Lifeskills for 8 children in South Africa - Pilot

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Nkomo swenene ngopfu!

I thought I would talk heart to heart this letter! It is time I shared why an Aussie nurse is working in South Africa.

The simple truth is, I could not be anywhere else!

I came to this country in 1996, and I lost my heart to the children of Africa. I saw the difficulties they faced, I saw the hardships they endured, I saw the smiles on their faces and I realized that I had something I could contribute.

As a nurse, I understand the connection between poverty and poor health outcomes, poor life outcomes etc. I wanted to make a difference. I am no longer naive and believe that I can change the world but like the starfish story, I have made a difference to those I have come into contact with and their outcomes in life have improved exponentially. (the Starfish Story http://www.ataturksociety.org/the-starfish-story-original-story-by-loren-eisley/)

Recently there was an article on our Facebook Page about how the Children's Institute is demanding the government increase the Child Support Grant to R460 (Approximately $30USD) per month from R450. According to the Treasury’s 2021 Estimates of National Expenditure, there will be a decrease in spending on social grants amounting to R36 billion over the next three years, despite an estimated increase of 300,000 grant beneficiaries per year. The budget document states that the decrease follows the “cessation of social assistance due to the Covid-19 pandemic”.

Handouts are not sustainable, I want people to permanently get out of poverty using Asset Based Community Development practices hence we have implemented Self Help Groups, the Children's Program, Food Security Program, and other training to equip people to use what they have to secure their future and their children's future. Yes, people need hand-ups on occasions but the only way to really break poverty is to build generational hope and skills.

Sorry, as you can see I am passionate. That is where you assist KTD196 to realize this vision for the children and families we serve. Currently, we have in excess of 2,500 children in the program. We have reclaimed those we lost during Covid and more.

The picture on this email is of kids we have supported, most since the age of 7 and they are now in their middle 20's and excellent young leaders in their spheres of influence. All due to you!

Today I attended a meeting on developing the National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Disease for South Africa. What was wonderful to report is that although we are a small NGO in the back blocks of rural South Africa we can influence National Policy and National Frameworks using Asset Based Community Development. The reporting team was shocked at our statistics regarding teenage pregnancy and wanted to know how we achieved these outcomes. It is possible that what we do may be rolled out on a much large scale because we have the answer!

That is what you are supporting. The national teenage pregnancy rate was approximately 20% last year, due to Covid. In our program during this time with approx 1,500 girls, we have had no pregnancies. In fact, as you have heard before, we have had 12girls in 18yrs become pregnant instead of the expected 180-200girls per annum.

I would not be wasting my life, my time, my tears in this difficult place if I did not believe in the potential of these children. You would not be wasting your hard-earned money on a program that does not produce results. We are doing it, TOGETHER!

Once again I just want to thank you. I have no other words

Nkomu swenene ngopfu chomie (Thank you so much friends)

Blessings

Louise

Links:

• Childrens Institute Report to Parliament
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