Tag Archives: Vaalwater

Our school nurse reports from the Waterberg in South Africa

October 10, 2023Africa, Education, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, Peer Education, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, Limpopo Province, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, Vaalwater, Waterberg, Waterberg schoolsSophie Neville

SCHOOL REPORT FROM JULY – SEPTEMBER 2023

School nurse Sister Grace working with Waterberg school in South Africa

School nurse Sister Grace has been helping pupils of the Waterberg with learning problems by addressing social issues. “These include poverty, family crises, abuse, sexual abuse leading to unwanted pregnancy, gender-based violence, menstrual issues, and undisciplined learners attitude to fellow school mates and teachers.”

She reports, “My presence in surrounding schools has eased the pressure of teachers being disturbed during class. I have created a solid relationship with students who are free to come to me whenever they need help. Serious matters are referred to relevant stakeholders.” If she has a problem with students coming to school under the influence of drugs and alcohol or sees knives being brought to school, the Victim Support Unit at the local police station are notified.

“I have seen positive changes after facilitating health and safety,” Sister Grace says.

Thanks go to TWT donors who finance this sterling work. If you would like to make a donation, we have a Justigivng site and list other ways of getting involved on this website here.

Lapalala Wilderness School's rhino poaching project — Lapalala Wilderness School’s anti-rhino poaching project 2023

PROGRESS:

Grade10 learners from the Waterberg district participated in a Public Speaking Competition held at Lapalala Wilderness School on 23^rd September 2023. Students spoke on the impact, challenges and possible solutions to end rhino poaching in South Africa.
Junior students in grade 8 & 9 received IT tablets and data, enabling them to access the internet gain access to online studies.
The Matric students had their trial exams in preparation for their finals.
Learners continue to take extra classes and catch up on their schoolwork.
School clubs are doing well such as the Spelling Bee and the School Initiative Educational Club, which aims to address issues faced by learners and suggest possible solutions.

Learners performing a drama about becoming a teenage mother — Waterberg pupils performing a drama about becoming a teenage mother

CHALLENGES:

Inadequate resources in Government schools such as poor sanitation and rundown classrooms with broken windows, cracked floors and loose doors.
Relocation of teachers to other schools.
Poor communication between parents, stakeholders and school management.
Teenage pregnancy remains a huge problem with teenage mums returning to school a week after delivery, against school policy.

A drama about the risks of teenage pregnancy performed by Waterberg pupils

Masifunde Learner Development, an organization partnered with the Department of Education, implements programs for school safety to deal with social issues arising in schools.

The Vaalwater based facilitator for Masifunde Learner Development

Each school chose five learners as representatives and game changers who were trained and are able to share with fellow students about findings within their social environment.

LEARNERS DISCUSSING BULLYING IN SCHOOLS, QUALITY OF EDUCATION AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THEIR FUTURE CAREERS

All learners attend classes on life orientation topics such as nutrition, careers, physical education and the environment.

TOTAL LEARNERS WHO CONSULTED INDIVIDUALLY = 136

Pregnant – 9 (3 Meetsetshehla & 5 Leseding High School, 1 from Mokolo primary)

Referred for contraceptives – 37 (accessed different methods of birth control)

Adherence Counseling – 15 (those taking ARV’s, antidepressants & anti-epileptics)

Medical issues – 20 (Asthma, acid reflux, conjunctivitis, dental infection and tonsillitis)

Minor Ailments – 45 (menstrual pain, headaches, allergic rash, sports injury, cough & rhinitis)

Social Issues – 10 (No food at home, poor family support, alcoholic parents, fighting at school)

Matric students being motivated to study hard for their exams — Matric students in Vaalwater being motivated to study hard for their exams

BELOW ARE POINTS HIGHLIGHTED BY THE GAME CHANGERS CLUB

Improved learning and safe environment in schools
To upgrade classroom with heaters in winter as they get very cold
To ensure teachers are present during their allocated period (We noticed an increase in teacher absenteeism)
To address issues of gender inequality
To improve and protect learners from bullying and abuse
To empower learners with knowledge and skills during academic periods
To engage with various physical sporting activities to keep fit

Many thanks to TWT donors supporting Sister Grace and volunteers at the Northern Education Trust who back up her work.

Sister Grace encouraging pupils of the Waterberg

Support for the needy in the Waterberg, South Africa

September 7, 2023Africa, Charity, Community projects, Ending period poverty, HIV awareness, Limpopo Province, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthCharity, Leseding Vaalwater, Limpopo Province, South Africa, Vaalwater, Waterberg, youth opportunitiesSophie Neville

Can you imagine what it is like to be in your final term at school when you have no parents to support you?

Sister Grace with 2023 Matric students in new uniforms

Nursing Sister Grace has been encouraging pupils preparing for their final exams by providing them with new Matrix polo shirts.

The Waterberg Trust finds sponsorship for Sister Grace to be employed as a school nurse and equips all schoolgirls in the area with washable eco-sanitary pads so they do not miss lessons.

“I attend to various problems in the community ranging from gender-based violence and child neglect to youth who are abusing drugs but are willing to quit.” She is helping a fourteen year-old schoolgirl who fell pregnant after being raped and traumatised.

If you would like to support this amazing work, The Waterberg Trust can receive donations in a number of different ways specified on this website here and via Justgiving. You can specify how you would like your money to be spent.

Thanks to kind donors in the UK, The Waterberg Trust still funds the purchase of basic food parcels for twenty-five individuals in the area. Between March 2020 and March 2023, Sister Grace distributed a total of 644 food parcels to desperate families. Many people afflicted by hunger have been fed.

Food parcels donated by TWT supporters to help needy families in the Waterberg

CHALLENGES:

Increased food prices
Dysfunctional families neglect their children and fail to enroll them at school which results in substance abuse and theft with kids roaming the streets.
Some foreigners are turned away from the local clinic without being given treatment.

Sister Grace reaches out to those in need in the Waterberg by supporting the chronically ill and collecting medication for those at risk of defaulting on their HIV/AIDS and TB treatment.

PROGRESS:

Children continue to receive balanced meals at school.
Social Relief Grants to help sustain needy South African families.
Social clubs loan money to small businesses.
Youth-friendly activities are available such as netball, drama and choir festivals.
Shambala Private Game reserve assists the community with food and shelter.

The Knitting Club continue to knit blankets for the elderly and for teenage moms. — The Vaalwater Knitting Club continue to knit blankets for the elderly and for teenage moms.

Many thanks to local donors for ongoing support, clothes, sanitary pads and stationery for the less privileged in schools and creches.

Donations of clothes support those in need in the Waterberg, South Africa

Continued support for the needy in the Waterberg, South Africa

September 10, 2022Africa, Charity, Community projects, Education, Ending period poverty, Healthcare, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Home Based Care, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, Peer Education, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, Limpopo Province, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, Vaalwater, WaterbergSophie Neville

REPORT FOR JULY – AUGUST 2022

Hats provided by the Vaalwater Knitting Club — Children of the Waterberg receiving wooly winter hats from the Knitting Club

Dr Peter Farrant says that Sister Grace continues to do excellent work at various schools in the community. “She is doing home based care, home visits to teenage mums, counselling and support of those struggling with substance abuse, those that are homeless and destitute. This report barely covers the surface of her activity. She attends the schools during school hours. I work with her in a supportive role and also supervise the treatment and therapy as well as monitor the monthly spending and examine the bank account each month.”

The Waterberg Trust — Sister Grace working in schools of the Waterberg

DUTIES:

Sister Grace has continued to support those needing help and was able to monitor the sick. She distributed donated clothes and disposable sanitary pads to teenage girls.

Some previous beneficiaries have managed to get employed on farms, while others have been helped to start small businesses in poultry, livestock or informal trading by the Department of Agriculture’s subsidy to empower local community members. The beneficiaries who received support applied to the Department of Agriculture. In each and every location there’s a vegetable garden, chickens and livestock.

FOOD PARCELS WERE BOUGHT AND COLLECTED

DONATED CLOTHES AND SANITARY PADS.

MORE PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE ON POWERPOINT PRESENTATION

Sister Grace working in Leseding Township — Sister Grace donating blankets in Leseding Township in the Waterberg

CLOTHES TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS IN LESEDING TOWNSHIP

CHALLENGES:

The sale of alcohol and loud music in the township disrupts learners busy studying and preparing for exams.
The Department of Home Affairs is reluctant to renew work permits due to expire by December 2022 ,which causes job insecurity for foreigners.
Increase in numbers of teenage pregnancies. Babies are looked after by guardians at home but are vulnerable to malnutrition and illness.
Regular community theft by teenage youths who do not attend school and are under the influence of substance abuse and alcohol consumption
Increased prices of essential supplies including food makes it difficult for those with low incomes to provide for their families

School girls receiving donations to end period poverty

PROGRESS:

Local job opportunities and Social Relief Grants continue to benefit the community.
Learners who go to school have access to daily meals from the schools feeding scheme.
Guests who visit the surrounding lodges have donated clothes and sanitary pads which have been distributed to those in need or to learners.
Locals are benefiting from a recycling project and are able to earn an income after selling the recyclable materials i.e. bottles, card boxes, paper and tins etc

KNITTING CLUB:

A donation of £1 can provide enough wool to knit a hat for a child in need.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

I would like to thank St John The Baptist Church at 24 Rivers, guests from various lodges and individuals who have contributed so much towards the Acts of Mercy Charity which continues to help many people from the community regardless of nationality or cultural beliefs. This has made a huge impact. May God bless you all.

Nursing Sister Grace’s salary is provided by The Waterberg Trust who can accept financial donations in the UK and redeem Gift Aid. You can find different ways of how to make a donation here. Do specify how you wish your donation to be spent, if you like.

Donations of bras and wool are much appreciated if you find yourself going to the Waterberg.

A donated blanket hand-knitted in Vaalwater

News from schools of the Waterberg

March 31, 2022Africa, Charity, Community projects, Education, Healthcare, HIV, HIV prevention, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, Sponsored ride, Vaalwater, WaterbergSophie Neville

SCHOOL REPORT FROM JANUARY TO MARCH 2022

Dr Peter Farrant writes to say, “Thank you for your continued support…it is GREATLY appreciated!” There is a significant shortage of teachers, which is concerning, and never-ending social and medical needs. He says “Sister Grace is a stable rock in the school, which is a huge benefit to the scholars.”

**LEARNERS BEING SCREENED BEFORE CLASS. THOSE WITH CHICKEN POX or SCABIES ARE SENT HOME**

All learners returned to school on full-time basis this term with Covid-19 protocols observed. Between 600–1200 learners are screened daily. Learners continue to wear masks and are sanitised upon arrival. Outdoor activities are allowed in all schools and pupils participate in various athletics, which increases physical fitness. The infection rate has reduced as many staff members and learners have had Covid-19 vaccines.

Only two primary schools had Covid-19 positive cases among staff members, and control measures were undertaken.

CHALLENGES:

**ADDRESSING LEARNERS ON DANGERS OF GENGER BASED VIOLENCE AND BULLYING AT SCHOOL AND WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITY**

Shortage of staff, as a result of teachers relocating or being promoted in different educational sectors, has prevented learners from catching up academically. Pupils can spend a whole day without being taught.
Poor sanitation due to inadequate toilets for the huge numbers of learners
Overcrowding now all learners are fully attending school: 42 learners or more per class
Pregnant learners continue to hide. Their condition is only noticed during routine screening when they reach their 2^nd or 3^rd trimester. Daily monitoring, counselling and support are then provided.
Overaged learners, who have repeated courses more than 3 times, are stuck in the same grade and can become bad influencers. Some are involved in theft of other learner’s valuables, which makes pupils feel unsafe.
Undisciplined learners come to school to disrupt others. Some are under the influence of alcohol. (Parents have been called to a hearing.)
Hysteric attacks in girls, which they believe was related to ancestral calling. These were controlled with the involvement of parents

PROGRESS:

Improved Matric pass rate for Meetsetshehla Secondary School of 78% – compared to 63% in 2020 and Leseding High School 73 %.
Senior learners continue to attend extra classes at weekends and during the holidays.
The employment of general workers and teacher assistants in schools has helped to keep school premises clean. Teachers are assisted with administration and book keeping. The Job Creation Scheme was a Government initiative to ensure youth are employed and equipped with skills by giving them a year’s contract in schools.
Feeding schemes continue to provide daily meals to learners many of whom come to school without eating.
The local education circuit office managed to source temporary staff to fill teaching gaps while schools awaited formal advertising of vacant posts
Sister Grace spoke to classes about teenage pregnancy, menstrual issues, contraceptives, cyberbullying, along with the dangers of substance abuse and its effect.

“I AM ALSO INVOLVED IN A RECYCLING PROJECT OF BOTTLES, PAPER AND CARDBOX WHICH ARE THEN COLLECTED AND SOLD TO THE LOCAL RECYCLING COMPANY. THIS PROJECT HELPS TO EMPOWER THOSE UNEMPLOYED TO EARN EXTRA INCOME THROUGH WASTE MANAGEMENT. A TRUCK COMES TO FETCH RECYCLABLES WHEN BAGS ARE FULL.”

STATISTICS: TOTAL NUMBER OF THOSE SEEN INDIVIDUALLY: 167

PREGNANT – 20 (12 from Meetsetshehla Secondary School & 8 Leseding High School)

MEDICAL ISSUES – 8 : Asthma, Chicken pox, Herpes Zoster, Epilepsy, Dental infection and HIV

MINOR ISSUES – 55 : Menstrual issues, abdominal cramps, headaches, sports injuries and allergies

SOCIAL PROBLEMS – 20 :Due to poor family support, obesity due to improper diet, lack of funds to access a rehabilitation centre, and unhealthy living conditions, which distract pupils from studying.

PSYCHOLOGICAL – 10 : 6 cases of hysteria, 2 rape victims, 2 grieving the loss of loved ones, plus cases of abuse.

ADHERENCE COUNSELING – 25 : HIV medication, Epilepsy and depression.

CONTRACEPTIVES – 29 cases referred to access various methods of contraception

FUTURE PLANS:

I will continue to educate learners’ about the risks of teenage pregnancy, reproductive and sexual health, sexual transmitted infections and preventative measures.
I will invite stakeholders from the local government clinic who run youth friendly programs to motivate our learners and to encourage more girls to access different contraceptives
I will regularly meet up with security personnel who can assist with learners’ safety due to increasing number of drug addicts who hide in the bushes and want to commit crimes like raping girls and snatching phones or school essentials. One 16 year-old girl was raped on her way to school. She’s currently receiving medical care and psychological counseling from the local clinic.

Schools are closed for 2 weeks from the 18^th March and re-open on the 4^th April 2022

Explaining how to use washable sanitary pads

If you would like to help The Waterberg Trust finance this amazing work, you can find details or who to contact and how to make a donation here.

MANY THANKS!

Even very small amounts of money go a long way to help the people of the Waterberg and enable learners to achieve their dreams.

TWT donors enable learners in the Waterberg to go on a residental course at Lapalala Wilderness School

November 30, 2021Africa, Charity, Community projects, Education, Limpopo Province, Nature Conservation, Nonprofit, Peer Education, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthA course in nature conservation and conservation for secondary school children in the Waterberg, Limpopo Province, South Africa, Vaalwater, WaterbergSophie Neville

Thanks to The Waterberg Trust supporters who made this life-changing experience possible

‘Our courses are no longer regarded as a luxury but rather as a vitally important component of the education of all our children, with the message that the health of people is intimately connected with the health of the environment.’ Chairman of Lapalala Wilderness School

Clearly, one of the best ways of ensuring future conservation is to educate the young people.

After delays caused by C-19 Lockdown, and floods that washed away the access road, a group of twenty-two teenage students from Meetsetshehla Sceondary School in Valwater were able to attend a week-long environmental course at Lapalala Wilderness School in 2021. TWT hope to send another group from Leseding High School in Vaalwater soon.

Learners from Meetsetshehla Secondary School in Vaalwater learning about rivers

The main objectives of the Environmental Education programme are:

To spark an interest and passion for the natural world and the conservation.
To share knowledge relating to local and global environmental issues and sustainable living.
To demonstrate how individuals can have a positive impact on the environment.
To build team spirit and nurture leadership skills.
To cultivate an appreciation and respect for a pristine wilderness environment.

Students learn about recycling, biodiversity and gain practical help if they are seeking a career in tourism and wildlife conservation. For further details of the course, please see Lapalala Wilderness School’s website here.

Learning to identify plants of the Waterberg. There are approx 340 different species of trees in the area.

Lapalala Wilderness School can accommodate sixty pupils and two teachers who reside at the Wilderness School for five days, under COVID -19 lockdown regulations
It costs R 400 (£19) per person per day.
For 62 individuals for five days costs R 124,000 (£5,885)
Return transport from Vaalwater costs R10,000 (£475)

This is exceptionally good value. All in all, it costs R 134,000 (£6,360) to host a group, fully inclusive of teaching, equipment, food and accommodation.

If you would like to find out how to sponsor another group of children to attend the Wilderness School, please click here

Leaners on a game drive through Lapalala Wilderness where they saw lion and a variety of antelope

The Chairman of Lapalala Wilderness School writes:

‘In this, our 35th anniversary year, our supporters will be delighted to know that all of our environmental education programmes are being enthusiastically received, not only by primary and secondary schools but also by university students already specialising in aspects of the conservation and management of biodiversity.’

‘We have influenced teachers from a variety of schools to embrace and acknowledge the critical role of environmental conservation in many facets of our daily lives, and our work to identify and nurture the conservation leaders and champions of the future through our youth development programme has never been more urgently needed.’

Students learning about nature conservation and the job opportunities in tourism and wildlife management

‘In all of these activities the Lapalala Wilderness School is most fortunate to be able to call on a talented team of passionate and enthusiastic educators, many of whom are today widely recognised as truly inspiring mentors.’

Leadership and communication skills are nurtured on each course.

‘Our citizens must understand and support the need to conserve water catchments, wetlands, and the many species of plants and animals which receive far too little attention, such as the pollinators so essential for food security.’

Thank you letters from some of the students

The children were truly grateful for the opportunity and wrote to thank the director of Lapalala Wilderness School:

A letter written to thank the director of Lapalala Wilderness School

The course fits in with the national curriculum. Sister Grace founded an Environmental Club for schools in Vaalwater. Members tend vegetable gardens and have been taken to local game reserves.

Back at school: some of the students who attended the Lapalala Wilderness course, with Sister Grace

Extending knowledge learned at Lapalala Wilderness in the school veggie garden established by the TWT corporate sponsor in South Africa: Environmental Impact Management Services.

For further details about Lapalala Wilderness School, please click here

Latest news about projects running in the Waterberg

January 15, 2014Charity, Healthcare, HIV, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Home Based Care, Hospice, Limpopo Province, Orphans, Palliative Care, Peer Education, South Africa, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAIDS, Boys 2 Men, Charity, Community, Community Programmes, Education, HIV, HIV Awareness, HIV Prevention, Home Based Care, Limpopo Province, Making a Difference, Mobile Clinic, Sex Education, South Africa, Southern Africa, Stepping Forward, Transformed Lives, Vaalwater, VCT, Voluntary Counselling and Testing, WaterbergSophie Neville

The Hall of Joy at Timothy House was officially opened by the Japanese Embassy and the Mayor of Modimolle. The event was well attended by local dignitaries. This Hall is used for morning activities with the pre-school children and after school activities for those on the Youth Programme.

Stepping Forward ran a very successful campaign Lesodi Village where the reception was incredible. The programme has the potential to have a massive impact on this area as the community are open to the Stepping Forward team and are willing to hear the message of HIV prevention and awareness. Part of the founder’s original vision was to reach such very rural communities surrounding Vaalwater and they were thrilled to hear about the success of this project.

The Boys2Men soccer team have done extremely well and received a lot of interest, getting to the Nedbank Cup final.

Training sessions in Social Media, Advocacy and Monitoring & Evaluation and Fundraising is being supported by Canadian CBTAF (Technical Aid Fund).

Waterberg Waves are recording HIV Messaging and Songs to compliment the Life Matters Programme on Gig Rig Community and School Outreaches.

Matriculation Results are in. The fourteen children on the Youth Programme taking matriculation exams have all passed. Four received Bachelors and five gained Diplomas. The other five received a standard pass. Many of the students were on the soccer team and came from Alma where Boys 2 Men ran a homework club.

Zach, the Director of Timothy House, married Stefina on 23rd November 2013 at ~ Timothy House, which was a very happy event.

July’s Story

March 28, 2013Charity, Healthcare, HIV, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Home Based Care, Hospice, Limpopo Province, Orphans, Palliative Care, Peer Education, South Africa, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAchievement, AIDS, Boys 2 Men, Charity, Community, Community Programmes, Education, HIV, HIV Awareness, HIV Prevention, Home Based Care, Limpopo Province, Making a Difference, Mobile Clinic, Sex Education, South Africa, Southern Africa, Stepping Forward, Transformed Lives, Vaalwater, VCT, Voluntary Counselling and Testing, WaterbergSophie Neville

July Letsebe in South Africa

“Just eight years ago, July Letsebe was lying on his bed, seriously ill and waiting to die. But thankfully, after discovering he was HIV positive, he was given the right medication, is now healthy, and is helping others to access life saving treatment.

When July first became ill, he refused medical treatment and instead sought the advice of a healer – a common practice in rural parts of South Africa. But after a few months, he was bedridden and barely able to move. He felt desperate. “I asked my family to help me die, but they refused,” he says.

One day, a team of carers from a local project, the Waterberg Welfare Society, visited July’s tiny shack. When they saw how ill he was, they offered to drive him to the government clinic once a day for medical care. At the clinic, July received life-saving treatment for tuberculosis and also discovered that he was HIV positive.

In an incredibly brave step, he decided to reveal his HIV status at a local community event to encourage others to get tested. “People were shocked,” he says, “I could see the expression of disbelief in their faces.”

As he slowly recovered, July started training to become an HIV counsellor so that he could help other people who are living with the virus.

“AIDS does not actually kill people – lack of knowledge about it does,” says July, who manages Stepping Forward, a Comic Relief-funded HIV project in Vaalwater, South Africa. And, as someone who has lived with HIV for almost ten years, he knows what he’s talking about.

Today, thanks to HIV medication, July is healthy and is making sure that other people in remote rural areas of South Africa have access to life-saving HIV testing and treatment.”

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July Letsebe in South Africa

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