Tag Archives: news

News from our school nurse in the Waterberg, South Africa

June 11, 2025Africa, Charity, Education, Healthcare, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, School vegetable gardens, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, Education, learning, Limpopo Province, news, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

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

PREGNANT LEARNERS	NUMBER OF LEANERS PER SCHOOL
Meetsetshehla Secondary School – 4	596
Leseding High School – 8	1363
Motakamhotala High School – 1	368

BELOW ARE THE LEARNER ENROLLMENT PER SCHOOL

PRIMARY SCHOOLS	TOTAL LEARNERS	NUMBER OF TEACHERS
Mokolo Primary	1224	34 Teachers
Mahlasedi Primary	1423	38 Teachers

TOTAL NUMBER OF LEARNERS SEEN INDIVIDUALLY = 555

Medical condition=65 (Epilepsy 8, asthma 25, dental abscess 6, allergic conjunctivitis 26)

Social Problems = 45 (orphaned 25, alcoholic parents 10, physical abuse 8, suicide attempt 2)

Menstrual issues = 105 (Pads distributed to girls)

Referral for contraceptives =150 (girls aged 13-19 years-old accessed injectable contraceptives)

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.

Sixty teenagers from Leseding High School benefit from a residential course at Lapalala Wilderness School in the Waterberg, South Africa

March 21, 2025UncategorizedEducation, environment, learning, news, teachingSophie Neville

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

Having sent a number of teenagers to Lapalala Wilderness School in the past, we liaised with the director Mashudu Makhokah who agreed to host a group from Vaalwater for a short centre based environmental education programme.

The week proved a great success:

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.

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.”

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.

The Waterberg Trust — 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.

On Saturday 10th May, TWT are organising a cycle ride from Cambridge to raise funds to send another group. If you’d like to join us, please sign up here.

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.

If you would like to sponsor a group of up to 120 local school children to attend a course there please contact The Waterberg Trust.

We also collect donations on Justgiving

Great things were achieved in the Waterberg, South Africa in 2024

January 16, 2025UncategorizedEducation, health, newsSophie Neville

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 so that girls do not miss school — 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 addiction counsellor Chris West-Russell speaking about the dangers of drug abuse — 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.

TWT sponsors Sister Grace's salary — 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.

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.”

School items purchased and distributed this month — Some of the school items purchased and distributed in 2024

Help us to keep this small but effective project going

Please donate here if you can

Even small donations stretch a long way in the Waterberg

Many thanks!

The Waterberg Trust pay for food parcels donated to needy members of the Waterberg community by School Nurse Sister Grace — The Waterberg Trust pay for food parcels donated to needy members of the Waterberg community

Good news from our School Nurse in the Waterberg, South Africa

December 13, 2024UncategorizedEducation, learning, news, school, teachingSophie Neville

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 working with schoolgirls of the Waterberg

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 making sure that girls do not miss school — 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.”

School nurse Sister Grace sponsored by The Waterberg Trust to help girls make the most of their education in the Wateberg, South Africa

Schools closed on 11^th December 2024 and reopen in January 2025

Many thanks to all those who support Sister Grace’s invaluable work in the Waterberg. If you would like to make a donation The Waterberg Trust has a Justgiving page here.

School nurse Sister Grace looking at new equipment in the Waterberg Innovation Centre — School nurse Sister Grace working with schoolgirls in the Waterberg

Acts of Mercy in the Waterberg, South Africa

November 23, 2024Africa, Charity, Community projects, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, South Africa, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, food, Long distance riding, news, South Africa, Sponsored ride, WaterbergSophie Neville

REPORT FOR OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 2024

School Nurse Sister Grace taking donations to members of the Waterberg community — Sister Grace taking donations to members of the Waterberg community

Sister Grace writes from South Africa to say she that she continues to distribute food parcels purchased by The Waterberg Trust to those in need. She also distributes clothes and sanitary pads donated to the local Acts of Mercy project. “Some families are facing hard times due to increased prices of food and having extended families to support.”

Beneficiaries are identified and assessed according to their needs and challenges. The food parcels currently benefit 31 individuals in 8 family groups. One mother’s dwelling burnt down recently. Others continue to receive monthly food parcels due to unresolved social circumstances. Items are bought from different supermarkets to obtain the best prices.

OPPORTUNITIES:

Girls continue to receive free sanitary pads and clothes on a regular basis
The Social Relief Grant continues to benefit many including unemployed youth
Job creation schemes benefit locals within town, surrounding farms and lodges
Churches are taking part in helping the needy with food parcels
School children continue to be provided with daily meals via the feeding schemes

CHALLENGES:

Poverty due to unemployment and a low source of income
Increased prices for essentials
Huge families
Dysfunctional families
Multiple family responsibilities

CLOTHES AND SHOES DONATED TO CHILDREN OF THE WATERBERG IN SOUTH AFRICA

Chairman’s Annual Report

October 8, 2024Africa, Charity, Community projects, Education, Ending period poverty, Healthcare, HIV awareness, Limpopo Province, Nature Conservation, Nonprofit, School vegetable gardens, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, Education, learning, Limpopo Province, news, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, Sponsored ride, teaching, Waterberg, womenSophie Neville

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 thinking The Waterberg Trust — 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 school shoes in the Waterberg — 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 his recent certificates — 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

Fundraising: TWT pioneered a new circular cycle route from Cambridge across the counties of Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire for its annual sponsored cycle ride that was much enjoyed by an ever increasing field of riders. Circa £13,794 was raised, beating the £10,000 target.

The Waterberg Trust charity cycle ride 2024

TWT has a number of ways you can make a donation and a Justgiving page

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.

Barry Burles

Chairman

June 2024

The Waterberg Trust active in South Africa — Growing vegetables for the school feeding scheme.

School nurse Sister Grace reports from the Waterberg in South Africa

June 10, 2024Africa, Education, Ending period poverty, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Waterberg, YouthA school nurse transforming the lives of children in South Africa, Africa, Education, Limpopo Province, news, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

SCHOOL REPORT FROM APRIL – JUNE 2024

Dr Peter Farrant of the Northern Education Trust says, “The work is running well and the service provides a lifeline for many children.”

Sister Grace’s day extends from 08:00-16:00hrs from Monday to Friday. Her office and reporting centre is at Meetshetshela Secondary School just outside Vaalwater in the centre of the Waterberg. She visits other schools once a week. These include Leseding Secondary School, Mokolo Primary School and Mahlasedi Primary School, with occasional trips to Motlakamothala High School 25km out of Vaalwater.

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 education lecture — 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 8’S RECEIVED THEIR LEARNING TABLETS LOADED WITH DATA TO BROWSE SCHOOL WORK AND DOWNLOAD TEXT BOOKS TO READ — 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 in the Waterberg — 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 GIRL LEARNER DESERVES FREE SANITARY 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.

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

If you would like to consider supporting this amazing work, please take a look at the Donate page on this website where you can see how even small donations go a long way in South Africa.

Schools will be closed for winter holidays but Grade 12, s will continue to attend classes.

Providing on-going support for the needy in the Waterberg, South Africa

March 11, 2024Africa, Charity, Community projects, Ending period poverty, Home Based Care, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, Education, Limpopo Province, news, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

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.

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.

People come to Sister Grace with their problems — 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 hose in need. — 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 care nursing in the Waterberg — 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.

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.

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 — Acts of Mercy – helping the needy in the Waterberg

2024 – Talks on Addiction, Food Parcel Distribution and Home Based Care in the Waterberg, South Africa

February 6, 2024Africa, Charity, Community projects, Education, Ending period poverty, Healthcare, HIV, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Home Based Care, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, Youthaddiction, Africa, Charity, food parcels for the needy in the Waterberg, health, lectures on addiction to school children in South Africa, Limpopo Province, mental-health, news, Providing school shoes for African pupils, recovery, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

The addiction counsellor Chris West-Russell speaking about the sleeping tiger of drug and alcohol abuse

The Waterberg Trust partners with St John’s Church and the Tshepo Trust to help the needy in the Waterberg, providing homebased care, food parcels and talks on addiction.

ST JOHN’S ACTS OF MERCY REPORT FOR JANUARY 2024

Sister Grace continues to distribute food parcels and clothes. ”As we began the new year I managed to buy school items for needy children. The food parcels are bought from different supermarkets to get lower prices.”

The 24 beneficaries include an elderly widow from Mozambique with no source of income, a chronically ill single Mum, a victim of sexual abuse, a teenage mum without support and other child-headed families.

If you could help by making a donation, however small, please click here for The Waterberg Trust’s Justgiving site or visit our How to Donate page.

Some of the food parcels purchased this month

PROGRESS:

Acts of Mercy has made a huge impact on many families in Vaalwater community by providing food parcels, clothes and sanitary pads for girls.
Local organizations such as the Tshepo Trust and Noko Transformation Forum are being well supported.
Some beneficiaries find jobs, others continue to receive Government Social Relief grants.
Grants for child support and the elderly were increased.
Opportunities for the youth to gain skills in gardening, poultry rearing and security work while receiving a monthly stipend are available.

CHALLENGES:

Increase in food prices
Improper spending of social grants on alcohol and gambling
Overcrowding due to migration leading to poor living conditions and sanitation
Unemployed youth get involved in substance and alcohol abuse, community theft and gender-based violence. Community members feel unsafe walking in certain areas for fear of being attacked or robbed.
Increase in the number of teenage pregnancy despite information about reproduction & health, preventative measures and access to contraceptives.

Sister Grace compiled a power point presentation to summarize work achieved with Acts of Mercy from MAY 2020 – Dec 2023. The presentation also published on this website, specifies the number of food parcels distributed, including clothes and reusable sanitary pads. “Many families benefited from the donations.”

TSHEPO HBC REPORT JANUARY 2024

Tshepo Homebased Care continues daily routine work in the community.

“We checkup on patients, provide adherence support, collect patient medication from the clinic and identify new patients for admission. All the patients on our program have chronic conditions and are assisted according to their needs i.e. wound dressing, passive exercises, bathing and weekly pill box packing. Some patients are stable and take medication while others need proper adherence counseling and regular home visits to ensure they are well informed about the importance of adherence.”

The number of patients on the program stands at 22. “There has been a great improvement in mobility after our caregivers intervened.”

PROGRESS:

Tshepo Homebased Care is recognized in the community and by the local Government clinic who refer patients and help with basic dressing materials, specimen bottles for sputum collection and TB screening tools.
Chronic medication is collected on behalf of elderly patients who can not walk to the clinic.
A speaker from the Western Cape addressed the increased number of young addicts in our community and provided caregivers with training on addiction and recovery, along with stakeholders from Noko Transformation & Anti-corruption Forum and local schools.
Tshepo Trust assisted the Noko Forum with a letter to enable them to fundraise for their organization and ask local business owners for financial donations or food stuffs.

CHALLENGES:

Very sick patients, including those who need surgery or specialist intervention, wait a long time before they can be transferred to the provincial hospital. Appointments are extended to further dates, making it difficult for families to cope with caring for their loved ones.
Increase in youth-related deaths due to substance abuse, drugs and alcohol, defaulting on chronic medication
Poor family support and abandonment of sick or elderly patients left alone at home.
Tshepo Trust is short of homebased care kits, stationery, and cleaning products.

FUTURE PLANS:

To continue providing required homebased care services
To bring in those who need day care services and close monitoring
To intensify patient screening for TB and reach out in other areas
To continue liaising with stakeholders to ensure we provide the necessary services for patients and their families

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Many thanks to St John the Baptist Church at 24 Rivers who support Tshepo Trust through their Acts of Mercy initiative, providing food for patients, clothes and assistance in the office.