SASIX

Upgrade of baboon rehabilitation enclosures

Thu, 4 February 2010

Progress Report 1: Rehabilitation and Release of a Troop of Chacma Baboons

Chacma baboons are known for getting too close to human settlements, which results in them growing dependant on humans and, frequently, to injuries. Without rehabilitation, these baboons face a lifetime in captivity or even euthanasia. CROW is the only rehabilitation centre for baboons in the region, and is responsible for the rehabilitation and release of the sub-species of chacma baboon concentrated in Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape.

This project aims to rehabilitate a group of baboons who have grown dependant on humans. CROW aims to release them back into the wild within the next year. The rehabilitation process involves socialising the baboons by introducing them to each other over time, so that they will form relationships and bond as a functioning troop. The project will also upgrade the existing baboon enclosures at CROW, which are used for rehabilitation.

The project timeline is April 2009 to March 2010.

Impact and Outputs

The project started before the SASIX grant was released. Prior to receiving SASIX funding, 17 baboons were captured, rehabilitated, and released. They were monitored for a period of five months after their release. A further nine baboons have since been captured and are being rehabilitated to prepare them for reintroduction into the wild in late September.

The rehabilitation centre has been upgraded to provide additional space and suitable facilities for the banoons. Specifically:

• CROW acquired six sleeping kennels through a donation, and a further eight kennels are currently being built.

• In two of the three enclosures, jungle gyms were constructed using donated poles, while allocated funds went to the labour required to construct them. A third jungle gym will soon be erected in the third enclosure.

• Poles and roofing was budgeted for to extend the current baboon enclosures. However, the enclosures already have suitable roofing and CROW have asked the funding for the roofing to be reallocated to electric fencing, which would be more suitable for keeping the baboons within the enclosures.

• Six security gates were installed in the three enclosures. This is one more than the five that were originally budgeted for. This is due to a change in the original design of the enclosures, which would have allowed for five gates. CROW has requested that the balance of funding for the kennels be allocated to the upgrade of a tunnel connecting the two existing enclosures to a newer, third enclosure.

• Two water troughs have been installed, and another two are due to be installed in February 2010. All enclosures were equipped with items to keep the baboons occupied. These items included recycled and donated ships ropes, suspended plastic and metal drums, and old car tyres. More items, including shipping ropes, natural vegetation, drums and other items will be sourced in February 2010.

Expenditure

The cost of the project is R95,000, with R15,900 outstanding.

There is significant under spend on the budget, as most budget items were sourced at a lower cost, were donated, or still need to be purchased. As discussed above, the funds allocated for the poles and roofing will be used for the electric fencing. The balance of the kennels, after the additional kennels have been built, will be used for the construction of the tunnel connecting the two current enclosures to the new third enclosure.

Challenges

• In the past year, CROW has had difficulties resulting from high staff turnover, as critical project implementers left the organisation. This led to difficulties in handover and reconciliation of what had and had not been implemented, which in turn led to the project being delayed. According to CROW, these issues have now been resolved, and one of the Management Committee has stepped into the role in order to stabilise the staff situation as well as implement all outstanding projects.

• After the successful release of the second troop of baboons, the owners of the site (a game reserve) erected guest accommodation between two watering holes that were frequented by the baboons. This was not part of the planning when the site was originally selected for release. The sudden presence of humans and a ready food source led to the troop raiding some of the homes and gardens. This problem resolved itself when the lead male of the troop disappeared and the troop was taken over by one of the local wild baboons, who was not accustomed to humans and therefore steered clear of the guest accommodation. This will be taken into account when releasing the remained of 9 baboons and deciding on a release site.

  Monitoring and evaluation

Baboons get identified by their sex and age and are given electronic tags. Baboons are also periodically observed through binoculars. Data is collected on:

• Their GPS location
• Which other baboons they are with
• How many of them are together at a position
• Day-to-day activities and changes in behaviour
• The habitat and vegetation type and the amount of time spent there
• Their general condition including weight, coat, demeanour, and any visible injuries

A project summary report is drawn up and discussed at a post-release meeting between CROW and KZN Wildlife. The analysis of the data is useful to determine whether a release site was suitable and whether other factors need to be taken into account in future. This will include things like the habitat type, the proximity of humans, and the structure of the troop in terms of age and sex.

Conclusions

The project, while starting late and experiencing some problems in the initial stages, has progressed well. They have consolidated all work from previous project implementers and have laid out clear plans for the future of the project. There have been some changes to the project budget. However, these changes are justified and will be of benefit to the baboons’ rehabilitation.

The rehabilitation and release of the troop to a suitable site, sufficiently remote from human settlement, will ensure that these animals are prepared for life in the wild, able to survive independently of human support and able to breed successfully.

Girls and women making responsible decisions for themselves and their families

Fri, 18 December 2009

“The Rural Eco-warrior training was very beneficial for me, as it provided all of us with skills to chair and facilitate some aspects of the training without much pre-planning from our side,” – Rural eco-warrior from North West province.

REPORT 1: “Having the clinic right here makes it possible for me to get my family planning injection when I need it. They also help me understand how to look after myself “, Fundiswe – beneficiary

This project will enable the Hantam Community Education Trust to run an intensive family planning programme for 92 girls in the rural communities within a 150km radius of Hantam in the Northern Cape. As part of a larger programme located at the local clinic established by the organisation in 2002, Hantam health workers will conduct approximately 22 pregnancy tests and offer family planning information over the year. Because there is no government healthcare in the area, the women and girls would otherwise have no access to these services.

The project runs from May 2009 to July 2010.

Outputs and impact

Hantam Community Education Trust’ family planning programme has been implemented as part of a more holistic intervention in the community, which includes education on hygiene and healthy living, effective parenting, growing vegetable gardens, preventing and addressing alcohol abuse and encouraging HIV testing. Specific outputs of the family planning intervention are the following:

• Contraceptive injections were administered to 118 women, seven of whom are under the age of 18. No teenage pregnancies were recorded.

• Eighty-seven women took pregnancy tests, the results of which were all negative.

• Health workers conducted 44 parenting training visits to 28 local farms. At the visits, 54 mothers were involved in workshops to support and enhance the quality of care and education they provide to their children (nutrition, developmental phases, stimulation materials, etc.). These workshops include a close monitoring of 52 babies and toddlers.

• The clinic is now open twice a week and receives an average of 53 visitors. The extra day is dedicated to monitor physical and psychological condition of 220 school-going children.

• The clinic has collected R16,479 in fees since the beginning of the year, which is approximately 27% of the total cost of medicines used per year. This income contributes to the sustainability of the organisation as well as proving community buy-in.

Expenditure

The cost of the project was R 23, 860 with R 7, 385 still to be paid. This budget is a portion of a larger intervention, which is funded with additional funding from other donors.

Monitoring and evaluation

Hantam follows well-structured monitoring, reporting and evaluation systems in order to maintain the quality of their programmes and identify arising issues in need of special intervention.

Health workers compile weekly reports including a detailed description of home visits, family situations, challenges faced and required follow-up steps. Counselling and testing sessions are recorded in individual’s file, together with home and farm visit reports.

Health workers and clinic staff meet weekly to monitor the progress of the project and to outline the next steps for individual cases. The meeting also provides staff with an opportunity to highlight and worrying health developments or need for referrals. The project manager responsible for coordinating outreach activities prepares and monitors projected weekly planning. She is also responsible for compiling quarterly reports, which serve to assess programme progress over time.

Clinical staff record and track their activities, including statistics on medicines provided, number of patients visited, cash-flow status, and so on. The clinical manager compiles these weekly reports into a monthly report which is then submitted to Hantam Director.

Conclusions

Hantam provides a holistic health service to a very isolated farming community, which is tailored to the needs of the families living on farms. They are meticulous in the monitoring of their various programmes.

Hantam educates women, from younger ages, about their essential body functions and enables them to take responsible decisions around their sexual and reproductive health and planning. This support is carried through to families in order to be able to better care, raise and educate their children.

HIV and AIDS awareness in the increase

Fri, 18 December 2009

“ We understand that we can live a good life if we know our status. We can learn to share and help one another. We do not want to get sick.’ Tysie and David Allens [ Translated from Afrikaans]

REPORT 1: Hantam Community Education Trust: Community HIV/AIDS awareness and testing

The Hantam Community Education Trust HIV and AIDS programme forms part of a more holistic intervention in the community, which includes education on hygiene and healthy living, effective parenting, growing vegetable gardens, preventing and addressing alcohol abuse, enabling family planning and encouraging HIV testing. The programme will include an intensive programme of HIV and AIDS awareness-raising and voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) in the rural communities surrounding Hantam in the Northern Cape.

The programme runs from May 2009 to April 2010.

Outputs and impact

• 65 people have been counselled during 59 visits to 28 local farms. 33 people agreed to undergo HIV testing; two of those tested positive and were counselled. Since the Trust began its VCT programme in 2002, it has tested 133 people, and has identified 100 sexually active men and women who have not yet agreed to be tested.

• Hantam has identified three community members living with AIDS who are on antiretroviral (ARV) medication. They receive regular support and access to treatment through Hantam. Two more community members are HIV positive but have not yet begun ARV treatment; their health status is also constantly monitored.

• The clinic has collected R16,479 in fees since the beginning of the year, which is approximately 27% of the total cost of medicines used in a year. This income contributes to the sustainability of the organisation and gives an indication of the buy-in from the community.

Expenditure

The cost of the project was R63,922 with R 40,946 still to be paid. This budget is a portion of a larger intervention, which is funded with additional funding from other donors.

Monitoring and evaluation

Hantam follows well-structured monitoring, reporting and evaluation systems in order to maintain the quality of their programmes and identify arising issues in need of special intervention.

Health workers compile weekly reports including a detailed description of home visits, family situations, challenges faced and required follow-up steps. Counselling and testing sessions are recorded in individual’s file, together with home and farm visit reports.

Health workers and clinic staff meet weekly to monitor the progress of the project and to outline the next steps for individual cases. The meeting also provides staff with an opportunity to highlight and worrying health developments or need for referrals. The project manager responsible for coordinating outreach activities prepares and monitors projected weekly planning. She is also responsible for compiling quarterly reports, which serve to assess programme progress over time.

Clinical staff record and track their activities, including statistics on medicines provided, number of patients visited, cash-flow status, and so on. The clinical manager compiles these weekly reports into a monthly report which is then submitted to Hantam Director.

Conclusions

Hantam provides a holistic health service to a very isolated farming community, which is tailored to the needs of the families living on farms. They are meticulous in the monitoring of their various programmes.

More and more men and women are overcoming the stigma attached to HIV and are going for regular testing. Hantam has far exceeded its initial target of 26 VCT sessions. Even though there are only a handful of known cases of HIV infection, it is essential to continue raising awareness around the need for responsible sexual practices as well as the inclusion of those living with HIV and AIDS in the lives of the communities.

Pre-school teachers becoming more confident in the classroom

Thu, 26 November 2009

“I didn’t expect to learn that whatever you did you have to trust yourself, as I learned that there is no failure, only feedback.” Sandisiwe – training participant

REPORT 1: The Little Elephant Training Centre for Early Education (LETCEE) Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioner training

This project will enable 12 preschool teachers in deep rural areas of Kwa-Zulu Natal to enhance the quality of education for children in the remote communities where they live. At the end of the 12-month period, the trainees will have attend eight five-day modules that will result in a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4 professional qualification. During each module the trainee will make or receive the teaching materials necessary for the implementation of the National Curriculum. This will ensure that they are able to take the lessons of the project into the classroom. Each trainee will receive a minimum of three follow-up support visits to their Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre to ensure that the learning is being properly applied.

The project started in April 2009 and will be completed in March 2010.

Outputs and impact

The selection process identified 12 teachers who had shown potential during earlier training, but were unable to proceed with further training without financial assistance. Training activities started in June 2009, and four of the eight modules have been completed.

During the initial training evaluation, trainees experienced an increase in their confidence in the classroom and an overall improvement was seen in the quality of their teaching. Understanding the need for inclusive education towards children with disabilities was another significant change in the trainees’ perceptions.

The training also included practical exercises where the trainees were shown how to make teaching materials and toys from recycled material. This not only helps them to develop skills and creativity, but also contributes to the improvement of the ECD material provision in their schools.

Expenditure

The cost of the project is R132, 600, with R63, 600 still to be paid.

Support visits have not yet taken place because of delays in training implementation, which have affected the overall project action plan. These visits will form part of the next reporting phase.

Challenges

The training was delayed by three months due to logistical reasons (including winter school holidays), but was rescheduled. This also resulted in rescheduling support visits, which will occur in three stages: September/October 2009; January/February and March/April 2010.

Monitoring and evaluation

LETCEE has a continuous monitoring and evaluation protocol which includes registers, reports, discussions and questionnaires to community caregivers and parents in the communities where the 12 trainees operate.

Trainees complete tasks, which are assessed on an ongoing basis. These will eventually be part of a course portfolio, which will be assessed to determine their competence and the awarding of the NQF Level 4 qualification at the end of the year.

In addition, trainees have completed workshop evaluation forms on the four modules conducted, which have shown very positive perceptions of the training.

Conclusions and analysis

At the half-way stage there are already signs of improvement among the trainees. The training is not only providing valuable theoretical input, but it is also teaching and encouraging trainees to make sufficient materials to facilitate the implementation of activities in their own classroom, where resources are often scarce.

Through family and carers’ interviews, the evaluation of the next project phase will reveal the real impact of the training on to the children at the relevant ECD centres, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of this project.

Enrichment programme enhances practitioner skills

Thu, 26 November 2009

“This is my sixth month in the Ntataise Enrichment Programme. I can now communicate effectively with the children ... The children can read their names, count, name the colours and name the toys. They also participate during group work.” - Annah Fixane, a volunteer at Atamelang Pre-school in Kgotsong Bothaville

REPORT 1: Ntataise Trust Enrichment programme for rural preschool educators

The Ntataise Enrichment Programme was introduced in August 2005 as a partnership between the Ntataise Trust and the University of Pretoria. It aims address the need for high quality, effective learning programmes at preschools in disadvantaged areas.

The Ntataise Enrichment Programme is a three-year enrichment project operating in the Viljoenskroon, Bothaville, Kroonstad, Edenville, Steynsrus and Parys areas in the Free State. It is a pilot programme building on the existing knowledge and skills of 90 teachers from 30 Early Childhood and Development (ECD) centres who have completed their formal training. The first two years of the project have been completed, with only the final year being funded through SASIX.

Through four quarterly workshops and between eight and ten follow-up site visits, the project provides hands-on training with the children as the main focus. It equips centres with age-appropriate books, posters and educational toys to develop pre-literacy and numeracy skills. Parents and caregivers are involved through committee training and HIV/AIDS awareness programmes. The project will run for 12 months, and started in April 2009.

Outputs and Impact

Two quarterly workshops have been held, the first in March and the second in June. Each ECD centre also received two or three site visits between February and June 2009. Through these workshops and visits, the programme has provided hands-on, in-service training and support to 82 ECD practitioners. The average ECD classroom accommodates 27 children between the ages of two and five, meaning that the 82 ECD practitioners are already having an impact on the education and care of over 2,200 children.

Suitable art materials, educational toys and children’s books have been identified and ordered for practitioner playrooms. Delivery of the toys and books is expected in September.

The programme has:

• Shown practitioners how to establish an appropriate and consistent daily routine that provides sufficient time for learning through play activities.
• Created a more stimulating learning environment in terms of materials and equipment, through the provision of educational toys and a greater variety of books and other print materials to stimulate early literacy and numeracy.
• Shown practitioners how to use a wider variety of activities relating to art, make-believe play, block play, educational toys and games and outside play activities and games (including sand and water play).
• Demonstrated methods of interacting with children in ways that facilitate learning through appropriate questioning, supporting and extending a child’s ideas.
• Helped practitioners develop a wider repertoire of stories, songs and rhymes.
• Helped practitioners develop skills in telling stories and reading books and in the presentation of music and movement activities.

Expenditure

The cost of the project is R140,000, with R40,000 outstanding.

Ntataise’s total project budget is at R590,000, with SASIX funding a shortfall of R140,000 which was specifically channelled towards the material and activities listed in the budget. At the time of reporting, Ntataise was awaiting delivery of the educational toys, books and art materials and was thus slightly behind schedule.

Challenges

A significant challenge over the past eight months has been the distances that practitioners had to travel to attend the training for the quarterly workshops. In order to reduce the travel time and costs practitioners now meet at a central venue for workshops.

Another challenges to the implementation of the programme has been the overcrowding of playrooms. In some cases playrooms are shared by children across different age groups, in others a number of practitioners share the same playroom even though not all of them are enrolled on the enrichment programme. These issues are addressed during on-site support visits.

Monitoring and evaluation

Dr Ingrid Herbst, researcher and expert in the effectiveness of play at early childhood levels, conducted a baseline assessment on all practitioner playrooms from 26 – 30 January 2009. This also served as the post test for a baseline conducted during the same month in 2008.

Dr Herbst will also conduct an evaluation and impact assessment of the Enrichment Programme at the end of November 2009. The results of these assessments will be made available in the next report.

Conclusions and Analysis

The project is operating without any major challenges thus far, and has also managed to effectively work around any issues that may have hindered progress. The project is working to ensure that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are being exposed to good quality early learning. Through their teachers’ enrichment programme, the children will be encouraged to develop early literacy and numeracy skills, as well as the social and emotional skills necessary to adapt to a school community. The programme will ensure that the children have a secure, solid foundation on which to build future learning.

Storybooks Delivered to Early Childhood Development Centres

Thu, 12 November 2009

“Since we received the books, our learners are able to page the books in a proper way. They are able to recognise pictures they see in the books and are able to relate to stories through the pictures” St Theresa Mmabana Educare Centre

REPORT1: Biblionef SA Story Books for Early Childhood Development Centres

Biblionef provides children in disadvantaged communities with new books, many of them African-centred and in the children’s mother tongue, to strengthen their self-esteem and stimulate learning. Through this project, Biblionef set out to provide 10 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in the Free State with a steel trunk, each containing 65 story books (in both English and mother tongue) and 10 toys. These centres were already affiliated to the Ntsoanatsatsi EduCare Trust, an established training organisation working with preschool teachers in the province. One practitioner from each of the centres had completed one year of ECD training with the Trust. Ntsoanatsatsi facilitated the process of distributing the books to the preschool centres and will provide ongoing support over the year. A Biblionef staff member will train the teachers to use the books effectively and keep them in good condition. The children speak mainly Afrikaans and Sesotho as their mother tongue and the books will reflect these languages as well as English. The project will run over a six-month period, and impact will be monitored over twelve months.

Outputs and Impact

10 ECD centres, with a total of 1262 children between the ages of one and six, benefited from the receipt of a total of 800 books and 200 educational toys. Many of the books are African-centred and in the children’s own mother tongue. Research shows that mother tongue education at this age confirms the significance of one’s own culture and builds children’s pride, while forming an effective basis for later literacy in other languages.

Biblionef obtained a complete list of beneficiary ECD centres from Ntsoanatsatsi EduCare Trust, including the number practitioners and children at the site, as well as the ages and home languages of the children. This information was used for selection of the appropriate story books and educational toys. The books were brought to a central venue, where a small ceremony was held for the handover of the books and toys. A Biblionef staff member also did a mini training session that lasted about two hours. This included a story telling session, information on how to care for books, how to tell stories, how to talk to parents about reading and also included some background on the donor.

Biblionef donated additional books and toys to the project beyond what was budgeted for. In the end, ECD centres each received an average of 80 books and 20 educational toys each. The educational toys included items such as peg puzzles, building blocks and posters.

Activities to be completed:

A full report on the use of the books, as requested from Ntsoanatsatsi EduCare Trust.

Expenditure

The cost of the project is R52,780 with R5,280 still to be paid.

The project has effectively been completed, as the only outstanding activity is the report on the use of the books. Biblionef had used their own reserves to complete the project, and the balance of R5,280 will go to replenishing this. In terms of total project expenditure, there was a small under spend due to savings in distribution costs, travel and accommodation.

Monitoring and evaluation

The first step of monitoring took place with the handover of the books. The final phase will include a report on the use of the books, as requested from Ntsoanatsatsi EduCare Trust. This will be provided in the next report.

Ntsoanatsatsi EduCare Trust, who also trained a practitioner from each beneficiary ECD centre, will provide ongoing support to the centres to ensure proper use of the books.

Conclusion

The importance of stimulating an interest in books at an early age cannot be underestimated. Early Childhood Development centres play a critical role in preparing children for school, and it is at this level that books should be introduced to children.

This project has successfully made stimulating books and toys available to children at a crucial stage of their educational development. Having access to storybooks in their own language allows the children to discover worlds of imagination and fantasy and helps them to develop coping strategies, while reinforcing pride in their own language, which is important for their self esteem.

Spaza Market Development Project

Wed, 11 November 2009

“This training is valuable; training is not what I only get from the facilitators, but also from other participants by sharing our experiences and knowledge. What I have learn(t) most is: Costing and pricing is vital for any type of business as it is a foundation for its growth and The importance of the indirect cost “hidden costs” we only use the wholesale cost price and add to price only to find out that our businesses are going nowhere”

REPORT 1: Triple Trust providing business support, networking, training and joint buying opportunities to Spaza shop owners

The Triple Trust Organisation (TTO) provides informal sector enterprises in Cape Town with assistance in business and market development. The Spaza Market Development Project was designed to strengthen already existing markets within impoverished areas and to increase Spaza shops’ buying power. There are roughly 14,200 Spaza shops in Cape Town. They are small convenience stores, which operate mostly out of shop-owners’ homes or backyards, provide a vital service to people living in under-resourced communities. By giving Spaza-owners access to supply-chains, networks and business support services, the Triple Trust Organisation aims to improve the lives of both Spaza shop owners and customers.

Funding was specifically granted to provide business skills training for 200 Spaza shop owners over a 12 month period and to build up the Spaza and House-shop Owners Partnership Network (Shop-Net) programme. Established in 2004, Shop-Net empowers shop-owners to act as a collective and provides business support, group buying opportunities, special links to wholesalers and capacity-building training. It specifically targets Spaza shop owners in the historically disadvantaged areas of Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Manenberg, Delft, Langa and Elsies River.

The project timeline is 12 months, from January to December 2009.

Outputs and impact

The first phase of the project was set aside for preparatory activities including purchasing audio visual equipment, finalising training materials, securing venues for training and developing new marketing materials to promote Shop-Net and aid in the recruitment of new members. The project is thus far on-track with the completion of most of these preparatory activities. Upon the completion of this phase, the project will progress to a full-scale business skills training programme.

Planned activities and status

• Purchase of visual aid equipment for fieldworkers (4 laptop computers and 1 projector) - A total of 5 laptop computers were purchased. A special discounted rate allowed for the purchase of an additional laptop within the given budget. The data projector was only purchased in July and will thus be reflected in the next report. The laptops and projector will be used by the fieldworkers giving presentations to recruit new Spaza owners for Shop-Net and to facilitate electronic orders. The laptops also allow fieldworkers to assist Shop-owners with account queries during site visits.

• Securing of venues for training - A total of 7 Training venues have been secured for the duration of the project.

• Finalisation of training materials – This is an ongoing process. The remaining amount will be spent on further improvements to the materials as the need arises.

• Shop-Net recruitment strategy and training - The final design for marketing materials is complete. These include a Recruitment Package with Shop-Net brochures, Business Record Keeping Aid and Pricelists. Only one quotation for printing these materials has been received. 17 new members have joined Shop-Net who were recruited through door-to-door visits, advertisements in local newspapers and referrals from existing members. As part of the preparatory activities, 10 Spaza owners have completed the full course on business skills and have received certificates. The training course consists of four modules covering topics such as Costing and Pricing; Business Management; Business Health Check; Customer and Shop-Net Systems.

• Promotion of voluntary buying group –The number of transactions by the Voluntary Buying Group through the Shop-Net bulk-buying system has been quite stable. The system co-ordinates the delivery of stock to a Spaza shop owner’s place of business at the best possible price. So far 1180 repeat orders by Spaza shop owners have been recorded through the Shop-Net system

Impact

Spaza shops often face closure due to slow growth. This is usually the result of poor record-keeping and pricing models and is not related to the market demand.

As a result of attending the course, Spaza show owners have changed the way they manage their businesses. They are now able the price their product by considering market influences and cost, and as many as 80% have indicated their readiness to take responsible loans and grow their businesses. To this end the TTO invited representatives of the Umsobomvu Youth Fund and arranged one-on-one discussions were arranged for participants interested in taking such loans. As a result of improved networking, seven participating owners formed a club (the Thyatanga Club) that operates like a stokvel group.

Expenditure

Project implementation was originally scheduled to start in October 2008. However, the first tranche was only paid in April 2009 due to delays with the processing of funding. New dates were agreed to, though the original budget and action plan remained unchanged. Project activities started as planned in January 2009.

The total cost of the project is R 437, 642 of which R 210, 221 has already been paid. The remaining R 227, 421 will be paid in two tranches of R 113, 710.

The table below shows the expenditure based on the first tranche payment only.

Note: all items under training activities are ongoing throughout the duration of project.

Challenges

• Poor time-management by participants negatively effects attendance. Most participants have never taken part in any similar training programmes, and so struggle to organise their daily tasks around the training. Training schedules thus require a great deal of flexibility in order to accommodate the participants. Time-management has been included as a discussion point during the training sessions and is emphasised as one of the ground rules set out at the beginning of each session. Certificates are only issued when the full course (4 modules) is completed and all practical work is done.

• The impact of competition from foreign traders is significant as they have better “retail” business skills. The project has adopted a stronger focus on the Voluntary Buying Group and on-site support visits to also improve the levels of skills of the local traders.

• Low attendance at information sessions for Shop-Net prompted a review of the recruitment strategy. In order to increase the number of Spaza shop owners attending the information sessions, the recruitment plan was reviewed. Changes include engaging trainers to play an active role in the recruitment (which is already starting to show positive results), employing a freelance recruiter (who is paid R10 per participant recruited), establishing links with local community structures and designing a recruitment package. Fees paid to freelance recruiter will be covered as part of the planned recruitment and training costs.

Monitoring and evaluation

Training Reports are compiled after each workshop. In addition, measurement of growth in the number of orders per shop and the retention of Shop-Net members will be reflected in future reports. The application of the monitoring toolkit will start on 3 August 2009

Conclusions and analysis

All of the preparatory activities have been concluded. The next phase of the project will focus on the delivery of training workshops to a greater number of Spaza shop owners. The initial training has proved useful for the projects’ participants and a further 180 Spaza shop owners will receive training over the course of the project.

Bigshoes Foundation Basic Child Health Training Programme

Mon, 28 September 2009

“I’ve got experience now about what I am doing. I’ve learned more about First Aid, HIV/AIDS and how to measure some of the medication with a syringe.” – Project beneficiary

Progress Report 1:Big Shoes Child care workshops underway

The Bigshoes Foundation Basic Child Health Training Programme is a 12-month programme running from April 2009 to March 2010. It seeks to empower 250 caregivers working in children’s homes and in communities in the Johannesburg area. These caregivers are trained in basic child health skills to adequately meet the health care needs of children in their care as part of their strategy to improve the overall medical care of orphans and vulnerable children. These skills will be delivered through ten 5-day workshops with approximately 25 caregivers at each workshop. Five of the workshops will focus on Children’s Home care giving, while the other five will focus on Community Member care giving.

As a result of the intensive training programme, the children will receive better nutrition, emotional support, palliative care and management of minor injuries and illnesses. Caregivers will be able to monitor the development of each child and look out for signs of discord correctly. This will in turn relieve the burden on the public health care system and Bigshoes’ medical clinics and outreach as better management of basic child health means that more time can be spent on complex medical problems, accurate HIV diagnosis and adoption medicals. The ultimate beneficiaries of this project are disadvantaged children who have either been placed in childcare institutions or are in need of care and are living in disadvantaged communities.

Outputs and Impact

• CPR Resuscitation dolls and booklets were purchased in February 2009
• Thus far, 98 caregivers have received training through five workshops. Two Children’s Home Caregiver workshops of 5 days each were held in March and May 2009. Six caregivers attended workshop one and 21 caregivers attended workshop two. Three Community Member workshops of 5 days each were held in February, April and June 2009. 26 caregivers attended workshop one, 20 caregivers attended workshop two and 25 caregivers attended workshop three.
• During the five-day training workshops, the child caregivers received training on basic health care, HIV management and palliative care. The training enabled the child caregivers to efficiently manage day to day illnesses and injuries in children. They learned how to apply first aid when required, administer ARV medication appropriately, manage common childhood illnesses at home and monitor the normal development of a child. Caregivers were trained to recognize early warning signs of serious conditions and seek medical attention, which will avoid unnecessary morbidity and mortality. The training has made children less dependent on overburdened clinics and hospitals for problems that can be safely managed at home.
• Results from comparisons of pre- and post-workshop tests for the five workshops indicate that caregivers have improved their knowledge by approximately 26%.
• Training possibly remains one of the most powerful tools in breaking the cycle of poverty, and the training provided here could stimulate interest in the health care sector and possibly open a new career path for some caregivers. With up-skilling child and youth caregivers who look after an average of seven children each, the project’s reach into the community is extended dramatically. If the 98 trained caregivers have approximately seven children in their care, this results in approximately 686 children benefiting from this project.
• The workshop trainer attended training as part of her continued medical education. This included attending a debriefing course on grief and loss and an international conference run by Children’s Hospice International. The aim of this was to ensure that the trainers are kept up to date with the latest developments in the field and are capacitated in order to deliver a quality high level of training.

Activities to be completed

• Three Children’s Home Caregiver workshops of 5 days each, including pre- and post-intervention tests
• Two Community Member workshops of 5 days each, including pre- and post-intervention tests
• Continued medical education, with sessions held every Wednesday
• Printing of remaining training manuals. This is being delayed as material may change slightly once the accreditation process has been completed. The process is currently being delayed by unforeseen procedural requirements.

Expenditure

The cost of the project is R258,460, with R142,317 outstanding

The project has not reached completion so expenditure thus far is obviously not at budgeted levels. As can be seen above, with a few minor exceptions the project is on track as far as expenses are concerned. There was marginal over spend on the Resuscitation Dolls as they needed to be imported from Canada and import prices has increased since the original budget was put forward. The organisation had managed to save on the purchase of CPR Booklets and Resuscitation Kits, but needs to reallocate this funding towards the unforeseen expense of replacing the plastic bags that form the lungs of the CPR manikins. Although this is not a big expense, a quote has not been received as yet. This is also a consumable item which would need to go through future organisational budgets. There was also a saving on the printing of training manuals.

Challenges

• There was a minor problem with late arrivals as candidates sometimes travel long distances or struggle with transport, which delays the start of training significantly. Bigshoes have decided to inform future candidates that the start time is 8am instead of 9am. Often participants had difficulty finding the relevant building. Once they were in the building some could also not find Bigshoes. The organisation has consequently decided to put signs up for the next course and send directions through to the relevant participating organisations beforehand.

• The February training for Children’s Home Caregiver workshop saw significant under-attendance, with only six of the fourteen booked participants arriving. Some care givers actually forgot about the workshop, while others found taking a whole five days away from their organisations would just be too difficult to manage. Very often, they were simply too busy and had nobody to assume their duties while they were away attending training. Bigshoes tries to be as flexible as possible by allowing caregivers to complete four out of five days and return for the remainder (CPR training – one full day) when it is more convenient for them. They have set up “catch-up” training which will include those who did not successfully complete the whole course. They are also considering making the training more easily available to organisations by training at their facilities, which will improve the consistency of attendance.

• In most groups there were at least one or two candidates who would have benefitted much more significantly if the training was presented in their first language. To ensure that they are not disadvantaged because of this, Bigshoes asked that one of their colleagues interpret when necessary. This slowed down the training somewhat but was still manageable.

• Many of the group asked if they could come back for further training in other areas – especially in dealing with children on an emotional level. Some mentioned a variety of psychosocial issues which they face on a daily basis and feel ill-equipped to handle. They also mentioned that they struggle with the emotional impact of the work. Bigshoes, while expressing sympathy, does not have the capacity to consider expanding the training to include psychosocial aspects at this stage. For now, they are compiling a list of resources to assist trainees in this regard.

• There has been a delay with the accreditation of the training as proof of the organisation’s registration as a Public Benefit Organisation, which is still pending, has been requested by the accreditor. The trainer also needs to be trained as a moderator and facilitator, which can only be done after the organisation has been registered as a Public Benefit Organisation.

Monitoring and evaluation

• Pre-tests were conducted on the first day of the workshop to determine the baseline for the level of information held by participating caregivers.
• Post tests were conducted on the last day of the workshop to indicate the change in content knowledge of participating caregivers.
• Pre and post test results for workshops from February through to June:

Conclusions and Evaluator Analysis

The project is about mid-way to completion and has seen good results in terms of increasing caregiver knowledge. There have also been positive reports from the caregivers who attended the training.

The project has experienced some minor challenges, mainly with regards to attendance and material not being presented in participants’ mother tongue. Wherever possible, these issues are being addressed. The participants also enquired about increasing the scope of the workshops to cover areas where their knowledge is lacking. While Bigshoes is not able to expand to fulfil this role as yet, they are compiling a list of resources to give to the trainees.

The improved capacity of caregivers in this area will improve the basic health of the children in their care. It will also relieve the unnecessary burden on immediate clinics as caregivers are able to see to problems that would have previously been referred.

Farmers harvesting crops in Qumbu

Fri, 14 August 2009

“The nutritional status of my family has improved as I can grow my own vegetables and use the government grant to attend to my other personal needs. I am grateful about the service offered to me” – Mrs Lamani Matshoba, Zimbileni village pensioner.

REPORT 1:TEBA Development’s Homestead Crop Production project helps food security in Qumbu

TEBA Development aims to strengthen existing farming practices and increase access to water and other essential resources. This project will create food security for 300 Qumbu homesteads and will increase the confidence of these poor, rural communities to determine and guide their own development. 100 individuals in each village were identified as the beneficiaries of a 12-month training and support programme.

Outputs and Impact

• 239 women and 70 men have been trained in organic farming, thereby improving their farming methods.
• Each beneficiary is planting and harvesting crops on ground of at least 0.5 hectares in size, and therefore providing food for their entire household. Each beneficiary has approximately six dependants, which means that the crop production impacts on approximately 2,400 individuals.
• A few beneficiaries (less than 30%) produce a surplus, which they sell for a small income. The average income generated from the sale of crops is below R500, although two farmers generate an income of approximately R2,000 per month.

Activities

• Introduced the project to local municipalities and stakeholders. These stakeholders included the Department of Agriculture and Department of Social Development.
• Made contact with the community and identified individuals that would be targeted for support.
• Conducted a district survey with key stakeholders in order to obtain a better understanding of the area, the community needs and likely development interventions and opportunities. A report on the findings was compiled.
• Since May 2008, 309 beneficiaries were registered and their names entered into a project beneficiary data base. The beneficiaries have been trained in organic farming, which entailed:
  • Soil testing
  • Planning and preparation of vegetable gardens
  • Use of equipment
  • Preparing seed beds
  • Transplanting seedlings
  • Application of organic manure and inorganic manure
  • Protection of plants from insects using organic and inorganic methods
  • Harvesting
  • Storage
• Basic financial recordkeeping and marketing skills (for sale of surplus crops)
• In March 2009, seed packs and orange trees were issued to 200 beneficiaries. Each beneficiary has received cabbage, spinach, carrot, onion and beetroot seeds and five fruit trees. The distribution of seed packs and fruit trees was due to have been completed at the start of the project, but was delayed. This is discussed under Challenges. *In March 2009, engineers were appointed to design ten micro-irrigation systems. The design will be completed before the end of March 2009. The construction is expected to commence in April 2009. The installation of the 10 micro-irrigation systems was to be completed at the beginning of the project, but was not. This is also discussed under Challenges. *100 beneficiaries will be given seed packs and fruit trees in April 2009. *Ongoing monitoring and support has been provided to 309 beneficiaries. This will continue for a further six months to make sure that food production is enhanced and that project goals are met.

Expenditure

The cost of the project is R221,000, with R55,500 still to be paid.

Challenges

• The main challenge was unforeseen project staff turnover, which had a negative effect on the implementation of the project. The position of project coordinator was left vacant and this resulted in a lack of communication between the various operational functions.
• Despite the lack of communication, the beneficiaries received adequate training within the correct time periods. However, the lack of communication resulted in beneficiaries not receiving their seed starter packs. Consequently, they had to buy their initial seed packs through TEBA, who arranged for bulk discounts. Ten of the most vulnerable beneficiaries were supposed to receive a micro-irrigation system. This was also delayed.
• A project coordinator has recently joined the project and has since ensured that 200 of the 300 starter packs have been distributed. The design of the micro-irrigation systems is also underway.
• As per the original proposal, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry had agreed to install 66 rainwater reservoirs in the three villages. The department, not contractually bound to the installation, has since decided that it will not install these systems in Qumbu. According to the project manager, this will not have an adverse effect on the project results, as it was not an integral aspect. The beneficiaries had also not been informed of the possibility of the reservoirs.

Monitoring and evaluation

• The local facilitator compiles monthly progress reports that highlight work progress and challenges, which are addressed by the project manager and zone manager.
• The crops that are grown are:
  • Cabbage
  • Potato
  • Spinach
  • Carrot
  • Beetroot
  • Onion
  • Green pepper
  • Tomato
  • Eggplant
  • Pumpkin
• The final impact will be assessed on completion of the project.

Conclusions and Analysis

TEBA Development has extensive experience in implementing food security projects in the Eastern Cape. However, the lack of a project coordinator in the initial stages of this project resulted in what may have been a negative social impact.

The starter seed packs and fruit trees were an essential part of the project, as they allowed beneficiaries to begin crop production without being concerned about the cost of seeds and how it would take food away from their tables. Thus there may have been a negative impact at the beginning of the project, with beneficiaries spending money on seeds that may have been intended for food.

TEBA stated that the fact that beneficiaries had to pay a small amount for their start up seeds did not exclude certain individuals. However, this is not something that can be determined with certainty as many potential beneficiaries may have seen the cost factor as a good reason not to participate.

The delay in construction and installation of the micro-irrigation systems does not have as large a negative impact as the delay in seed pack distribution. However, 10 of the most vulnerable beneficiaries would certainly have benefited from the increased ease brought about by an irrigation system.

Although this sort of analysis is not currently taking place, it would be interesting to determine the exact reasons for some beneficiaries generating a greater crop surplus and income than others. The knowledge gained from this could be applied to increase the number of beneficiaries generating a greater income.

Despite the above, TEBA Development’s new Qumbu project coordinator has managed to overcome the hurdles mentioned, to ensure that actual project deliverables will be met. A total of 309 beneficiaries from three villages in Qumbu are now planting and harvesting their own crops, which enables them to provide a more balanced and nutritious diet for their families. Furthermore, a few beneficiaries are selling their surplus harvest, generating a small but meaningful income for their families.

Core kitchen upgrade accomplished

Thu, 30 July 2009

“The new kitchen is easier to clean and much more user-friendly as everything is on hand!” – Caregiver at Shepherd’s Keep Home.

REPORT 1: Shepherds Keep Equipping the milk kitchen at a home for abandoned babies

Shepherd’s Keep provides a loving temporary home for abandoned HIV/AIDS-affected babies in Durban. Babies up to 6 months old receive holistic and dedicated professional care up until the point of adoption. The focus is on placing the babies in family environments within 6 months. Babies receive all-round medical attention with highly specialised equipment, including incubators and phototherapy lights. This project will equip the home’s milk kitchen, used daily for the preparation of formula and meals. Each baby has an individual feeding plan and protecting them from infection is vital. Easy-to-clean stainless steel equipment will be installed, including worktops, shelves, wall cladding, measuring and mixing utensils as well as stainless steel containers for sterilising bottles and teats.

The project timeline is 4 months, from February to May 2009.

Outputs and impact

Sixteen staff members and eighteen babies have already benefitted from increased infection control and easy-to-clean equipment in the milk kitchen.

• Sections of all four kitchen walls have been covered with steel cladding, which has solved the problem of algae growth on the silicone grouting between sinks and walls.
• A stainless steel shelf for preparation of milk bottles has been fitted. This surface is easy to clean and contributes to the quality of the milk preparation process. *A stainless steel urn has been acquired and placed on a corner shelf at a convenient height allowing the new stainless steel mixing pot situated on the trolley to be moved under the urn for decanting of the water. Previously, sterilised water had to be tapped off into various plastic containers, compromising the efficiency and quality of the water. *Two trolleys have been acquired. The stainless steel mixing pot for formula on the one trolley greatly facilitates manipulation of the large quantities of water used for the preparation of milk formula. Staff will no longer need to lift a 100lt plastic container. A second trolley carries a new stainless steel container for the collection of used milk bottles. *The installation of a stainless steel sink with lids to be used as a sterilisation unit has positively impacted on process quality control and efficiency: stainless steel ensures surfaces are kept infection-free, easily and in less time. Necessary plumbing and fitting work has been completed. *An L-shaped stainless steel neutral counter has replaced two individual tables improving space efficiency. *The new industrial stainless steel fridge with double-sliding glass doors has greatly improved storage effectiveness adding space and accessibility.

Outstanding activities

Only painting and refinishing works are pending.

Expenditure

Shortly before project implementation, Shepherd’s Keep and SASIX agreed to modify the original capital expenditure budget for the benefit of the milk kitchen. The decision was taken due to sudden price increases in electricity, and after consultation with contractors on how to maximise the milk kitchen’s quality and efficiency.

The original budget however, remained unchanged. This was possible thanks to the generous in-kind contribution made by the suppliers, who decided to acknowledge Shepherd’s Keep’s work by offering a substantial discount. The contractor agreed to complete the entire installation and receive outstanding payments once final project funds had been paid out.

The cost of the project is R 62,225.36, with R22,864 still to be paid.

Challenges

• Escalating prices forced Shepherd’s Keep management to review the initial budget and adjust their equipment requirements but thanks to the suppliers’ generous discount, essential equipment could be acquired within the initial budget margins.
• Installation of the new equipment was delayed due to imprecise initial construction planning, which forced refitting and reinstalling of equipment to ensure maximum utility.
• April’s numerous public holidays and long weekends caused much disruption in the work of manufacturers and installers, which often fell behind schedule. Any future construction planning should carefully consider this aspect.

Monitoring and evaluation

Monitoring of the kitchen’s renovation process has been ongoing and stringent, due to the urgent need for a quality and staff-friendly facility. Shepherd’s Keep administrator conducted regular on-site meetings and work supervision, both in progress and after completion, discussing challenges as they arose and finding appropriate solutions.

Final work should follow according to schedule.

Conclusions and analysis

All core renovation work has been accomplished with only minor finishes still pending. This project has greatly contributed to improving efficiency and quality in babies’ care at Shepherd’s Keep through the creation of a user-friendly, infection-controlled environment for the preparation of milk formula.