Thank you for helping those in need in the Waterberg, South Africa

August 1, 2023Africa, Charity, Community projects, Ending period poverty, Healthcare, Home Based Care, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, Leseding Vaalwater, Limpopo Province, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

Elton Chitanda, Grace Ismail and Elvis Chitanda — Sister Grace in the Waterberg

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 receive items 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 food parcel costing very little which will keep a family going through hard times. — 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.

Safely arrived in Mozambique — 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.

Your donations are highly appreciated. TWT has Justgiving page here

and can accept donations in all the conventional ways – please see our page here

TWT raises sponsorship for a promising university student from the Waterberg in South Africa.

July 12, 2023Africa, Education, Limpopo Province, Orphans, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, Further education support, Limpopo Province, South Africa, sponsor a student from the Waterberg through university in South Africa, sponsor a student through university in South Africa, University sponsorshipSophie Neville

Elton with his recent certificates — 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.”

Kind Regards,

Elton Chitanda

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

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

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

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

Sister Grace working in schools of the Waterberg

LEARNERS FROM MEETSETSHEHLA HIGH SCHOOL WHO RECEIVED A MEASLES VACCINE

PROGRESS:

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

CHALLENGES:

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

Sister Grace monitors the well-being of newborn babies.

Sister Grace monitoring the wellbeing of a newborn baby

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

Monitoring a baby born to a teenage schoolgirl

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

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

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

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

Compiled By: Grace

Reaching out to those in need in the Waterberg, South Africa

June 8, 2023Africa, Charity, Community projects, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, Limpopo Province, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South AfricaSophie Neville

An ACTS OF MERCY REPORT – MAY 2023

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.

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 in The Waterberg — 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

making donations — Distributing donations to the needy in the Waterberg

The Waterberg Trust’s fundraising cycle ride through Bedfordshire and Cambridge was a great success!

May 15, 2023UncategorizedSophie Neville

TWT Cycle Ride 202 — An enthusiastic team of cyclists gathered on Saturday 13th May to raise funds for The Waterberg Trust

“What a wonderful day… Magnificent route enjoying some wonderful English countryside.”

A great time was had on Saturday 13th May when trustees and supporters of The Waterberg Trust set off on bikes to take part in a challenge ride through Bedfordshire and Cambridge.

Thanks to generous donors, they raised a total of £10,695 for projects that the uplift the lives of young people in the Waterberg. You can read about the challenges they face on our website here.

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

As well as funding Save The Waterberg Rhino, the Waterberg Trust provides a school nurse who runs an Environmental Club and manages a number of small but effective projects from school vegetable gardens and recycling initiatives to the distribution of food parcels for the needy. You can see recent photos here.

If you would like to support The Waterberg Trust, they have a Justgiving page for donations here and can accept cheques or CAF cheques – details here

TWT Cycle Ride 2023 — TWT Trustee William Orme and his wife Fiona who planned the route and entertained riders

The route was designed to suit every level of rider and all types of bikes were encouraged. Cyclists took in the glorious countryside and were provided with lunch at Southill Park near Biggleswade and refreshments enroute. 37 riders completed the 80 mile route, with 10 taking the 47 mile option.

“Lunch was magnificent and the mid morning scotch egg and flap jacks a highlight.”

Many thanks to the back up team and all who took part

We met at 8.30am at the Orme family’s house Fen Ditton – close to Cambridge North Station for those arriving by train and headed down the cycleway to St Ives, enjoying our first party-stop at Gravely. Refreshed, we headed south west through the pretty villages of Bedfordshire to Sir John Soane’s Moggerhanger Hall before reaching Southill Park for some Whitbread family hospitality. This is where the 47-mile route ended. Most cycled on through the villages of South Cambridgeshire, pedalling via Grantchester, the cycle lanes of historic Cambridge and along the River Cam, to finish back in Fen Ditton for a riders’ & supporters’ party.

“What an absolutely splendid and fabulous day of cycling and general merriment – thank you for organising everything so beautifully (most esp a nice flat car free route ) and for wining and dining us throughout.“

“The setting for lunch was like something from the pages of the novel, everyone was so friendly and interesting.”

The cyclists loved the fen flat, no potholes, totally traffic free cycleway from Cambridge North station to St Ives. Many commented on St Ives’ pretty town centre and the historic stone bridge we crossed. Our mid-morning tea & coffee stop at the George’s, with the now legendary Franklin’s homemade scotch eggs, was a highlight for many. The prettiest countryside came in Bedfordshire after we crossed the A1, as we peddled through Moggerhanger, Northill, Ickwell, and past Shutteworth to arrive at stunning Southill Park for lunch in the garden.

Many made a mountain out of a (mole) hill at Barrington Hill, the only real climb we had all day. Some enjoyed the slower pace of the cycleways through Cambridge, even stopping for a millpond-side pub for a pint amongst the punts. Others cursed the bumpy surface and strollers for slowing them down.

The day was not without its dramas, starting with an exploding tyre only a few 100 yards from the start and a couple of cyclists coming off on slippery corners, thankfully only scratches and bumps. Charlie and Jane provided a magnificent back up service.

“Thank you so much for hosting us and organising such an awesome day yesterday! Loved it.”

Everyone raised or donated at least £100 and it looks as if we have generated a total of £9,000, which is fantastic.

TWT trustee William Orme has an Orme Family Justgiving page for the cycle ride here

TWT Chairman Barry Burles has a Justgiving page dedicated to the ride here

Please let us know via the comments box below if you’d like to commit to a date and start training for 2024. Why not persuade your club or family and friends to come too. Think of organizing a team!

What The Waterberg Trust is doing right now

May 10, 2023UncategorizedSophie Neville

Our school nurse, Sister Grace, has been busy during the Easter Holidays, supporting chronically ill patients in the community in urgent need of food, clothes and proper nursing care. Gender-based violence has led to stabbing and loss of lives.

“During the month of April, we lost 4 patients within a week! All required nutritional support and counseling. I managed to visit some of the patients and bathed them.” She dressed their wounds but sadly the patients died.

“If there was a proper healthcare facility or Hospice in our community some of the issues would have been attended on time and lives could have been saved.“

People of the Waterberg are suffering due to:

THE GOVERNMENT CLINIC IS UNDERSTAFFED AND SHORT OF MEDICATION
POOR LIVING CONDITIONS: OVER CROWDING, NO PROPER TOILETS, NO ELECTRICITY
INCREASE IN COMMUNITY THEFT BY BOYS ADDICTED TO DRUGS
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND KNIFE CRIME
CHILD-HEADED FAMILIES WHO ROAM THE STREETS OR HANG AROUND BEGGING WHEN THEY COULD BE IN SCHOOL
POOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: GRANT MONEY USED FOR GAMBLING AND ALCOHOL
LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OR INFORMATION ABOUT CHRONIC MEDICATION
FOREIGNERS ARE SCARED TO GO TO THE LOCAL CLINIC AND DEFAULT ON TREATMENT

A 25-YEAR-OLD MAN WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND PASSED AWAY ON 16 APRIL 2023.

Sister Grace has found herself providing post traumatic counseling, passive exercises, nutritional supplements and clothes. “When I come across cases that need further intervention, I refer them to Doctor Farrant and he guides me … I am so grateful to work with him closely.”

Pictures of terminally ill patients couldn’t be shared here due to sensitive content

TWT food parcels and clothing donated through Acts of Mercy has been distributed

THOSE IN NEED WERE IDENTIFIED BY CHURCH ELDERS. BABY CLOTHES AND A FOOD PARCEL WERE DONATED TO A TEENAGE MOM AND CLOTHES TO A CHURCH MEMBER WHO LOST HER BELONGINGS IN A SHACK FIRE

PROGRESS:

The Government has introduced skills development courses in agriculture and poultry farming, basic First-Aid, snake handling, business management.
Cycling clubs help keep the youth occupied and off the streets
The Social Relief Grant has been extended to support families
Community members are back at work, selling farm produce and rearing chickens.
Some sell waste to the local recycling company

A counselling session

Sister Grace would like to thank donors for their ongoing support and donations of clothes, stationery and sanitary pads, which has helped less privileged children and adults. She continues to distribute food parcels for those who have low or no source of income, assessing the home situation and identifying needs. Forty people were aided this month despite damaged roads.

If you are able to support Sister Grace’s work financially, even in a small way, you can find different ways on TWT’s DONATE page. We have ideas for fundraising here.

Help provided for schools of the Waterberg in South Africa

April 8, 2023Charity, Education, Ending period poverty, HIV awareness, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vulnerable ChildrenAfrica, Charity, Limpopo Province, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

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 CLASSES DUE 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 11^th 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

TWT Cambs-Beds Cycle Ride on Saturday 13th May 2023

February 20, 2023Charity fundraising eventCharity fundraising event, Fundraising for the Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride, Long-distance cycle ride through Cambridge and Bedfordshire, Sponsored ride, WaterbergSophie Neville

TWT supporters are taking part in a sponsored cycle ride through Bedfordshire and around Cambridge on Saturday 13^th May 2023

The route is fantastic, designed for every level of rider and the refreshments will be good. Let us know in the comments below if you can join us another time.

The Waterberg Trust needs funds to continue employing a school nurse. Sister Grace enables children of the Waterberg to attend school regularly, helping to improve their life opportunities. She runs an Environmental Club and manages a number of small but effective projects from four school vegetable gardens and a recycling project to the distribution of food parcels for the needy. You can see recent photos here.

TWT chairman Barry Burles is raising funds on Justgiving here

TWT trustee William Orme has an Orme Family Justgiving page for the cycle ride here

This year’s fundraising cycle ride offers something for everybody. The carefully planned route takes in the cycle-paths of Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire with an 80-mile circular loop from Fen Ditton to Southill Park and back.

There is a 47-mile option that ends at lunchtime.

All bike types are encouraged: town, hybrid, road bike or electric – whatever you have.

We meet 8.30am at the Orme family’s house Fen Ditton – close to Cambridge North Station for those coming by train. We head down the cycleway via Hemingford Grey to St Ives, enjoying our first party-stop.

Refreshed, head south to Sir John Soane’s Moggerhanger Hall before reaching Southill Park for some Whitbread family hospitality and lunch at their beautiful home. This is where the 45-mile route ends, 4 miles from Biggleswade station.

Keener cyclists will head east, taking back lanes through the villages of South Cambridgeshire, pedalling via Grantchester, through the cycle lanes of historic Cambridge and along the River Cam, to finish back in Fen Ditton for a riders’ & supporters’ after party chez Orme. 🥂🎈🥳

Please let us know via the comments box below if you’d like to commit to a date and start training for 2024. Why not persuade your family and friends to come too, or organize a team?

We’re hoping to double TWT’s amazing fund-raising total of over £9,000 raised in 2022. Everyone should plan to raise or donate at least £100. For those on the 45-mile trip we can help with returning you and your bike back to Fen Ditton.

TWT has a Justgiving page for donations here and can accept cheques – details here

TWT Chairman Barry Burles has a Justgiving page dedicated to the ride here

TWT North Norfolk Cycle Ride 2022 — TWT’s Fundraising Cycle Ride, 2022

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

February 8, 2023Africa, Charity, Community projects, Education, Ending period poverty, Healthcare, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Home Based Care, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, School vegetable gardens, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, Donate, Limpopo Province, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, sponsor a child in Africa, sponsor a school vegetable garden, WaterbergSophie Neville

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.

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

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

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

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

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

The garden at St John’s Church Cottage in Vaalwater

PROGRESS:

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

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

CHALLENGES:

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

GOOD NEWS:

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

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.

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.

Grateful for sponsorship for our school vegetable gardens in the Waterberg, South Africa

January 23, 2023Africa, Charity, Community projects, Education, Ending period poverty, Healthcare, HIV awareness, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, Peer Education, School vegetable gardens, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Trustees, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, WaterbergAfrica, Charity, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

Kind donations from TWT sponsors Environmental Impact Management Services

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.

SEEDLINGS, COMPOST AND SHADE NETTING WAS DONATED BY ANDREW SMITH OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MANAGEMENT SERVICES (EIMS)

PROGRESS:

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)

MEDICAL AILMENTS – 25 (Post abortion sepsis, anxiety, depression, asthma, migraine headaches & mental health)

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.

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.

Very many thanks go to

Andrew Smith and his team from Environmental Impact Management Services for their kind donations which brought inspiration, joy and encouragement.

If you can offer help or make a donation we have more information on TWT’s Donate page

TWT also has a Justgiving page

Small amounts can make a huge difference and any funds are spent carefully.

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