“I am pleased to share that I have officially completed my Computer Science degree. My final block consisted of two modules, including my final-year project, and I passed both. With these results, my three-year programme is now complete.“
This is a huge achievement for Elton, who has lived in Vaalwater with his auntie and younger brother Elvis ever since his mother passed away.
“I am truly grateful for the trust and encouragement I received from everyone at TWT. Knowing that I had people believing in my potential and supporting me throughout this journey gave me confidence and motivation even during the most challenging moments. Your guidance and support went beyond practical help, it reminded me that my goals were worth pursuing and that hard work can lead to real achievements.”
Having won a top achiever award, Elton passed fourteen modules with distinction, including Advanced Information Computer Skills and Computer Network Security.
“Looking back, I can genuinely say that University was an important experience for me not only academically, but personally. It allowed me to grow, develop new skills, and gain confidence in myself and my abilities. Reaching this milestone has been very meaningful, and I know I would not be here today without the support and trust of TWT.”
Elton Chitanda with his final-year project group at Eduvos University in Gauteng, South Africa
Recognised as an outstanding student lacking parental support, The Waterberg Trust was able to channel funds via the Northern Education Trust to pay for his university education. He kept TWT updated on his progress as you can see in an earlier post on this website.
“My immediate goal is to gain practical industry experience and continue developing my skills within the field of Computer Science, with a particular focus on web development.”
Elton adds:
“I would like to further my studies through postgraduate education once I have gained solid professional experience. For now, my focus is on learning, growing, and applying what I have studied in a practical, real-world environment.”
Some years ago TWT 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.
Donum Mandizvidza at Pretoria University
If you are a student seeking help, please contact The Waterberg Trust using the comments box below.
There are different things TWT can consider. If you would like to personally sponsor, or help to support, another outstanding student from the Waterberg in South Africa, or to help Elton through postgraduate education, please contact The Waterberg Trust C/o Noel Cooper at The Trust Partnership (Phone: +44 1285 841900)
Many thanks go to our donors who have enabled us to support Elton and others.
Even small donations help enormously. TWT has a Justgiving site and several ways of making a donation listed on the How to Donate page on this website.
Our aim is to provide a school class (53 children) with an in-depth, 5 day residential environmental/conservation course at Lapalala Wilderness School. This will have far-reaching benefits for both the children learning about the value of their environment and long-term conservation protection in the Waterberg which is a Unesco World Biosphere Reserve where they live.
Local students on a course at Lapalala Wilderness School
The children of the Waterberg so need help in broadening their horizons. School Nurse, Sister Grace says, “Over the last few months, 100 school children had issues that needed private intervention, with a home visit and family involvement.” She has listed current challenges:
Learners living with step-parents can face psychological and emotional trauma.
Sexual abuse of girls. Families choose to keep silent if the offender is a family member.
Trauma after being raped or sexually abused.
Gender based violence leading to physical injuries.
Suicidal ideation due to bullying by ‘friends’ via social media platforms.
Lack of concentration in class and failing to cope after the loss of parents or loved ones.
Unsuitable home environment for studying due to noise or dysfunctional families.
Poverty affects many children especially on weekends and holidays.
Guardians misuse the social grant meant for child upkeep.
Learners drop out of school due to substance abuse, addiction or failure to cope in class.
Lack of family caregivers at home to look after the babies of teenage moms when they return to school.
Equiping pupils who have no parents with school shoes
Sister Grace explained that, after home visits and the family meetings, “I managed to refer 20 learners to different stakeholders i.e. Victim Support Unit, SASSA, along with Social Development and Department of Home Affairs for ID and birth certificate application.”
Sister Grace helping schoolgirls in South Africa
She travels from one school to another on different days of the week. “I focus on addressing complaints and issues which were raised from the beginning of the year from learners who prefer to treat personal challenges individually in the presence of their chosen trusted guardian, parent or sibling.”
Ending period poverty – Schoolgirls in the Waterberg receiving packs of washable eco-sanitary pads
This year, schools reopened on the 13th October, which is the 4th term and busy time of the year when students prepare for final exams and Matric learners attend extra classes both during the week and on weekends. Dedicated educators are working hard to ensure they support the Matric learners especailly if they have fallen behind.
Six babies were born to teenage mothers who have returned to school. Some use formula while others are express-cup feeding. Hygiene measures to prevent infection are properly explained.
School nurse Sister Grace ensuring babies born to teenage mothers get a good start in life
Good News:
The Department of Education continues to supply disposable sanitary pads for schoolgirls.
Dignity Dreams supply re-usable packs of eco-sanitary pads
BEAUTIFUL VEGETABLE GARDENS ENSURE LEARNERS HAVE EXTRA NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS ARE SPONSORED BY THE EIMS FOUNDATION WHO ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LUNCHBOX MEALS AT ALL THE SCHOOL’S FEEDING SCHEMES, WHICH IS A HUGE BENEFIT TO LEANERS
Businesses in the Waterberg have been making generous donations
A BIG THANK YOU GOES OUT TO SUSKES, in VAALWATER for DONATING 220 SCHOOL UNIFORMS for MAHLASEDI PRIMARY SCHOOL
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Matric learners attended educational camps
Enrichment classes continue during the school holidays
Sporting activities and competitions for both primary and high schools
Matric farewell functions
You can find out more about the Big Give and how they double the difference:
Every morning, School nurse Sister Grace checks into Meetsetshehla High School where her office is located, before attending other schools on weekly, scheduled visits. Teachers help identify needy learners and refer them to her on a one-to-one basis. She also spends time with groups of girls, educating them on puberty, menstruation, hygiene and access to contraceptives.
Examinations are looming. Grade 12’s attend classes from Monday to Sunday to ensure they are well prepared and can catch where they are behind.
Sporting activities, with learners competing with other schools in soccer and netball are popular. Winning teams have advanced to the next round of competitions.
School vegetable gardens are suppling extra food for the existing feeding scheme.
Recycling projects are generating funds for schools. The initiative empowers learners and reduces littering while keeping school premises clean. Each school now has four different waste bins for plastic, tin, glass and paper.
Coding and robotics classes are being introduced in primary schools to prepare children for the future. Tablets have been delivered for them to use:
PROGRESS:
Teachers have attended workshops on supporting learners and producing good results.
Extra classes have been provided for the Matric students of 2025.
Learners eat breakfast before classes commence and lunch during break.
The EMS Foundation is supporting schools on farms with lunchbox meals. These include instant porridge and lunch, adding to the existing feeding schemes.
The lunchbox is one of the best initiatives to help children from disadvantaged families.
Absenteeism in schools has declined since learners eat at school.
CHALLENGES:
Lack of parental involvement in school meetings or children’s activities
Gender Based Violence, sexual abuse and harassment
Poverty leading to dropping out of school
Increased teenage pregnancies
Bullying and physical fights among learners
Poor family background i.e. unemployed, low or no source of income & alcoholic parents or guardians
Minor ailments = 85 (soccer injury, physical cuts after picking a fight, insect bites, colds)
Counseling = 115 (HIV/AIDS preventative measures, how to deal with addiction and coping methods, how to overcome depression.)
Sister Grace adds, “Other learners discussed in class matters about learning, combating fatigue, importance of exercise, career guidance and the disadvantage of bullying in schools.”
Schools will have a winter break towards end of June but Matric learners have no holiday as they need to intensify their studies and prepare for the year end final exams!
Every donation made towards Sister Grace’s salary is recognized by the local community and the schools she helps. The Waterberg Trust is looking for people who would like to make a monthly donation, as small regular payments help hugely with budgeting. Please see the HOW TO DONATE page for more information.
The Waterberg Trust sponsored sixty grade 10 students from Leseding High School, along with one of their teachers and a SGB member, enabling them to attend a residential course at Lapalala Wilderness School in the Waterberg, South Africa from 10th-14th March 2025.
Students from Leseding High School taking part in a citizen science project at Lapalala Wilderness School in the Waterberg, South Africa
The aim was:
To spark an interest and passion for the natural world and conservation
To pass on knowledge relating to local and global environmental issues and demonstrate how individuals can impact the environment through lifestyle changes.
To develop team–building and leadership.
Lapalala Wilderness School provides residential courses in ecology and nature conservation
Learners developed orienteering skills, teamwork and communication skills.
They were provided with practical environmental education through various activities designed to deepen an understanding of nature and engage them in hands-on conservation efforts.
They learnt how to promote Sustainable Practices to empower other conservation champions with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions and positively impact the environment for future generations.
Learning about rhinos
Through their youth network they plan an awareness campaign to help learners understand environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, encouraging them to become more responsible and environmentally conscious.
The learners participated in a series of team-building activities aimed at improving collaboration, communication, build trust and enhance their ability to work together in group settings. Key outcomes included improved cooperation and problem-solving skills, which were applied throughout the week in all activities.
As one TWT supporter said, it’s “really encouraging to see the breadth of activities that these courses enable them to experience. They can only help in building all sorts of life skills and experiences for these youngsters.”
Lapalala Wilderness School in the Waterberg, South Africa
Nature Educational Walks
Guided nature walks allowed learners to explore the wilderness environment first hand. The walks were focused on educating learners about local flora and fauna, ecosystems, and the importance of conservation. They learned about indigenous plant species, archaeological sites, animal behaviour, and how human activities impact natural habitats.
Butterfly Traps and Citizen Science
Learners engaged in practical fieldwork by setting up butterfly traps to monitor local butterfly populations. This activity introduced them to citizen science, collecting data for environmental research. They learned about the importance of insects in maintaining ecological balance and the role of citizen science in supporting environmental research.
Game Drive
A thrilling game drive allowed learners to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. They had the opportunity to spot various species of animals and discuss wildlife conservation efforts. This experience emphasized the importance of protecting habitats to maintain biodiversity.
Debate on Environmental Issues
Learners participated in a structured debate where they discussed pressing environmental issues, such as climate change, habitat destruction, sustainable resource use, overpopulation, pangolin conservation, rhino poaching, and waste disposal. The debate promoted critical thinking and allowed learners to express their views on environmental responsibility and the need for immediate action to preserve the planet.
New experiences for local children
Obstacle Course
A physically challenging obstacle course tested learners’ physical stamina, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. It was also an opportunity for learners to push their personal boundaries and work cohesively in a group under pressure. The obstacle course emphasized perseverance and resilience, both physically and mentally, while fostering a spirit of camaraderie among students.
Key Learnings & Takeaways:
Environmental Awareness: Learners gained a deeper understanding of environmental conservation and sustainability practices. The hands-on activities, such as butterfly trapping and the game drive allowed them to connect with nature in a meaningful way. Collaboration & Teamwork: The team building exercises fostered strong relationships among the learners, enhancing their ability to collaborate effectively in both academic and extracurricular settings.
Critical Thinking: The debate on environmental issues encouraged students to think critically about challenges we face and to develop well-informed opinions on how to address them.
Physical & Mental Growth: The obstacle course and other physically demanding activities helped students push their limits and learn to overcome challenges together.
Conclusion
The week-long visit to Lapalala Wilderness School was a highly educational and impactful experience for Leseding High School’s Grade 10 learners. It not only broadened their knowledge of environmental issues but instilled a sense of responsibility towards nature. The activities provided valuable lessons in teamwork, conservation, and personal development. The learners returned with a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
This is the 6th group TWT has been able to send form Vaalwater schools. You can see photos of the last group that went on this website.
We would like to thank TWT’s kind donors for sponsoring this excursion.
In 2026 it only costs about £30 a night to send a teenage or a 5 day residential course at Lapalala Wilderness School – great value for a life changing experience.
The Waterberg Trust sponsors a school nurse in the town of Vaalwater in the Waterberg who is helping learners to fulfill their potential.
School nurse, Sister Grace, motivating pupils to grow food
Sister Grace interacts with pupils both individually and in class. “The aim is to create a good working relationship. I encourage learners to tend the school vegetable gardens, which helps the many who come to school hungry. I will continue to raise awareness on teenage pregnancy, sexual health and provide advice on contraception.”
Sister Grace distributing sanitary pads to schoolgirls so they do not miss lessons
SOME OF THE ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED BY The Waterberg Trust:
Provision of SCHOOL UNIFORMS for needy learners
PRIZE GIVING to encourage those who perform well
Provision of ECO-SANITARY PADS for all schoolgirls
4 x SCHOOL VEGETABLE GARDENS tended by pupils kindly sponsored by Environmental Impact Management Services who supply seedlings, shade netting, manure and tools
School shoes, uniforms and pens supplied for needy pupils who might otherwise miss school
If you are able to help, even in a small way, TWT has a Justigiving page which can receive donations in eight different currencies and collect UK Gift Aid.
Donated sanitary pads – 1000 x disposable pads were distributed to schoolgirls
Referred for contraceptives – 235 x depo injections every 2 months
Teenage Pregnancy – 15 (6 at Meetsetshehla Secondary School & 9 at Leseding High School)
Counseling – 180 (for HIV adherence, prevention of STIs, smoking, bullying , teenage mothers)
Social Problems – 496 (orphaned learners, dysfunctional families with alcohol abuse)
Classroom sessions – 1,200 grade 9 & 10 learners were reached with classes on health education, hygiene, types of addiction, bullying, and career guidance.
Sister Grace taking Life Studies classes
FUTURE PLANS: Sister Grace says, “Motlakamothala High School, 15km down the road to Modimolle, have asked me to visit twice a month.” Many of their 385 learners come from Vaalwater.
School Statistics for learners enrolled 2024 & 2025: Total number of learners in Vaalwater schools visited = 4,624 children
ENROLLMENT 2024
CURRENT LEARNERS 2025
Meetsetshehla Secondary School = 551 Leseding High School = 1240 Mahlasedi Primary School = 1410 Mokolo Primary School = 1240
Meetsetshehla Secondary School = 596 Leseding High School = 1393 Mahlasedi Primary School = 1406 Mokolo Primary School = 1229
ACHIEVEMENTS: Schools continued well without interruptions
More teachers have been hired to fill vacant posts
Grade 9 & 10 learners at Leseding High School received learning tablets loaded with data
Teachers dedicated time for extra classes during the week and on weekends to empower learners with more knowledge and enable them to catch up
Girls receive free sanitary pads to ensure they do not miss classes
Reduced numbers of teenage pregnancies due to better access to contraception
Matric results for 2024 were 28% better than in 2023. Many learners obtained good results and have been offered places in further education: Leseding High School: 91% Matric pass rate, Meetsetshehla High School: 86.1% pass rate, Mohtlakamotala High School: 90.5% Matric pass rate
Prizes and certificates to encourage high achievement
The Waterberg Trust is sponsoring outstanding students through further education. If you are able to help, email us: twt@thetrustpartnership.com
The Waterberg Trust, The Trust Partnership, 6 Trull Farm Buildings, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8SQ United Kingdom
The Waterberg Trust supports the amazing ‘Acts of Mercy’ project run by the Church of St John the Baptist at 24 Rivers that is active in Vaalwater and the township of Leseding in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. One goal is to provide immediate relief from hunger by distributing food parcels. Over 200 people benefited from these in 2024.
Many thanks go to local farmers who donated fruit and vegetables and to overseas donors. The Waterberg Trust has a Justgiving page that can channel funds in eight different currencies.
In addition to this:
250 PEOPLE RECEIVED DONATED CLOTHES
Items of school uniform distributed carefully
350 TEENAGE GIRLS RECEIVED FREE SANITARY PADS
School Nurse Sister Grace distributing sanitary pads in Vaalwater so that girls do not miss school
MANY BENEFITED FROM A 15-WEEK ADDICTION RECOVERY TRAINING COURSE
The brilliant addiction counsellor Chris West-Russell speaking to school children in the Waterberg
Beneficiaries are selected by school nurse Sister Grace who conducts regular home visits.
School nurse Sister Grace helping to alleviate poverty
Those supported include:
ORPHANS and teenage mothers
THE UNEMPLOYED
CHRONICALLY ILL PATIENTS
FOREIGN NATIONALS WITHOUT INCOME
THOSE NOT RECEIVING SOCIAL GRANTS
and NEEDY PEOPLE REFERRED BY THE POLICE such as victims of violence or fire.
A child needing a pair of school shoes
Sister Grace writes, “ACTS OF MERCY HAS MADE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE LESEDING COMMUNITY, CHANGING LIVES FOR THE BETTER. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THE SPONSORS AND STAKEHOLDERS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT. I WILL CONTINUE TO SEEK OUT AND ASSIST THOSE IN NEED.”
Some of the school items purchased and distributed in 2024
Help us to keep this small but effective project going
This was the final quarter of the year in South Africa and it was time for exams for grades 8 – 12 at secondary schools and grades 1 -7 at primary schools. Matric learners were assisted with extra classes and different educational camps or chosen lodges away from home to prepare them and provide a conducive environment to study.
Girls are missing school less, which is encouraging:
Every female learner receives free sanitary towels donated to schools or provided by the Department of Education
Low numbers of teenage pregnancies were noticed this quarter
Increased numbers of girls are accessing contraceptives and abstinence is encouraged
Sister Grace says, “I was privileged to be part of the ceremony.” As a guest speaker she was able to motivate students and to encourage parents to support their children’s schoolwork.
Farewell parties were held for the matric learners. Mokolo and Mahlasedi grade 7 primary school learners had a farewell too as they will be going to High School next year.
SOME OF THE MATRIC STUDENTS DURING THEIR FAREWELL CEREMONY
PROGRESS:
Teachers were trained how best they can assist and prepare learners before their final exams and in various ways of invigilation. Exams were written without any disruptions. Pupils were guided and supported on how to apply for University and other higher learning institutions according to their career preference.
Dedicated teachers who are passionate about their work put in extra hours to ensure learners are well prepared and engaged in various topics
Enrichment educational programs gave learners opportunities to explore activities and subjects that increase their knowledge and skills
Stakeholders are involved are involved in providing extra lessons in science, physics and mathematics along with career guidance, reading and a spelling bee at the Waterberg Innovation Center.
EVERY MOMENT CAPTURED WITH LEARNERS IS FILLED WITH LOVE AND LAUGHTER
LEARNERS RECEIVED AWARDS, GAVE SPEECHES AND PERFORMED DANCES AT END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONS
CHALLENGES:
Some teenage girls below the age of 15 years are sexually active and involved in relationships.
Poor family support. (Some well performing learners have alcoholic parents who don’t care about the future of their children.)
Shortage of teachers due to relocation puts others under pressure as they have to teach multiple subjects to different classes.
Too many learners per teacher, which makes it difficult to ensure they understand topics.
Fatigue in senior classes due to workload, extra classes and the stress of large classes.
Schools risk vandalism from thieves during school holidays.
Schools built on privately owned land risk evacuation from property owners.
School nurse Sister Grace at the Waterberg Innovation Centre
FUTURE PLANS:
Sister Grace says, “I will continue to support learners, counseling and educating them on ways of living a healthy life, while stressing the importance of abstinence and access to contraceptives. I will liaise with the Social Development, the Victim Support unit based at the local police station, and the local Government Clinic to ensure smooth collaboration and understanding.”
Schools closed on 11th December 2024 and reopen in January 2025
For the last ten years, The Waterberg Welfare Society Trust has been operating under its new and broader remit as The Waterberg Trust (TWT) supporting welfare initiatives across the Waterberg, uplifting the people.
Quarterly reports from Sister Grace and Dr Peter Farrant detail the social welfare of the less privileged of The Waterberg. They give a measure of what TWT is seeking to address and are increasingly alarming. Major concerns include increasing substance abuse, vagrancy, absenteeism from school and general poor behaviour.
School nurse Sister Grace sponsored by The Waterberg Trust
The academic performance of the local schools is deteriorating because they are underfunded and teacher vacancies are often either poorly filled or remain unfilled. However, there are encouraging factors with some teachers providing extra classes to help children catch up and prepare for their exams, along with some supporting after-school activities with sport being increasingly encouraged.
School sports for girls of the Waterberg in South Africa
TWT initiatives include conserving the environment and helping the poorest and all the young people of the Waterberg to achieve their potential by encouraging them to stay in education. This involves basic and simple initiatives.
School nurse Sister Grace equipping the new intake of schoolgirls with washable pads.
By providing re-useable washable sanitary wear from the nonprofit Dignity Dreams, TWT has again met its priority this year by enabling all the adolescent girls of the Waterberg to attend school for all of every month for the five years of their secondary education. As a result, fewer girls drop out of education because they no longer fall behind through missing school.
Sister Grace distributing packs of Dignity Dreams eco-sanitary pads in secondary schools of the Waterberg
TWT raises funds to pay the school nurse’s salary. Sister Grace provides primary care for the medical, mental and general welfare needs of the school children of the Waterberg. She manages the distribution of the Dignity Dreams packs and instructing the girls in how to use them, when she explains accompanying leaflet on puberty and sex education.
A letter from a schoolgirl thanking donors for her washable eco-sanitary pads
Through dedicated Life Skills teaching sessions, Sister Grace instructs the pupils in human reproduction and sex education with the use and availability of contraception methods.
A drama about the risks of teenage pregnancy performed by Waterberg pupils
As a direct consequence, the numbers of teenage pregnancies have reduced consistently each year. Sister Grace supports any teenage mums with baby care instruction, guidance and provides essentials when they are not available.
Monitoring a baby born to a teenage schoolgirl
In South Africa, you cannot attend school if you do not have a uniform, which is something that the poorest families in the community struggle to afford. TWT helps to provide school uniforms and shoes so that every child in the Waterberg can go to school.
Providing hard-wearing school shoes in the Waterberg
Sister Grace champions important initiatives such as four school vegetable gardens that the children cultivate. She helps the children to remain motivated and to choose subjects that will support their career choices.
Ideas for careers open to pupils of the Waterberg
She also supports the health of the weakest in the community, distributing monthly food parcels to about seven needy households with volunteers from the “Acts of Mercy” initiative of the local St John’s Church.
TWT provides scholarships for exceptional pupils to further education and not be held back by the poverty of their family circumstances. For example, Elton Chitandra is a deserving and able student from the Waterberg who is an orphan living with his aunt. TWT awarded Elton a scholarship for his university tuition fees for three years. He is now in the third year of his Computer Software degree at university.
Elton with some of his school certificates
Importantly, TWT also contributes to wildlife conservation in the Waterberg by funding vehicle recognition cameras at strategic road junctions. As a consequence, the Waterberg has lost very few rhinos to poachers in the last few years, which sadly contrasts to other areas of South Arica.
This year, TWT has made another large donation to the Save the Waterberg Rhino initiative that has changed its name to the Waterberg Landscape Alliance (WLA). The name change was made to reflect a broader conservation remit.
TWT sends school children on residential course at the Lapalala Wilderness School to learn about their precious environment and the diversity of species. Educating the young in the importance of conserving the habitat results in parents becoming more aware.
Local students on a course at Lapalala Wilderness School
While there is still work to be done in enhancing the conspicuity of the Trust in the Waterberg, it has been the lead supporter of some important projects to do with health, welfare, education and the environment.
TTP have continued to provide massive support both administratively and in consultation, which is much appreciated.
Learners come to see the school nurse with headaches, coughs & fevers, allergies or asthma, injuries, menstrual issues or for mental health support due to anxiety, stress or depression.
“I do provide group health education and guidance per class when there’s free learning period upon arrangement with the teachers. I help learners in the junior classes with career choices and subjects which are linked to each career to enable them chose the right subjects when promoted to senior grades. Other topics are sexual reproductive health, puberty and various methods of contraceptives to girls.”
Waterberg school pupils gather for a sex and reproductive education lecture
“LEARNERS GATHERED AND ATTENTIVELY LISTENING TO SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH TOPIC“
School nurse Sister Grace discuses career choices with Grade 9 pupils of the Waterberg
Learners are encouraged to discuss:
Common forms of Gender Based Violence.
Teenage pregnancy, contraceptives, STIs and sexual abuse both in school and homes.
Importance of education and aspirations with the hard work and dedication involved.
GRADE 8s RECEIVED LEARNING TABLETS LOADED WITH DATA and TEXT BOOKS
Learners are motivated to take their studies seriously and accept discipline.
They are encouraged to take part in physical fitness to enhance mental capability.
Schoolgirls gathering for a netball tournament with other schools in the Waterberg
PROGRESS:
Grade 12s attended educational camps in the Waterberg District and were offered extra classes in a quiet and conducive environment to prepare for their final examinations.
Regular school inspections by officials from the Department of Education motivate teachers on ways of helping learners to archive better results.
Extra classes are provided for all learners after school and on weekends to help them to catch up. Teachers are willing to offer their time.
Reduction in teenage pregnancy numbers due to availability of contraceptives.
Free sanitary pads are distributed to girls on a regular basis to ensure they don’t miss classes. The Department of Education provides schools with disposable pads.
EVERY FEMALE PUPIL DESERVES FREE SANITARY PADS
CHALLENGES:
Relocating teachers affects learners who must adjust to new teaching methods and expectations.
Disruption of familiar relationships and trust.
Learners experience fatigue due to long hours spent at school.
To much work is given to learners resulting in some failing to cope or submit school work.
Withdrawal of buses transporting learners led to increased number of late arrivals or absenteeism.
School sports for girls of the Waterberg
OTHER EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNERS FROM SURROUNDING SCHOOLS:
The Waterberg Innovation Center based at Meetsetshehla Secondary School in the Waterberg District of Modimolle Mookhgopong Munucipality aims to equip learners with enrichment classes from grades 4-9 & 10-12 in subjects such as Physics, Mathematics, Natural Science, and Technical Science. The Northern Education Trust has been supporting for about two years.
Dr Farrant tells us, “The Northern Education Trust has paid for the renovation and refurbishment of what were the teachers’ quarters at Meetsetshehla School, and the WIC have provided the labour for the project. The result is an office block, where Grace also has her office.” This includes a kitchen to provide refreshments for pupils attending enrichment classes.
The Waterberg Innovation Center provides enrichment classes aimed at scholars of all Waterberg schools. The subject list includes Physical Science, Chemistry, Biological Science, Mathematics, Numeracy, Reading and literacy, Career planning and career guidance.
Th expenditure by NET has been significant, but we think that the programmes are good. They now must start being implemented. You will see a wish ( or needs list) attached to the report.
The Northern Education Trust is not directly involved in the administration or presentation of the programmes, but we are supportive of the organization.
Learners will also be engaged in a reading competition, spelling bee, career expo and career exhibition along with other activities.
WISH LIST FOR WATERBERG INNOVATION CENTER:
Mobile Lab
Science Exhibit
Branding for the center
Lab equipment such as microscopes
Transportation bus for learners
Funds to reimburse expenses incurred by volunteers
We need to reach out to farm schools in remote areas
Sister Grace is sponsored by The Waterberg Trust, a UK Registered Charity that is able to accept donations in eight different currencies via Justgiving and benefit from the UK Gift Aid scheme.
Sister Grace working in the Waterberg
An experienced nursing sister, Grace continues to reach out to those who need support such as the elderly and the orphaned by carefully distributing food parcels, clothes, school uniform and medication much of which is provided by members of Church of St John the Baptist at 24 Rivers via their incredible Acts of Mercy project.
Community members come to Sister Grace with various problems
As the South African elections get closer, many political parties are helping community members with food parcels, temporary employment and learnerships in different sectors i.e. schools, creches, local clinic, road maintenance and municipal offices.
Items of clothing donated by Church of St John the Baptist being distributed to those in need.
The Social Relief Grant has been extended and grants such old age pensions, child support and disability allowances have been increased but some people fail to qualify or need specific help such as an elderly man who is losing his eyesight.
Homebased nursing in the Waterberg
There is a real need for home based care in the community.
“I have continued to shop from different supermarkets for essential supplies. Food parcels for beneficiaries living on the farms are collected by those closer to them or sent through lodge drivers.”
Food parcels purchased for those in need in the Waterberg
If you would like to contribute to Sister Grace’s office expenses, or make a donation towards specific items such as sanitary pads for schoolgirls or school shoes, The Waterberg Trust has a Justgiving page here. Other ways of giving are detailed on the Donate page on this website.
Small amounts of money go a long way. These hard-wearing school shoes cost £6.25.
Providing school shoes in the Waterberg
Fourteen known beneficiaries, some of whom fall through the net of Social Services, receive food parcels and home based care, but many people in the Waterberg community have been benefiting and are truly grateful. Please give what you can.
Items of school uniform distributed carefully
Thank you for your gifts, kind donations and voluntary work
PROVIDING ONGOING SUPPORT FOR MANY FAMILIES
Acts of Mercy – helping the needy in the Waterberg
The Waterberg Trust 