Our aim is to send teenage school children from the Waterberg in South African on a course in wildlife conservation at Lapalala Wilderness School to broaden their horizons, present them with career opportunities and raise awareness about the vital importance of the Unesco Biosphere Reserve where they live.
Would you be able to help?
A donation made through the Big Give will be doubled until 9th December 2025. Even small donations are a great encouragementand will make a big difference.
We have reached our challenge target but this remains a great way to donate and means we will be able to apply for a higher amount of matched funding next year.
Situation:
The Waterberg plateau in Limpopo province, South Africa is an unspoilt wilderness of great and valuable biodiversity. It has been awarded UN World Biosphere status.
Within this area are several impoverished communities. The Waterberg Trust works to uplift school children, providing healthcare and environmental training, in order to improve the life chances of individuals and thereby protect the environment.
Lapalala Wilderness School in the Waterberg, South Africa
Solution:
By providing a 5-day residential environmental training course for a classroom of teenagers, individuals will gain an understanding of their biosphere and its value to them, their communities and the world ecosystem. Follow-ups are conducted by the trainers back in the school classroom to maintain interest and deepen learning. This is often the first exposure these young people get to understanding wildlife. Some go on to have careers in nature conservation or work in hotel and catering management on game reserves in the area.
The Waterberg Trust has sent a number of groups to Lapalala Wilderness School in the past. As you can see from the photos above, this has always been a great success.
Lapalala Wilderness School is a long-established NGO or charity in it’s own right that has been changing the lives of young people in South Africa for 34 years.
Help us to make another course happen! All donations received via Big Give will be doubled until their deadline on 9th December.
Their match funding partners, or“Champions”, make everything possible. It’s a simple idea. When the public donates to one of their campaigns, they ask their Champions to match donations to help make an even bigger difference, as explained here and in the video below.
Many thanks to all our donors! We are deeply grateful.
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:
Sister Grace donating a blanket made by the Knitting Club of Vaalwater
Would you be able to raise funds to buy wool for to the Vaalwater Knitting Club? The Waterberg Trust is launching a project to knit navy blue and black beanies for children to wear to school.
To date, knitting club members have been making much needed blankets, and clothes for children who need to keep warm over the South African winter as temperatures in the Waterberg can drop below freezing at night.
School nurse Sister Grace supporting teenage mothers
School nurse, Sister Grace writes to say that 53 individuals in 11 family units remain in need of food parcels and other essential items. These include school-aged mothers, child-headed homes, the unemployed who have no source of income, unemployed foreign nationals, or huge families struggling to meet daily demands.
After completing home visits and assessments, Sister Grace buys food that is distributed to the beneficiaries. “Those who are faced with an urgent situation are assisted accordingly.”
Thanks go to all those who donated to TWT’s Food Parcel Appeal back in 2020. Thanks to careful purchasing and management, we are still drawing on the funds raised. The scheme has worked exceptionally well. Many desperately needy people have benefited and thousands of meals have been provided.
If you would like to help, even in a small way, financial donations can be made via The Waterberg Trust’s Justgiving page or as specified on our Donate page here.
A food parcel financed by The Waterberg Trust
Prices for essential commodities fluctuate, but Grace shops around for the best deals. “I also buy baby clothes for teenage moms and donate clothes to needy children and adults.”
A school-age Mum receiving guidance and support
“All the pregnant girls I interact with are in between the ages of 15 – 18 years. They do have knowledge about where to access free contraceptives but are reluctant to go and seek for help due to unknown reason.”
A school-age Mum receiving essential supplies
CHALLENGES: Most problems are complex and differ from one household to another
Alcoholics choose to spend money on beer rather than food
Child-headed homes lack parental guidance
Poverty
Gender Based Violence leads to sexual and physical abuse
Unemployed parents and youth
Increased number of teenage pregnancies
Some local community members remain employed on road construction on the R33, or on surrounding lodges and farms, while others run small scale businesses and earn extra income to support their families.
WISHLIST: Baby clothes, wool and sanitary products
The Waterberg Trust has a policy of supporting outstanding students from the Waterberg who lack parental support. Elton Chitanda, who was awarded a TWT bursary to study computer science at Eduvos University in Guateng, South Africa, has won a Top Achiever Award, marking him a student of distinction in South Africa.
Thanks goes to TWT’s supporters and fundraisers. If you are able to help, even in a small way, TWT can accept donations via Justgiving or other ways detailed on the website here.
If you would like to sponsor a promising student through higher education, please contact The Waterberg Trust C/o Noel Cooper at The Trust Partnership (Phone: 01285 841900)
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.
Support Sister Grace helping girls stay at schools in the Waterberg
Great News! TWT have been selected for the ‘Big Give’ Christmas Challenge. Any funds raised from 3rd to 10th December will be doubled! We are hoping to hit the £1,000 target in this critical week, which will then be doubled to £2,000.
To help raise the first £1,000 we have organised a fun a fun 12 mile Waterberg Winter Walk in North Norfolk on Saturday 7th December, with the option of continuing on Sunday 8th December.
The circular route begins in Langham and embraces the magnificently wild coastal marshland from Stiffkey to Cley, and the back inland to the start. Along the way we will enjoy the spectacular views of sea and marsh, good conversation and lungfuls of fresh salt air. There will be a break for coffee at Blakeney, a picnic lunch at Cley and then back for tea & cake at Langham, about 4 hours 30 minutes of easy walking, rain or shine.
Some people will stop at Blakney and others after lunch at Cley. You can walk for as long as you like.
It’s not too late to join in the fun, just let us know if you’d like to come by leaving a comment below.
In the evening you might like to join us for a delightful Christmas Concert by Candlelight in Standhoe Church. On Sunday morning all are welcome to join a different, shorter inland walk overlooking the coast.
Please come and enjoy the walk with us, supporting TWT in this wonderful way. If you cannot, please tie a knot in your handkerchief to remind you to make a donation of £50 or more via the Big Give Websiteduring this critical week 3rd-10th December .
The Waterberg Trust is a small charity doing a big job in the Waterberg, South Africa. Thank you for your support.
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
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
The Waterberg Trust 