School nurse Sister Grace distributing packs of Dignity Dreams washable sanitary pads for schoolgirls
Could you change a schoolgirl’s future?
Did you know that the majority of secondary school girls in the Waterberg can miss a week’s education every month? Can you imagine what this means to their future life chances?
The reason? They lack sanitary protection. You can change this. For just £15 a girl will receive 6 re-suable Dignitary Dreams sanitary pads with two pairs of pants that will last them for 5 years. This is an educational game-changer, ending shame and improving self-esteem for vulnerable teenagers.
It’s simple, it makes an immediate difference, and has a lifelong benefit.
Can you help?
The Waterberg Trust aims to provide all girls in secondary schools of the Waterberg with an eco-friendly pack of Dignity Dreams reusable sanitary protection.
Please join the Dignity Dreams Club and commit to an annual donation of £15 (or more) in order to provide a girl with sanitary protection.
Students are given a talk on puberty and how to use the pads before they are distributed. It is a good opportunity for them to ask questions and learn how to avoid an unplanned pregnancy.
The NGO Dignity Dreams issue a book for teachers to use, helping them to give engaging talks on puberty and the female reproductive system in line with the curriculum. There is also an instruction leaflet in in pack.
The book commissioned by Dignity Dreams for teachers to use when distributing the pads
There are six pads in each pack, designed for washing with Sunlight soap in cold water, rinsed in salty water and dried in hot sun. They are made by outworkers for Dignity Dreams, which is a not-for-profit employment scheme running in Pretoria. In effect, you’d be supporting two charities at once.
Sister Grace showing pupils how the washable pads work
The girls like the design of the pink and green stripped underpants that come in the packs. One pad is equivalent to 144 disposable pads. They say they are both helpful and durable.
Another class of secondary schoolgirls received a pack of re-useable pads
The Waterberg Trust first distributed Dignity Dreams pads in January 2019 thanks to sponsorship from TWT donors and Environmental Impact Management Services who kindly brought a speaker up from Pretoria. You can read about how we equipped 210 girls here.
Speaker Verita Shikwambana from Dignity Dreams
Secondary schools in the Waterberg have an annual intake of 460 girls. This year, we have managed to equip 145 girls entering one of the schools. We need another 315 packs as soon as possible. If you could help with a few it would be hugely appreciated. The girls and their parents are truly grateful.
The total number of girls in the secondary schools of the Waterberg is 948. To help them all we need to purchase another 593 pads. At a cost of £15 for a pack (+courier charges) our aim is to raise £8,895 for this project.
Nursing Sister Grace who works in schools of the Waterberg
Dr Peter Farrant of the Northern Education Trust writes to say that Sister Grace continues to be a steadying influence in the community and at the school in these uncertain times. Here is her lastest school report:
SCHOOL REPORT FROM JULY – SEPTEMBER 2021
DUTIES: Grade 12 students wrote their trial examinations prior to their final Matric examinations which will start in October 2021. These helped educators to assess and prepare students for final exams. Examination centres were visited by officials from the Department of Education and centre numbers were provided.
These grade 12 students attend school on daily basis, including weekends, to ensure they are well prepared. Meals are provided for learners as many come to school without eating or from disadvantaged families.
I offered pre-examination counselling, encouraged and motivated them to study and work hard so they can pass their final exams. Some were exhausted as they have to stay at school for the whole day. Others pupils continued to attend school on a weekly rotational schedule.
Learners with challenges received regular counselling and support throughout the term i.e. those with mental illness, pregnant learners in their third trimester and those with psychological issues.
Some of the challenges faced by learners:
Sister Grace with learners
Some are writing while pregnant and might miss out exams as they will be on maternity leave. Two pregnant teenage moms are at home awaiting delivery.
Poor sanitation. Mobile toilets are substituted though there are not enough to accommodate all.
Over-age learners can cause trouble and are bad influence to those who want to learn. These students smoke on school premises, abscond classes after eating and do not submit their assignments and projects.
PROGRESS: Some dedicated teachers give their time to help learners during their free period
Meetshetshehla High School received donation of 300 new desks to replace the old ones to ensure leaners sit comfortably in classes.
New desks being delivered to Meetsetshehla Secondary School
Teachers attended workshop about preparation of exams and invigilation.
Feeding scheme provides meals for about 350 learners daily
TRAINING:
I attended a Leadership Collaboration Training Programme in the Waterberg District Community aimed at uplifting the Waterberg District, and showing how the private sector can work with the Government on various projects.
Representatives from various sectors attended i.e. the surrounding lodges, municipal workers, Schools and Private Intuitions.
The Hanns Seidel Stiftung funded the training, which is accredited. Participants will receive certificates.
MEETINGS: I attended meetings with the South African Police Victim Support Department (SAPS) and discussed how they can locate those selling illegal drugs, which is destroying the youth and leads to Gender Based Violence.
The Social Development and the local Government Clinic.
The officials from the Department of Education District office visited and interviewed me about bullying in schools and other challenges that I encounter amongst learners from surrounding schools. We agreed that if there’s any suggestion of school challenges that I should email them for attention.
Effort being recognised
STATISTICS: TOTAL NUMBER CONSULTED INDIVIDUALLY IS 151 (HIGH SCHOOLS ONLY)
PREGNANT – 5 (3 Meetsetshehla & 2 Leseding High School)
Nursing Sister Grace writes, “I worked with the Social Development team, making home visits and registering those in need of social support, while helping those who are eligible to apply for the Social Relief Distress Grant (SRD). Many people were successfully registered and will be able to receive the grant as planned by the Government. Foreign nationals who have valid identification passports were also registered. During the registration process the Department of Social Development handed out food parcels to identified families and those with passports. Political leaders also distributed clothes, blankets and sanitary pads to the community.”
Youth benefiting from the scheme
I REFERRED 25 UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE TO REGISTER FOR A SOCIAL RELIEF GRANT WHICH WAS SUCCESSFUL AND 15 WILL RECEIVE MONTHLY FOOD PARCELS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.
SCHOOL CHILDREN CONTINUE TO ACCESS DAILY MEALS FROM THE SCHOOL FEEDING SCHEMES
“Employment opportunities were created in our municipality. Members of the community, including youth, were hired by the Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) to work in different allocated sectors. This helps many families receive an income. More informal traders are selling farm produce and other items. Some families have vegetable gardens on their premises, which help to generate income and supplement meals.”
CHALLENGES:
Essential supplies and costs have increased, which leads to many families running out of food before the month end.
Dysfunctional families don’t buy food for their dependents in spite of having an income.
An elderly man, the uncle of a mentally ill beneficiary who is under our monthly care and support, was physically beaten and injured by his son. The matter was reported to the local police for further investigation.
Alcohol consumption is a huge problem. Some people buy alcohol rather than food.
Increase in teenage pregnancy
FOOD PARCELS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO 58 INDIVIDUALS IDENTIFIED AS NEEDY
Acts of Mercy food parcels, August 2021
BENEFICIARIES PACK THEIR OWN FOOD PARCELS. THOSE WHO CAN’T REACH THE SUPERMARKET HAVE THEIRS DELIVERED BY VOLUNTEERS
Fewer food parcels were distributed than in previous months thanks to an increase in Social Relief Distress Grants
KNITTING CLUB
We continue to knit blankets, jerseys and shawls, which are distributed to those in need. A big thank you to the dedicated ladies who do the knitting. Wool is purchased with money kindly donated by supporters.
One of the completed blankets ready to be donated.
HEALTH EDUCATION:
Sister Grace says, “I reached out to the community and encouraged people to get vaccinated against Covid-19. The number of those receiving the vaccine has been amazing for both adults and youth. The local clinic keeps me posted on the availability of vaccines. I stress the importance of taking treatment for chronic conditions, as prescribed and educate family members on health, basic hygiene and access to contraceptives for teenagers.”
Donations, however modest, are hugely appreciated. Funds are spent very carefully. If you would like to help support the poor in the Waterberg, please click here
Preparing food parcels for seventy-four needy people in the Waterberg
Sister Grace reports, ‘It has been a challenging time.’ Tighter Lockdown regulations were imposed on South Africa in June 2021 to reduce the risk of Corvid 19 spreading, however the vulnerable and terminally ill continue to need special care and support.
You can watch President Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on 15th June 221 here:
CHALLENGES encountered in Vaalwater in July 2021:
Our Community has seen an increase in substance and drug addiction amongst the youth. Boys below the age of 20 have been found injecting drugs using the same syringe and needles. They looked violent. (The Police were informed and are currently monitoring the situation)
Increase in community theft has been reported
Some children have never been to school and keep wandering around, begging money.
Sister Grace is supporting chronically ill patients by collecting their medication from the local government clinic, providing homebased care and ongoing adherence counselling.
Essential food supplies prices went up in July due to violent attacks in some parts of South Africa, which resulted in stock shortages.
Some beneficiaries have become dependent on receiving food parcels and do not want to work nor do piece jobs to earn income
Gender based violence occurs in some families due to lack of income and employment
Orphaned children lack parental care and support
Social gatherings and alcohol sales continue without adhering to Corvid 19 protocols
Providing essentials for a teenage mother who had just had a cesarean section
Sister Grace has been able to visit the needy and supply relevant needs.
PROGRESS:
Some members of the community have been offered short-termemployment within the town and surrounding lodges
School children are back at school and able to access meals from the feeding scheme program
The Social Relief Grant has been extended to help the unemployed to provide for their families
The Department of Social Development continues to provide food parcels to those registered in their system.
Providing baby clothes for a schoolgirl expecting a baby
The Waterberg Trust aims to fill the gap by helping vulnerable people without papers who Social Services can not help.
Sister Grace helping an unschooled boy who is sent out to beg
Dr Peter Farrant of the Northern Education Trust reports that, ‘Substance abuse is becoming a serious problem. We will have to work on a local solution, but that is easier said than done!’
The knitting Club is busy knitting blankets, shawls and jerseys, donated to those in need. The granny who received this shawl is 101 years old.
There are many different ways in which you could help or become involved. If you would like to find out how you can make a donation to The Waterberg Trust, please click here
Some families come to collect food parcels. Volunteers dropped off others
We will continue to provide food parcels and donated items to those in need, conducting routine assessments, home visits and health education.
Sister Grace works with the local clinic, the South African Police, Social Development, local churches and community leaders to ensure TWT is well informed and the needy can access support.
A beneficiary collecting her food parcel from outside the supper market
We are cycling again for The Waterberg Trust in late October 2021.
TWT’s North Norfolk Cycle Rides Saturday 11th September 2021
For this year’s ride we’ve decided to branch out and try something new: a glorious escapade along the beautiful country lanes of North Norfolk.
With careful planning, we have something for everyone. All road routes – an 82-miler, a new 47-miler Classic, and for those of us like Barry itching to get off the beaten tarmac, a stunning cross-country alternative final leg to complete the 82-miler Epic Route.
All routes start from Kings Lynn station for easy access for those coming from London, Cambridge or Norfolk. From there, the route follows inland from the coast, taking in such wonderful sights as Castle Rising, the parklands of Sandringham, trés chic Burnham Market, The Lord Nelson in Burnham Thorpe, and the grand avenues of Holkham, historic Walsingham before reaching Langham for some famous Burles hospitality for lunch. This is where the shorter Classic route ends.
For the keener cyclist, we head on through Holt and on to the expansive estate of Felbrigg Hall, past Cromer Hall, and down to the seaside town of Cromer for ice cream or crab sandwiches by the famous pier. For the final leg we follow unpaved tracks across the wooded cliff tops to reach Sheringham, up through Sheringham Park, re-joining the road by the North Norfolk steam railway at Weybourne Station and the final leg along back lanes to Langham. Alternatively, road-only cyclists can return to Langham via the coast road or the same route they came. All routes end at Meadow Cottage, Langham for the Riders’ and Supporters’ After Party.🥂🎈🥳
TWT Chairman Barry Burles
Please commit to the date and start training. And why not persuade your family and friends to come too, or organize a team? We’re hoping to exceed last year’s amazing fund-raising total of over £9,000, so the more the merrier. We can help with returning you and your bike back to the station or stay over in North Norfolk.
If you would like to join us, please contact us via the comments below.
THANK YOU for helping to fund The Waterberg Trust and the projects we support.
Sister Grace who has been overseeing TWT donations in South Africa
Since the pandemic broke out, TWT has continued to employ a school nurse. Sister Grace oversees the delivery food parcels for needy families and ensures school attendance, carefully using funds to provide shoes and uniforms for those in extremis, along with Dignity Dreams washable sanitary pads for teenage girls. As well as offering medical help and advice, she instructs pupils tending their school vegetable garden, which was established with the help of EIMS, TWT’s corporate donor in South Africa.
Food parcels for needy families being collected in June 2021
This April, TWT enabled over 40 schoolchildren to attend a four-day environmental course where they learnt about indigenous plants and animals of the Waterberg. They gained an understanding of ecology and sense of stewardship, which is the most powerful form of conservation.
Pupils learning about the ecology of the Waterberg and importance of conservation
Dr Peter Farrant of the Northern Education Trust writes to say, “Grace’s support is more needed than ever.” This last term ended a week early. “You will see that there are many social and medical problems in this crazy time.”
A MATRIC LEARNER WITHOUT PARENTS HAS BEEN SUPPORTED WITH MATRIC UNIFORM
SCHOOL REPORT FROM MAY – JUNE 2021
Schools reopened with all Corvid measures and protocols followed, but was interrupted for a week due to demonstrations by members of the community.
450 – 500 pupils are screened on daily basis Monday – Friday before entry into school premises. They attend school in a phased schedule of weekly rotation except for grade 12s who attend on daily basis to prepare for final exams.
Classrooms are sanitized regularly and learners are encouraged to observe social distance, regularly wash hands and to always wear masks when on school premises and when going home.
Feeding schemes continue to provide balance meals to learners on Monday – Friday to ensure they have eaten and be able to concentrate in class
Schools will re-open on 19th July 2021
Leaners wearing masks and winter clothing
CHALLENGES:
Staff:
Pressure of work for teachers has increased as they have to attend too many classes of the same grade due to reduced number of learners per class.
There is a shortage of teachers to meet the demands of reduced classes.
Five teachers from two primary Schools tested positive for Corvid and were allowed to stay home for quarantine.
Change of staff members affects learner performance as it takes time for them to get used to the changes.
Learners:
Some learners are having difficulties coping. They are not attending school on daily basis and forget what has been taught to them.
Some learners have dropped out with no proper reason and are just staying at home.
Cyber bullying was noticed among learners. This has been stopped.
Undisciplined learners who want to interrupt classes and are found sitting outside without attending classes nor submitting assignments. (Parents were called to come for disciplinary hearing of such children.)
Learners don’t want wear masks within the school premises and are reminded regularly about the risks and preventive measures of the Corvid-19 pandemic.
The schools were forced to close a week earlier due to rising numbers of Corvid infection within the Waterberg district and Vaalwater town in Limpopo Province.
Students working in the veggie garden at Meetsetshehla Secondary School in the Waterberg
PROGRESS:
The Department of Health rolled out the vaccine campaign for all the teachers and elderly people.
Learners managed to complete their 2nd term tests and finished before schools were directed to close early.
Learners will access lessons through educational television programmes, radio and online learning. However, grade 12 will continue to attend extra classes.
The local Police Services, Party and religious leaders, and home based carers, who go door to door, are taking part in educating the community, encouraging people to take the pandemic seriously.
Sister Grace showing learners how to prepare veggie beds and plant seeds in a secondary school garden kindly donated by TWT supporters
ENVIRONMENTAL:
The club members prepared the vegetable garden and planted the seedlings. Garden work happens during break time to those who are free to work and also during practical related to life orientation and hospitality studies. “The students are eager to do the work. Every day, they remind me, “Lets’ go to the garden Sister Grace.”
You can read about establishing the school vegetable gardens in previous years here.
The gift of R100 or £20 enables Grace to buy enough different seedlings to fill the beds at one school and produce vegetables for the school feeding project and hospitality studies when students learn how to cook and serve meals.
“We planted beetroot, onion and lettuce and hope to plant more spinach and tomatoes when schools reopen”
STATISTICS: 150 CONSULTED individually
Medical issues – 20 (asthma, HIV, epilepsy, arthritis, dental and ear infections and eczema)
Social Problems – 30 (lack of family support, smoking, sexual assault, no clothes etc.)
Pregnant – 5 (2 fifteen years old from Meetshetshehla and 2 from Leseding schools)
Minor ailments – 10 (Menstrual issues, headaches, dizziness)
Sexually Transmitted Infections – 10 (gonorrhoea, balanitis and HIV)
Counselling – 30 (adherence, psychological and emotional, bereavement counselling to those who lost their guardians or family members, coping with pregnancy & nutrition)
Disciplinary action – 20 (not submitting class work, smoking on school premises and disrupting fellow learners)
Referrals for Contraceptives – 25 (learners commenced on contraceptives from the Clinic)
The numbers have been low as learners do not attend school regularly. I noticed a reduction in winter common colds due to limited number of learners per class.
NOTE: 1000 learners were reached in class for ongoing health-related topics linked to Life Orientation, Nutrition, Hygiene and STI/HIV (These were from grade 9 to 12 and were reached on different occasions as requested by their class teachers from 2secondary schools (Meetsetshehla and Leseding)
This ground-breaking scheme is financed by private donations to The Waterberg Trust. If you can help, please click here for different ways to make a donation.
Food parcels are being distributed in the Waterberg to support 113 needy people. Dr Peter Farrant says, “It is a busy time as temperatures are dropping significantly and winter is imposing herself!”
Sister Grace writes to say: I continued my routine home visits to identify new beneficiaries, checking up on previous ones and teaching basic health education to families and their children. This includes preventive measures to curtail the spread of the common cold, regular hand washing and the importance of wearing masks when in public places. I noticed that many people are ignorant about the need to wear masks when interacting with others.
-Sister Grace in the Waterberg-
Some beneficiaries have found employment while others have relocated to their families. Those with valid documentation were referred to the Social Development for continuity of food parcel support.
I managed to locate the Mozambican family who are related to the mentally disabled person who stands by the roadside near Build- It hardware shop. I referred this matter to the Social Worker and the Police Victim Support unit but it is taking too long to get him transferred to hospital for proper psychological assessment and treatment. A concerted effort is being made to take the man to the local district hospital using the SAPS. The plan is to manage his mental illness and provide shelter.
CHALLENGES: I came across 2 teenage mothers who had family disputes with their parents. They were left without food for days. I managed to conduct family meetings and distributed food parcels to the children. They are continuing to attend school. One girl is in grade 10 at Meetsethehla School, aged 17 years, the other in grade 12 at Lesideng High School, aged 18 years.
–We equip some learners without parents with school uniform–
Some Youths are under the influence of alcohol and substance abuse even at school which leads them to scholastic and learning failure and in the community to theft and gender-based violence.
I found it difficult to locate those needy families living in informal settlements as the addresses are not properly indicated, however those with phone contacts were able to be assisted.
Many foreign residents on chronic medication had poor adherence due to lack of understanding and the language barrier as they could not speak the local language nor English. I involved local caregivers who could translate and explain clearly.
– FAMILY MEMBERS COLLECT FOOD PARCELS ON BEHALF OF THEIR SICK RELATIVES –
PROGRESS: School children have access to meals on daily basis and are attending school.
Social Workers and religious groups help distribute food parcels to the elderly and vulnerable.
Community members have been offered temporary employment within the community and private sector which enables them to supply their families.
FUTURE PLANS:
To continue reaching out to the vulnerable and provide needed support i.e. food parcels, nutritional supplements, clothing warm blankets and psychosocial counselling.
The need for shelter for the homeless was discussed at an Elders meeting. The plan is to improve our existing shelter and to manage it more effectively. It is important to ensure that it is used for limited periods per person, so that it is not occupied permanently, as is the case at present.
If you wold like to support this project by making a donation – please click here
Dr Peter Farrant of the Northern Education Trust reports that Sister Grace is continuing to do good work at Meetsetshehla Secondary School in Vaalwater where she is based. She spends one day a week at Lesideng High School and visits Mokolo and Mahlasedi primary schools once a week.
School nurse and councillor
Dr Farrant says, “Recently the need for school nurse counsellors has been recognised by the Government. Whether they introduce such appointments is to be seen. Thank you for your financial support for this position! There is no doubting Grace’s beneficial presence at all the schools.”
SCHOOL REPORT FROM FEBRUARY – APRIL 2021
DAILY DUTIES:
Schools re-opened and learners have been attending in a phased manner without interruptions or serious issues. Sister Grace says, “All Corvid–19 protocols concerning prevention, with regular hand washing and social distancing are adhered to. Staff and learners sign a daily register after being screened and temperature recorded.” This is to detect abnormalities before anyone enters the school premises. About 400 learners are screened on daily basis.
LEARNERS BEING SCREENED AND SIGNING OF REGISTER BEFORE ENTRY ONTO SCHOOL PREMISES
“Classrooms and offices are sanitized regularly. Learners are well-informed about all the precautions and educated on general hygiene measures and risks of cross infection. When they present flu-like symptoms, they are thoroughly checked and screened to rule out common colds. If severe symptoms arise they are referred to the clinic for further management and treatment.”
The Matric results for two Secondary Schools:
Some passed to study at various universities and colleges, while others got only a normal pass. They were given chance to register and rewrite any subjects failed.
Meetsetshehla High School – (Total number of leaners 94. 63% passed)
Leseding High School – (Total number of learners 17. 94.1 % passed)
CHALLENGES:
Increased number of teenage pregnancies with an unwillingness to report until discovered in their last trimester
Learners dropping out of school for no reason with some involved in domestic theft
Alcohol and drug abuse among the leaners with some caught with dagga and cigarettes on school premises
Fatigue due to pressure of school work as learners have to attend school for long hours in order to catch up on lost time. They have many assignments and homework to be completed
Learners who walk a distance to and from school are unable to do all assignments as they arrive home late, tired upon arrival
Over-aged learners who keep repeating in the same class are a bad influencer on newcomers, however disciplinary hearings were conducted
Absconding from school during break time without permission from the teacher.
PROGRESS:
The Department of Education appointed and employed educational teacher assistants and general workers to work for a short term period (3 months) in surrounding schools. This has helped a lot as the workers assist with cleaning school premises, packing and distributing books to learners, filing and photocopying.
E-learning programme based at Meetsetshehla High School run by Leseding Education Network, through the Northern Education Trust, will help those needing extra classes do their assignments, download study guides and be able to learn live experiments according to their curriculum. (Learners from surrounding schools are using this opportunity. They attend the classes at Meetsetshehla.)
Matriculants are attending school on a daily basis to ensure they are well prepared and able to catch up on studies
Teachers are willing to help learners who need special assistance in certain subjects
The feeding scheme continues to provide meals for learners on daily basis as a nutritional supplement, including fruit and vegetables to maintain a balanced diet.
ONE LEARNER IS ATTENDING ONGOING COUNSELING ON SUBSTANCE AND DRUG ABUSE AND ALSO HAS A COURT CASE, ACCUSED OF RAPE. HE’S IN GRADE 10 AM AND 19 YEARS OLD.
UNDISCIPLINED LEARNERS ATTEND DISCIPLINARY MEETINGS FROM THEIR TEACHER AND PARENTS ARE NOTIFIED.
THE GOOD NEWS:
We have started environmental activities with learners from grade 8 – 11, who have formed a club that will be involved in recycling and gardening. This will help them demonstrate life orientation tasks and projects. Members are grouped in sixes to limit overcrowding. Each group has been assigned to a specific task and will work closely with the teacher assistants on particular days. The garden has just been set up and will benefit learners with nutritional supplementation through the feeding scheme and Hospitality Studies.
PROVIDING NEW SCHOOL UNIFORM FOR VULNERABLE LEARNERS
THESE LEARNERS ARE MOZAMBICAN NATIONALS ARE ASSISTED WITH FOOD PARCELS. BOYS ALSO RECEIVED SCHOOL UNIFORM AND WINTER WEAR.
THE ELDRER SISTER ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT AS PROOF OF PAYMENT FOR HER MATRIC UNIFORM
144 girls need washable sanitary pads. A message was sent to our kind sponsor Andrew Smith who is willing to transport a box from Pretoria.
If you would like to find out how to make a donation via The Waterberg Trust in the UK to enable Sister Grace to buy school uniform or washable sanitary packs, please click here.
CLASSROOM EDUCATION:
Grade 8 learners were welcomed, orientation was given, with basic hygiene measures and menstrual issues explained to girls.
All grade 9 learners were educated on HIV/AIDS, TB, STIs, lifestyle diseases and ways of prevention and treatment. This is linked to Life Orientation studies.
Learners are helped with career guidance. This helps them to work hard in certain subjects to reach their dream careers.
MEETINGS:
I attended various meetings with stake-holders such as the Department of Social Development, the South African Police and community leaders. Issues of gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, substance and alcohol abuse were discussed. The police are ready to work with the community and help to clamp down on those involved in dealing in illegal drugs, which leads to gender-based violence and domestic theft.
Social workers are involved in identifying social problems in the communities and help those who needed social support through counseling and providing basic needs like food and temporary shelter.
STATISTICS:
199 LEARNERS WERE CONSULTED INDIVIDUALLY. THE REST WERE ADDRESSED IN CLASSES
PREGNANT – 18 (10 Meetsetshehla & 8 from Leseding High Schools)
ASTHMATIC – 6 (1 Learner was admitted to hospital with a severe asthmatic attack but she’s much better)
COUNSELING – 30 (HIV, & STI, substance abuse, promiscuity, bereavement and family planning)
DISCIPLINARY ISSUES – 15 (Late-comers, improper uniform, unable to complete school work, and trouble-makers)
MINOR AILMENTS – 35 (Menstrual issues, headaches, dizziness, scabies, earache and tooth ache)
LEARNING PROBLEMS – 40 (20 from Meetsetshehla and 15 from Leseding High Schools)
CONTRACEPTIVE REFERRALS – 55 (teenage learners who are sexually active were referred to the local government clinic)
FUTURE PLANS:
To encourage more learners to use the E-Learning programme, which will benefit and empower them through extra tutoring and learning
I will continue with health education and screening to all learners and encourage them on the importance of prevention of various illnesses.
I will continue to help leaners with life orientation topics related to health and nutrition.
Schools will be closed for a week from 23rd April and reopen on 3rd May 2021 . Those in grade 12 will continue to have extra lessons.
The Waterberg Trust helps fund much needed food parcels for needy families in Vaalwater, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Schools are back in South Africa, functioning in such a way that the learners between grades 8 and 11 attend on alternate weeks. The grade 12 learners, nearing Matriculation, attend every day. However all pupils are allowed to attend for lunch during break, which helps with food provision.
We are currently supporting eighty individuals. Sister Grace is finding new problems with taverns opening and several families are in acute need.
ACTS OF MERCY REPORT MARCH 2021
DUTIES:
Sister Grace reports, “I made routine home visits to identify those in need and followed up on those taking chronic medication to ensure they are adhering to treatment and are doing well. I found 3 patients who were very sick, living in an informal settlement without food or any source of income.” They are foreign nationals without documentation and have children to support. “I asked the local home-based carers to continue checking them and to help with treatment support on a daily basis. Food parcels were delivered by volunteers and others sent friends to collect on their behalf as they couldn’t reach the supermarket due to ill health.”
Collecting food parcels in Vaalwater
CHALLENGES:
Poor living conditions with shortage of water, no electricity or sanitation
For no apparent reason, children are not attending school and just sit at home helping their parents with house chores
Increase in teenage pregnancy
Dysfunctional families who are alcoholics and fail to support their children as they spend money on alcohol
Job retrenchments due to Covid – 19 challenges in some sectors
Huge families unable to buy enough food to last for a month
Chronically ill patients living alone with no family to support them
Alcohol abuse and gender based violence increasing as taverns and bottle stores are re-opened
Foreign nationals have no access to any grants nor government subsidies
Some applications for help are not as desperate as the majority
Some needy cases
Two learners at Meetsetshehla School are from a refugee family (Mozambique) who require regular feeding and help. with clothing and school uniform. They need ongoing social support.
An 18 year-old boy from a needy family needs help with school uniform and clothing.
There is a homeless man on the main road of the town who is in need of placement in a place of safety and who also needs assessment in the district hospital. We have written to the Dept. Social Development about him.
A widow with no documentation.
A boy who lost his Mum and her partner due to alcohol poisoning is receiving bereavement counseling.
PROGRESS:
Many learners are back to school and have access to daily food supplements from the feeding scheme.
Short term employment of community members in surrounding schools will help them to earn income to support their families. The contract started from December 2020 – March 2021.
Some families found employment while others are receiving the temporary Social Relief Grants.
Sister Grace wearing The Waterberg Trust uniform
HEALTH EDUCATION:
During home visits, Sister Grace educates families on the importance of regular hand-washing and the wearing of masks when in public places. She has checked on teenage moms and their babies well-being to ensure they are properly looked after as most of them are left at home with grannies.
FINANCIAL DONATIONS:
Many thanks for the financial donations that went into Acts of Mercy fund and will benefit those in need. May God bless you all.Please click here for details of how you could make a donation.
– In uncertain times it is more comforting to provide ingredients for cooking than ready meals –
Sister Grace writes to say, “I continued with routine assessment through home visits to reach out to those with social problems due to various issues and also monitor those who are chronically ill to ensure they are taking their medication as prescribed.” She was able to refer 5 families to the social development for application of ID documents and social grants for their children.
“I do co-ordinate with network partners who are involved in supporting the community with food distribution and other social relief. These are religious groups from various churches, party representatives and youth organizations.”
CHALLENGES:
Job loss as a result of the country’s economic challenges due Covid-19 restrictions
Poor living conditions in informal settlements with no proper sanitation or irregular water supply.
Lack of knowledge and information about the Covid-19 pandemic and preventative measures, which leads to many not taking the proper precautions of wearing masks and regular hand wash. “I interviewed about 20 elderly people who were not wearing masks and they simply said they don’t see a reason to wear a mask when the virus is not known in the community and they have no proper information about the infection and risks. After proper explanation about ways of transmission and signs and symptoms they understood and willing to adhere to preventive measures.”
3 chronically ill foreign nationals who have no family support were referred to homebased carers for regular monitoring.
Collecting a food parcel put together by volunteers from St John’s Church, 24 Rivers
SUCCESS STORIES:
Food parcels and clothes were distributed to needy people
The Government extended the Social Relief Grant by three months to ensure those unemployed are able to provide food for their families during this Lockdown period.
A homeless man was assisted with a bus ticket to return back to Cape Town and was grateful for the assistance rendered.
A homeless man being returned to his family in Cape Town
DONATIONS of clothes, reusable sanitary towels, beanies and stationary from the Christians of St John’s Baptist Church at 24 Rivers came at the right time when schools reopened. These essentials were handed out to the less privileged learners and others in the community. Those who received the donated items and food parcels were grateful.
Sister Grace says, “I will continue to distribute food parcels as per scheduled during mid-month of March and emergency needs will be attended to immediately.” You can read about some of here home visits earlier in the year here.
Sr Grace visiting a teenage mother who needs clothes and equipment for her new baby so she can return to school for her final year
“During home visits, I came across a teenage mom who had delivered a baby girl. She lives with her grandparents and her siblings as they lost their parents long ago. I examined the baby who looked healthy. The teenage mom wants to go back to school in her final grade and will leave her baby with her grandmother who will support baby from her pension and buy formula. The father to the baby is unknown. I brought baby clothes and a food parcel, counselling the mother about proper care of her baby and the risks of malnutrition if the baby is not properly fed.”
The Waterberg Trust 