore needed. Many thanks for the support you give…it is greatly appreciated.”
A gift of useful clothing
Upon identifying those in need Sister Grace bought food parcels and essential supplies during the festive season. She writes to say: “I did my normal assessments in a different way through telephonically and referrals from the community due the rising numbers of Covid 19 cases… This time I did not invite more people to the supermarket but bought food and sent volunteers to deliver it to avoid overcrowding.” She supported a grieving family, who sadly lost a teenager, with a food parcel as the mother is unemployed and had no source of income.
We had 78 beneficiaries this month.
Food parcels for the needy in rural South Africa
CHALLENGES:
Neglected family members being left without any support, food or shelter. Some beneficiaries abuse social grants intended for buying food. Instead they use the money to buy alcohol or for gambling, which means they have no food for their family
Increase in alcohol and substance abuse leading to Gender Based Violence and Community theft
Unattended children roaming the streets. One child aged two years was found on the street alone. He was handed over to the local police station for identification as he couldn’t talk.
Some elderly parents live alone without primary caregivers and some of are on medication which needs supervision.
Poor adherence in some mentally ill patients. They do not understand the proper dosage for their treatment
A kind donation of mattresses
FUTURE PLANS:
To ensure that the community, various church leaders and other stakeholders are involved in the Acts of Mercy Activities. i.e. to assist those who are homeless, reunite homeless people with their families and provide appropriate shelter.
The knitting club will continue to knit blankets and warm beanies before winter.
Sister Grace will engage with families who are neglecting their chronically ill patients and encourage them to support, provide basic needs and ensure they take their medication regularly, as prescribed.
She will continue to educate families about the importance of being responsible, help them to understand the purpose of social grants, and to refer those with ID documents to Social Development to be registered in the system.
She would like to express appreciation all those who donated clothes, sanitary pads, beds and finances to the Acts of Mercy.
We would like to thank local people for their kind donations of food, clothing and household items.
The Waterberg Trust 