HIV/AIDS testing and counselling underway
Mon, 23 May 2011
- ‘I would like to say thank you to the staff of Lifeline. I feel as if I’m given a second chance. I even forget at times that I am sick. The staff of Lifeline looked beyond my sickness and they treated me like a person which felt good to me and made me regain my confidence’ - - Project Beneficiary in Khayelitsha
REPORT 1: Lifeline/Childline Western Cape – Addressing the HIV and AIDS Epidemic in Khayelitsha
The LifeLine/Childline Western Cape’s HIV and AIDS programme is a holistic intervention which aims to mitigate the effects of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Khayelitsha. This is an ongoing programme, and is being implemented in close partnership with the Western Cape Provincial Department of Health. The programme activities are carried out by 54 specially trained and selected lay counsellors, who receive regular mentoring, supervision and debriefing from programme management and professional psychologists. This programme operates from 15 government clinics and hospitals in Khayelitsha and is providing a comprehensive HIV and AIDS voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) service and PMTCT programme to its beneficiaries.
The project runs from October 2010 to November 2011. This report covers the period between October 2010 and March 2011.
Activities and Outcomes
All the planned project activities have been implemented. Through the work of the 54 lay councillors at 15 clincs and day hospitals in Khayelitsha, the following results were achieved from the start of the project in November 2010 up to March 2011:
- 7 166 mothers benefitted from the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Programme, which was conducted at clinics and Maternity Obstetric Units (MOUs) in Khayelitsha. Given that each mother has at least one baby, this intervention has prevented thousands of children from being born with HIV.
- 21 318 new clients were counselled through Lifeline’s VCT services in Khayelitsha. These services include pre- and post-test counselling and HIV/AIDS health education.
- 4 609 clients received follow-up supportive counselling after having been tested as well as on-going support services which included participation in 126 support groups.
- 4 234 people received adherence counselling (to prepare them for admission into an ARV programme), while 2 913 of these clients participated in adherence support groups.
- 295 Men and women living with HIV/AIDS benefitted from participation in the food garden and beading making income generation projects.
- 20,567 people were informed and educated about HIV/AIDS through community outreach, educational activities, awareness raising and media campaigns. This included talks and presentations at schools, community groups and clubs, baby clinics and MOUs, and local taxi ranks.
Expenditure
The total cost of this project was R4 291 853. R200 000 was requested from SASIX, of which R100 000 was paid in the first tranche.
| Description | Total Budget (as per budget approved by SASIX) | Total Expenditure to date |
| Lay Counsellor costs | 35 661 | 12 691.15 |
| Food Garden Project Co-ordinator | 21 816 | 8 141 |
| Management Time (10% of Executive Managers salary) | 28 800 | 12 000 |
| Bead-making Project Co-ordinator | 27 573 | 13 838.15 |
| Bead Starter Kits (300 kits @ R 20 per kit) | 6 000 | 1 789.73 |
| Seedlings, Compost & Basic Garening Supplies (350 aspirant gardeners @ R 25 each) | 8 750 | 1 670.74 |
| Lay Counsellor Uniforms (R250 each) | 13 500 | - |
| Purchase of new computer and printer | - | 4 337. 77 |
| Mentoring and Supervision of Lay Counsellors | 38 400 | 450 |
| Admin Costs (Audit, Banking, Insurance, Affiliation Fees) | 19 500 | 12 847.20 |
| TOTAL | 200 000 | 67 765.74 |
This expenditure covers the first five months of the project, and excludes the figures for April 2011 as these had not been finalised at the time of reporting.
The budget items have changed slightly, in that the mentoring and supervision of the lay counsellors has already been covered by funding from the Department of Health. This allocation will now be used to pay for a professional psychologist to provide advanced counselling training to the 54 lay counsellors. This training will be useful as the programme is intending to expand their counselling service to include couples’ counselling for their clients, which has been identified as an important need in the area. The estimated cost of this is R32 740. The balance of this allocation was used to purchase a new computer and printer for the Khayelitsha office.
The uniforms for the lay counsellors will be purchased in June 2011.
Challenges
The LifeLine/Childline’s HIV and AIDS Programme manager has not reported any major problems or challenges during the programme thus far. All of the planned activities have been carried out and the project targets are being achieved.
Monitoring and evaluation
So far, the project monitoring activities have been conducted as planned. The programme manager, who is based in Khayelitsha, has conducted site visits to all the clinics to provide technical support for programme implementation as well as providing monitoring and support services to the staff.
Additional monitoring systems which were in place during the reporting period included:
- Weekly team meetings between the programme manager and programme coordinators
- Fortnightly individual supervision sessions for programme coordinators by the programme manager
- Individual consultations by programme coordinators with the lay counsellors
- Individual and group clinical supervision with registered psychologist for lay counsellors
- Monthly statistical report capturing outputs (such as the number of beneficiaries served)
- Programme progress reports (two quarterly progress report prepared for the Department of Health)
The Department of Health has said that the Khayelitsha sub-district has already reached 85% of the target for the number of people who need to be tested through this project, and is thus well ahead of schedule. This means that more people are now aware of their status and can receive appropriate counselling.
An extensive year-end programme evaluation and assessment will be conducted in December 2011.
Conclusions
The LifeLine/Childline’s HIV and AIDS Programme in Khayelitsha has operated smoothly in the last few months. As a result, the intervention was acknowledged in 2010 by the Western Cape Department of Health for ensuring that a record number of clients adhered to their ARV regime at Khayelitsha day hospitals.
In the next six months, Lifeline/Childline aims to strengthen the support groups and food/income generation activities for people living with HIV and AIDS by approaching the Cape Crafts and Design Institute, who develop and support craft making as an economic activity in the Western Cape. In addition, the programme’s lay counsellors will receive advanced training on how to conduct counselling for couples.
Given Lifeline’s efficient management of this project and proactive approach to monitoring the changing environment and needs of their clients, SASIX is confident that this project will remain on track and achieve its desired impact.
Better facilities improve bird care at CROW
Tue, 17 May 2011
‘The upgrade of the facilities have allowed us to better monitor the care we give to our bird patients' -CROW Director
Progress Report 1: Bird Cage Centre Upgrade
The Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) works to protect and rehabilitate orphaned and injured wild animals and birds. This project aims to upgrade the centre’s bird cage facilities to accommodate the variety of birds taken in by the organisation. Upgrades include adding a baby room, building cages, repairing the aviaries enclosure as well as upgrading and equipping the ICU bird room.
The first report covers the period between November 2010 and March 2011.
Activities and Outcomes
The majority of the work planned has been completed, and the project has begun to show very encouraging results. A comparison of the number of the period from November 2010 to January 2011 with the same period in the previous year shows a 23% increase in the number of admissions, a 60% increase in the number of birds released and a 26% decrease in the number of deaths.
The organisation attributes this directly to the changes brought about by this project. These changes include:
- Building work for the additional baby room has been completed. The additional room will allow for more birds to be accommodated at the facility. The floor and bottom half of the walls were painted with epoxy coating (as used in hospitals). By using epoxy rather than tiling the room, CROW saved R2 540.
- Two temperature controlled incubators have been purchased.
- New table tops have replaced the old rusting surfaces in the ICU quadrant. The new tables are also being used during the day to place bird cages so the birds can soak up the sun.
- Wire and cement were purchased to repair the aviaries. The organisation also received a wire donation saving them R3 662.
Expenditure
The total cost of this project was R70 835, of which SASIX contributed R26 285. SASIX funds have been paid out in full.
| Description | Total Budget | Total Expenses to date |
| Project Manager | 5 000 | 5 000 |
| Builders work | 15 640 | 13 100 |
| Equipment/Capital Goods | 31 500 | 12 340 |
| Consumables | 17 929 | 14 258 |
| Administration expenses | 775 | 775 |
| TOTAL | 70 835 | 45 473 |
The wire donations and painting the baby room created a saving of R6 202. The organisation would like to use the savings to purchase an electronic fly catcher devices and installing an awning in the ICU quadrant. The awning would prevent wild troop monkey for harassing the birds while they are getting the sunshine they need to heal.
The only outstanding items in the ICU bird room are the hotboxes. The original supplier of the hotboxes closed down and CROW is currently looking for a new supplier. This explains why the project is currently running under budget.
Challenges
Funding for the bird cage upgrade came during the organisation’s busiest period. Since all the aviaries and cages were occupied at the time, there were some delays in repairs and renovations.
Monitoring and evaluation
- CROW keeps monthly records the number of birds that are admitted, released, and those that die at the facility.
- A KZN annual permit site inspection report sighted huge improvements to the standard of cages and bird rooms. The site inspection made specific reference improvement in hygiene at the facility because of improvements in cage environments and renovations to the bird room and ICU quadrant.
Conclusions
Most of the upgrades at the facility have been completed and positive results are already evident. CROW cited a decrease in the number of mortalities especially among baby birds thanks to the customisable care facilities. The bird room is now easier to clean leading to improved hygiene at the facility. The remaining work will be completed in time for the increase in admissions that normally happens during the autumn months.
Learning the way to better health
Thu, 24 February 2011
“I see all these conditions in my community, but I don’t know what to do about them. Now I understand what I can do. Lack of knowledge destroys people’s lives. The more you know, the more you can take action”
REPORT ONE: Mamelani Projects – Building healthier communities in the Western Cape
Mamelani sees its work as a response to a need that was identified in the communities where it operates to improve the state of basic health education. Beneficiaries are widely consulted in putting together training programmes to suit their particular needs and the programmes are designed to be experiential, with feedback seen as an integral part of all the programmes.
The Wellness Workshops aim to provide community-based health education in a format that empowers individuals and groups to make informed decisions about their health and to better care for themselves and their families. The workshops are tailored to the needs of very low-income families and are attended mostly by women. They are designed to provide accurate information regarding major illnesses, with an emphasis on low-cost ways of strengthening the body’s immune system; promoting the correct use of medication in conjunction with home-based remedies; and ensuring that participants are able to access clinic services and apply this knowledge at home.
Activities and Outcomes
This progress report covers activities from the 1st of September 2010 – 13th of January 2011.
- Mamelani conducted 8 Community Wellness workshops running over a period of 8 weeks with a total of 126 participants. The workshops targeted health workers, home-based carers, sufferers of chronic illnesses and family members.
- During November 2010, Mamelani revisited some of the organisations that it had trained previously, to offer refresher courses and share some of the new information that had been added to the training curriculum, in partnership with UCT's Dietetics Department.
- Focus groups were held with 112 group members, to identify the most pressing and common health challenges faced by participants.
- Facilitators have also been trained in how to make a hotbox, an insulation cooking device that allows the user to save electricity, and have been including this as a new component in the training. Groups have been very excited about this new component.
- In November, as part of National Nutrition Week, Mamelani facilitated three community-based awareness days (in Gugulethu, Danoon and Khayelitsha). 51 participants attended the events. The purpose of the awareness days was to share key messages regarding good nutrition, as well as essential information regarding the prevention of diarrhea, leading up to the season where preventable diarrhea cases are the highest in the year.
- During this reporting period facilitators saw 15 individual clients for one-on-one counselling sessions. Topics that were covered in these sessions included issues such as ARV adherence, relationship and marital problems and support of HIV positive pregnant mothers.
Expenditure
The total budget for this project is R90 102 of which R45 051 has been paid.
| Description | Total Budget | Total Expenditure |
| Project Management | 5 280 | 3 323 |
| Management Fee | 9 800 | 4 900 |
| Workshop Facilitation | 70 432 | 33 650 |
| Demonstration Materials | 550 | - |
| Cooking Demonstrations | 1 200 | 600 |
| Travel | 1 500 | 600 |
| Stationery | 650 | - |
| Telecommunication costs | 690 | 240 |
| TOTAL | 90 102 | 43 313 |
Challenges
- Although groups have the knowledge to make changes in their lives, behaviour change is an on-going process. For example, some participants shared that they want to change the way they cook for their families, but that family members complain that the food is different. To try and address these challenges, Mamelani we will be meeting with groups on a monthly basis for at least 6 months after the training to motivate and support people in maintaining healthy lifestyle choices. For those whose families resist the dietary changes, they encourage making changes slowly, starting with one healthy meal per week at least and to discuss with their family the importance of eating a healthy diet.
- When the organisation being training undergoes changes, such as a cut in funding, it affects the morale of the group. One group lost its funding during the time of their training and were no longer able to give food parcels to group members. This created stress for trainees, and internal tensions between trainees and their coordinators. This had a negative impact on the learning space. Mamelani have started to build stronger relationships with coordinators of the groups they are working with, which has helped
- Particularly with support groups, the emotional challenges they face can disrupt the training. In some cases we have had dedicated sessions to sharing emotional issues that trainees are facing, and sharing tools and information about specialised services, which might be able to help them work through these issues. It was found that allowing them the space to share what is holding them back, has opened the space for them to seek appropriate support, and therefore be able to apply themselves to the learning process.
- The challenges faced by participants as a result of poverty and unemployment including poor housing, lack of access to health services, and lack of income has a huge impact on people realising their right to health. Mamelani has initiated a small income generating programme, where women from the programme are creating sustainable livelihoods for themselves through by making wallets from recycled materials. This does not begin to address the economic needs of all the members of the groups, and Mamelani are also developing partnerships with organisations that assist people in generating their own income. Mamelani has also developed strong partnerships with social movements, such as the Treatment Action Campaign and People’s Health Movement who fight for people’s rights to access treatment and care.
- Mamelani does not have a community based venue from where we can offer one-on-one counselling. This makes it difficult to find a suitable private space for these counselling sessions. They have arranged to meet with local partner organisations to try secure community-based spaces for this counselling.
Monitoring and evaluation
- Attendance records were kept for all workshops and refresher courses. 75% of participants attend 6 or more of the 8 sessions of training. The attendance register is also used to update the database and monitor who has successfully completed training
- Pre- and post-workshop questionnaires as well as course evaluation forms were completed by participants. Results from questionnaires indicate that there significant knowledge gain as well as an 80% improvement in the implementation of key health areas. Evaluation questionnaires also showed that more than 90% of participant recorded that the information shared was relevant in their lives and that the information was clearly presented and the workshops enjoyable.
- Records are kept on all individual participants and any follow-up consultations are recorded. The records from individual consultations show that individual sessions are powerful and effective in aiding clients to implement the necessary ongoing changes in lifestyle. Progress reports show that most clients are supported for a period of 4 to 6 months after the training, but in the case of pregnant mothers this can be even over a period of 12 months. Clients most likely seek help for HIV related and relationship issues. Clients often present with multiple issues. Records also show that a large percentage of individual clients continue to call the facilitator even after resolution of the initial problem.
- Weekly feedback sessions were held with the facilitators. This ongoing evaluation and feedback allows facilitators to address issues and as they arise and adapt training to the needs of the group and incorporate new information as required.
Conclusions
This project has met all of the requirements for this reporting period. While it is always difficult to assess the success of programmes that have behaviour change as their ultimate goal, it is clear that this project has enjoyed overwhelming success in improving basic health knowledge among its beneficiaries.
Assuming that each direct beneficiary takes the knowledge gained and implements changes that affect the health of at least four family members, just over 1000 people will have benefited indirectly from the programme over this period.
First group of women have started producing goods
Tue, 1 February 2011
- Thanks for having faith and confidence in us. We are now fully equipped in running a business because of your teaching.” - Beneficiary*
REPORT 1: Afrique du Sud Bidonvilles – Enterprise Development for Unemployed Women
Afrique du sud Bidonvilles aims to form three new sewing co-operatives which will create jobs for 60 women living in Khayelitsha, on the outskirts of Cape Town. This organisation will select, train and equip these women with both sewing skills and the business skills that are necessary to effectively manage their cooperatives.
Activities and Outcomes
Nineteen unemployed women participated in a training programme that started in March 2010. The training programme focused on technical skills, group management skills and business skills. Most of the beneficiaries started with little to no prior sewing experience but they all had a very high level of motivation and commitment. They are now qualified machinists.
Fourteen beneficiaries formed a new group named “Simunye”. The group has not yet been registered as a cooperative with the Department of Trade and Industry as it is still in its incubation period. During the incubation period, they started to engage in a more formal relationship with Township Patterns as a supplier and also started to operate as an autonomous entity. Afrique du Sud Bidonvilles’ involvement during the incubation phase is focused on group management and leadership development.
The Simunye group started production in August 2010 and its revenues have increased steadily over a three month period. The group generated R13 865 in August, R19 357 in September and R26 228 in October. Three more women joined existing cooperatives in Khayelitsha, while two of the graduates decided not to join a cooperative.
Many of the beneficiaries are the only source of income for their families and they are now able to provide food and other basic necessities for their dependents. Knowing that they receive a monthly income is life changing for these women as it enables them to send their children to school and generally improves the quality of their lives.
Expenditure
The total cost of this project is R688 676, of which R234 000 has been paid by SASIX.
| Description | Total Budget | Total Expenditure to date |
| Training consultant | 99 951 | 40 969 |
| Training costs | 133 725 | 52 762 |
| Equipment (sewing machines, ironing system) | 180 000 | 7 58 373 |
| Renovation, furniture and small equipment | 120 225 | 7 160 |
| Legal registration costs | 12 000 | 0 |
| First aid kit and other expenses | 17 775 | 0 |
| Project administration and management | 125 000 | 74 745 |
| TOTAL | 688 676 | 234 009 |
Challenges
Thus far there have been no major challenges encountered in the project. However challenges may arise in the next stage of this project. Township Patterns is launching a new fashion range, which will include women garments, fashion bags and other accessories. The cooperatives still to be formed as part of this project will specialize in these items, which will require a different approach in terms of both training and co-operative support. Timing for the start of the new group is still uncertain.
Monitoring and evaluation
Afrique du Sud Bidonvilles is in the process of developing a monitoring and evaluation tool that will evaluate the ranking of cooperatives in areas of, amongst others, production management, group management, and team effectiveness. To date a scorecard has been developed as a pilot for the monitoring and evaluation tool. This scorecard has been used over the last two months and has been submitted to external parties for feedback. A survey has been conducted to assess the impact the programme has had on beneficiaries.
Conclusions
This programme has a brilliant track record in terms of the impact it has made on the lives of its beneficiaries. The Simunye group is still fairly new but as the project progresses the positive impact on the lives of the participant women will become more evident. The model adopted by Afrique du Sud Bidonvilles works very well due to a highly effective management team. The slight shift in strategy is in capable hands which will ensure the programme’s success.
Supporting Small Businesses in the Western Cape
Tue, 28 September 2010
“The office space that is provided, as well as the bookkeeping facility, computer training and mentorship programme are awesome. It also provides an environment where developing companies can network with passionate and interesting business owners.” Billy Radebe – owner of Executive Endleleni
REPORT 1: Black Umbrellas – Suppoting skilled artisans to develop new enterprises
The Black Umbrellas Enterprise Development Programme in the Western Cape is aimed at supporting artisans in small business. Entrepreneurs with established skills in a specific service or manufacturing/production oriented environment receive support in the form of infrastructure, support services, access to capital, and continuous mentoring with regular on-the-job training.
This three-year project provides the entrepreneurs with a bookkeeping service, marketing support, payment of basic running costs (like rent and telephones), and the use of a shared vehicle. SASIX funds a portion of the total cost of the three-year project which means Black Umbrellas is able to take on an additional 10 skilled artisans from disadvantaged backgrounds that need assistance with business infrastructure and capital to start small businesses.
The Black Umbrellas Craft Your Business Enterprise Development Programme is ongoing. Funding from SASIX was provided for the period September 2009 to August 2010.
Outputs and Impact
As a starting point, all entrepreneurs who register for the Black Umbrellas programme are required to participate in a basic training programme which includes workshops on business and market planning. Based on the outcomes of these workshops, structured mentoring is provided to guide them on the process of establishing their respective businesses. This report is limited to the outputs from the Western Cape office, and from the onset of the SASIX funding cycle. It is based on a maximum sample of 15 entrepreneurs.
Twelve entrepreneurs attended the Business Plan and Marketing Plan workshops, which covered a range of topics from costing and pricing to advertising and promotions. The workshops were conducted between September 2009 and January 2010.
During the workshops, entrepreneurs learned about research methodologies and subsequently conducted their own market research over a two week period. The information they gathered was used to compile a detailed marketing plan.
The workshops also included simple scenario planning to help entrepreneurs understand the impact of changes of circumstances on the business. In addition, these entrepreneurs learned about the preparation and interpretation of basic financial information, and how to incorporate this into their business plans. Entrepreneurs were provided with a template for business planning and required to prepare their business plan for a 12 month period. This included expenditure needs, understanding cash flow, and the impact of debt.
Expenditure
SASIX funding will contribute R63 918 to the total cost of the project. R40 000 of this has already been paid. The remaining tranche payment of R26 918 will be paid to Black Umbrellas as a reimbursement for expenses already incurred by the project.
| Description | Total Budget (as per budget approved by SASIX) | Total Expenditure to date |
| Staff costs | 117 636 | 117 636 |
| Vehicles | 35 614 | 35 614 |
| Communication costs | 80 278 | 80 278 |
| Training and mentoring and travel | 120 045 | 120 045 |
| Bookkeeping | 86 425 | 86 425 |
| Rent | 36 639 | 36 639 |
| Operational costs | 91 450 | 91 450 |
| TOTAL | 568 087.00 | 568 087.00 |
Challenges
One of the key challenges experienced by the project is the difficulty in providing uniform solutions for entrepreneurs as they are not a homogenous group and thus have different needs. To this end Black Umbrellas has categorised SMMEs (Small Medium and Micro Enterprises) that are registered with Black Umbrellas into three types:
Scratch businesses
Total start-ups in any industry (These pay R200 per month and their services are capped)
The ideal business
Someone with skills, contracts and a monthly income (These pay R1000 per month and they have unlimited services)
Contractors
Skilled workers who work only when work is available on a contract basis (and are thus only paid when such work is available)
The categorisation allows the project to provide more suitable services and thus give greater value to the entrepreneurs. Consequently the following services are no longer provided as a standard service:
- Invoicing of customers and collection of amounts due
- Reduced cost of materials through bulk purchase agreements with suppliers
- A unique credit line on receipt of a guaranteed quote
Monitoring and evaluation
Monitoring undertaken by Black Umbrellas over the period of project implementation is based on the following:
- Number of SMMEs: there are 100 SMMEs in the programme
- Progress of individual businesses: this is done on a daily/weekly basis
- Financial records of the organisation as well as the financial records of the SMMEs: this is done monthly
- Mentoring of businesses and their knowledge of business practices: this is still being put in place but training and benchmarks for all businesses have been set in place
- Development and implementation of a three-year plan for businesses to become sustainable and independent: this is part of the benchmark process and is being done for all the businesses
The information collected to date indicates that seven of the twelve entrepreneurs that participated in the workshops have achieved breakeven and generate a small profit while five are still spending more than the revenue generated by their business. All of the entrepreneurs who attended training have requested and are receiving specific mentoring for their respective businesses.
Conclusions
The programme seems to be progressing well and with reasonable success in assisting the entrepreneurs to establish their businesses and generate income. It is still too early to determine the strength of each of the businesses as they are newly formed businesses.
Memory Box Workshop a Great Success
Wed, 8 September 2010
‘My best moment was painting the Memory Box.’ – child participant
REPORT 1: South Coast Hospice Association: Memory Box Workshop Project
HIV and AIDS are severely affecting children in South Africa, both directly through infection and indirectly as their circles of care break down due to the loss of family members. The South Coast Hospice Association designed a workshop that encompassed focused and specialised psychosocial intervention with 20 children affected by HIV and AIDS. This workshop provided them with essential life skills for their emotional development.
This project commenced in June 2010 and will be completed by January 2011.
Outputs
- A five day Memory Box workshop was held at Bhobhoyi, Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal, from 28 June to 2 July 2010. Twenty children infected with and/or affected by HIV and AIDS participated in this meaningful intervention.
- Four follow-up visits to each child are expected to be carried out within four to six weeks of the workshop. To date, one to two of these visits to the children and their families have taken place. Visit 1 served to identify where the Memory Box and hero books are kept, and to ascertain whether anything new had been added to either the contents of the box and/ or the book. In addition, genograms were drawn. Visit 2 dealt with the family story. This offers the child the opportunity to hear their family story from their carer.
Outcomes
- In terms of the planned activities which have already been implemented, the Memory Box workshop has been very successful. The children appeared to be very happy and comfortable in participating in the workshop, and a more qualitative and accurate result will be obtained at the Family Evaluation.
- The final visit to the children and family entails the final post-intervention assessment test. Evaluation results will be assessed against a baseline and the impact of the programme established.
Expenditure
The total budget for this project is R31 020 which has been paid in full.
| Description | Total Budget | Total Expenditure |
| Project co-ordinator fee | 8 800 | 8 800 |
| 2 child carers | 8 800 | 8 800 |
| 20 x Memory Boxes | 1 200 | 1 200 |
| 20 x photographs | 100 | 100 |
| 20 x Duduza Dolls | 1 000 | 1 000 |
| Crayons, glue, paint and aprons | 1 400 | 1 400 |
| Catering | 4 400 | 4 400 |
| Road travel | 2 000 | 2 000 |
| Telecommunication costs and printing costs | 500 | 500 |
| Support Services | 2 820 | 2 820 |
| TOTAL | 31 020 | 31 020 |
Challenges
External challenges include:
Resistance by families to get their children tested for HIV South Coast Hospice is considering linking with the specific school that provided the venue for the Memory Box Workshop and which has elected an HIV and OVC Coordinator. South Coast Hospice is committed to ensuring that its inter-disciplinary team draws in all resources in an effort to properly understand and manage complex social and cultural issues.
A high crime rate within the community. One of the workshop participants, a young girl, was the victim of an extremely unfortunate and frightening incident (a stabbing) which occurred during the week of the workshop. The child was traumatised and her emotional wellbeing was further compromised.
Internal challenges include:
- A lack of an adequate number of internal referrals. The OVC Programme Manager has scheduled meetings with the intent of discussing improving relations between the OVC department and the South Coast Hospice Integrated Community-based Home Care teams.
Monitoring and evaluation
The pre- intervention assessment tests were carried out as planned.
The follow-up visits will provide the opportunity to conduct post-intervention assessment tests, deepen the work on specific topics such as family trees, and enable the organisation to effectively monitor and evaluate the impact of the workshop. This activity has commenced and continues until the end of the project in January 2011.
The final visit to the children and family entails the final post-intervention assessment test. Evaluation results will be assessed against a baseline and the impact of the programme will be established. These results inform the OVC department whether or not a child can be discharged from the programme (i.e. if they are coping) or if further referral is required.
Conclusions
The Memory Box programme forms part of the overall work carried out by the South Coast Hospice Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Programme. It is a comprehensive and well thought out programme managed by highly skilled professionals and specially trained Children’s Caregivers. South Coast Hospice recognises the value of the Memory Box workshops and the organisation remains determined to continue hosting them.
Books and toys arrive at 10 ECD centres
Fri, 27 August 2010
“This is the first time anybody has given us a donation. This is the first time we see new books and toys. I can now use the information in the books in my lessons and other practitioners are also very excited to use these books and toys with the children.” Beatrice Mathidi - Mashudu Khumbe Community
REPORT 1: Biblionef South Africa – supplying mother-tongue storybooks to preschools
The aim of this project was to provide 10 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in disadvantaged areas of Mpumalanga with steel trunks each containing 80 storybooks (in both English and mother-tongue) and 10 toys.
Activities and Outcomes
As a result of this project, 903 preschool children (far higher than the original estimate of 495) have access to books that are culturally appropriate as well as other resources such as toys and puzzles. Forty two practitioners now have resources to teach their children and prepare them for school. The following activities have been carried out: * Biblionef selected age and language appropriate books for each of the ECD centres. * Steel trunks were purchased and fitted with locks. * A handover function was held where a representative from each of the beneficiary ECD centres accepted their books and toys. * A workshop was provided to the attending practitioners to give them basic training in caring for books, storytelling, and using books for ECD.
Expenditure
The total cost of this project was R57 998 which has been paid in full by SASIX.
| Description | Total Budget | Total Expenditure | Overspend/Underspend |
| Books | 35 000 | 35 000 | - |
| Toys & Resource Materials | 5 000 | 5 000 | - |
| Steel trunks | 4 000 | 4 000 | - |
| Keys & locks | 300 | 450 | -150 |
| Organisational Costs | |||
| Funders acknowledgement: printing and laminating A3 and A3 poster or applying sticker in each book | 200 | 200 | - |
| Distribution Costs | 4 000 | 2 547 | 1 453 |
| Staff Time | |||
| Books Stock Librarian - Selecting ordering and packing of books | 720 | 720 | - |
| Project Co-ordinator - Liaison with the ECDs, selection and handover of books | 1 440 | 1 440 | - |
| Travel for training at Book Handover | |||
| Travel | 6 200 | 5 335 | 865 |
| Accommodation | 800 | 1 390 | -590 |
| Staff subsistence allowance | 200 | 300 | -100 |
| TOTAL | 57 860 | 56 382 | 1 478 |
Challenges
The project has thus far run very smoothly. It will now rely on the individual ECD centres to make proper use of the supplied resources.
Monitoring and evaluation
Biblionef has ensured that each of the ECD centres have received their books and toys and have a secure trunk in which to store them. In the coming months, ECD centres will be required to report to Biblionef on the use of the books and the impact that they have had on the children attending their centres.
Conclusions
The books and toys have been distributed to all of the ECD centres. This will make a major difference to the resources available at these centres. It is particularly encouraging that they will have access to mother-tongue story books, which is in line with ECD best practice.
Schools show great interest to get volunteer support for their learners
Wed, 4 August 2010
"I have learnt a lot about children and learning needs as well as different ideas I could even use to help my own child” - volunteer at the Sobambisana Primary School in Khayelitsha
REPORT 1: help2read - Literacy Support Programme in Cape Town Metropole
Help2read's literacy support programme relies on training motivated volunteers to lead weekly one-on-one reading sessions with struggling learners in primary schools in the province. At the end of this project, 330 learners in Grades 2-7 will have received reading sessions with a community volunteer for 12 months. 160 community volunteers will be recruited in four cycles and given a week’s training. At the end of the term, volunteers, support workers and teachers will assess the children’s progress.
The project timeline is March 2010 to February 2011. This report refers to March to June 2010.
Activities and Outcomes
The programme has managed to attract interest from a total of 17 schools in Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha where, to date, 32 volunteers have committed to assist 82 struggling learners.
By the end of June 2010: * 5 schools in Khayelitsha were visited for preliminary discussions; and formal presentations on the programme will follow at these schools. * 3 schools in Mitchells Plain were formally introduced to the programme and have agreed to participate. * 26 volunteers have received training and have been deployed. * 2 office laptops were purchased in order to enable good administration and management of the programme. * A total of 115 school reading resources for schools have been purchased, including phonic readers, sports books, books in indigenous languages, activity books and non–fiction. * Monthly newsletters were sent to all volunteers to keep them informed of the progress of the programme, with mailing including a set of reading exercises that volunteers can use during their reading sessions or with their own children.
In addition, help2read has established new and meaningful partnerships: the Khayelitsha Educational Forum has offered to assist in setting up a help2read office within the community, therefore enabling the organisation to be more accessible to the local community. Meetings have also taken place with other organisations such as the Students' Health and Welfare Centres Organisation (SHAWCO) and the Volunteer Centre.
Expenditure
The total cost of this project is R 232,450, of which R116, 225 has been paid.
| Description | Total Budget (as per budget approved by SASIX) | Total Expenditure to date |
| Project Management and administration | 120, 000 | 36, 900 |
| Volunteer training workshops (refreshments) | 4, 000 | 1, 358 |
| 1 quarterly skills workshop | 4, 000 | 4, 216 |
| Schools notice-boards | 500 | 500 |
| Literacy resources | 12, 500 | 5, 472 |
| Newsletters | 1, 200 | 1, 028.15 |
| Volunteer recruitment costs | 10, 000 | 1, 641.20 |
| Road travel | 15, 000 | 3, 154 |
| Learner pre- & post-intervention testing | 37, 500 | - |
| Supervisory/Progress Meetings | 1, 250 | - |
| Volunteer training evaluation | 500 | - |
| Report writing | 300 | - |
| Administration costs | 17, 700 | 7, 880 |
| TOTAL | 232, 450 | 68, 871.19 |
The R4, 216 expenses for one skills workshop were committed in advance prior to the hosting of the workshop, which will be reported in detail in the next progress report.
Challenges
The main challenge faced by help2read has been the low intake of new volunteers. For this reason, help2read has focused efforts on networking and research within beneficiary communities on the best approach to recruitment and marketing the programme within the community.
Other challenges have included school-based logistical difficulties, such as schools cancelling meetings or presentations. Sometimes volunteers’ personal circumstances change and, once trained, they are not always able to commit to volunteering. The procedures that help2read has put into place and which have resulted from years of experience, ensure that these challenges are either overcome or the risks associated with these challenges minimised.
Monitoring and evaluation
Data on beneficiaries is collected on a monthly basis which assists help2read to monitor beneficiary numbers. The main form of evaluation to track learner progress will be implemented in August 2010.
Conclusions
Project implementation is on track despite a long school holiday during the FIFA World Cup. Now that the majority of the 25 schools are on board, help2read will focus its efforts on volunteer recruitment and support. The preliminary outcomes of the reading support provided to learners in the programme will provide insight into improvements in literacy and attitude towards reading.
Preparation for ceramics production unit underway
Wed, 7 July 2010
'We are looking forward to doing the ceramics project. We want to learn new things at work'- Helen Dawson, beneficiary
REPORT 1: Irene Homes: A ceramics project for mentally disabled people
For the past 22 years, Irene Homes has run a protective work centre that enables mentally disabled men and women to learn skills, be productive and enjoy work and social interaction in a safe and supportive environment. The work centre currently accommodates more than 60 residents and day workers fulfilling contracts for government and corporate clients.
This project will establish a new ceramics production unit and support the project in its 6-month start-up phase. 10 workers will learn new skills and produce porcelain crockery sets commissioned by industrial designers associated with an established product catalogue business.
The project is expected to be implemented from September 2009 to September 2010.
Outputs
Thus far, 10 beneficiaries have been selected after a total of 15 were interviewed, as per original project objectives. An additional 10 abled bodied women were selected to train and work alongside the disabled women. The women will assist with capacity to ensure that order and deliveries are made on time with the correct level of quality control.
This was not part of the original project design, but Irene Homes feels that it will not impact on the project in any way. They have considered division of duties and believe that the structure will allow for the women to work well together. The abled bodied women will eventually leave Irene Homes, with the assistance of organisation with placement in the formal sector.
Most of the project preparation, along with sourcing of equipment, has been completed. A large kiln was donated to the project, which will save on project expenses as Irene Homes only needed to pay for transport and installation. This has been installed.
Training and production is set to begin at the end of January. Training will be hands on and take place over three months on a daily basis. The trainer will stay on for a further three months though, to ensure proper application. One beneficiary will be trained in creating moulds, due to the complexity of this activity. The rest will be trained in producing ceramic goods and may be trained in producing moulds at a later stage if they show capacity.
Expenditure
The cost of the project is R151,731, with R88,481 still outstanding
| Description | Total Budget (as per budget approved by SASIX) | Total Expenditure to date |
| Purchase & Installation of Equipment | 68 000 | 22 142 |
| Purchase of Materials | 9 931 | - |
| Production Stipends | 30 000 | - |
| Security | 1 120 | - |
| Transport | 3 500 | - |
| Electricity | 24 000 | - |
| Admin & Accounting | 15 180 | - |
| TOTAL | 151 731 | 22 142 |
The organisation has not spent the entire R63,250 that had been allocated through the first tranche. This is mainly due to the large kiln being donated, and the fact the transport and installation costs have not been paid for this thus far.
The balance of the funds allocated to the large kiln will be used for the purchase of a small test kiln, which will be used for smaller pieces that is not necessary to be made in the bigger kiln, as the latter requires greater levels of electricity to power it up.
Materials and stipend costs will be deducted once training and production begin and operational costs will be deducted in the next reporting period.
Monitoring and evaluation
The Irene Homes Workshop Manager will be observing and reporting on quality of products produced, while the Irene Homes Protective Forum will be observing and reporting on actual production, sales and general function of the project. This will be done in the next reporting period, when training and production begin.
Conclusions
The project has commenced with the preparation for the workshop, and is ready to start the next phase, that being training and production. Training should begin towards the end of January, ensuring that the beneficiaries are adequately trained.
The project has changed somewhat, with the inclusion of abled bodied women in the production team. However, this is necessary to ensure honouring of client contracts.
The next phase will see beneficiaries begin production. This will allow them to express themselves through work and be productive members of society, which is hoped will lead to improvement in self-esteem and confidence.
Solar Panels Reduce Electricity Bill at Pevensey Place
Thu, 1 July 2010
“We can already see the reduction in our electricity bill. The money we save can now be used to provide other essential services to our residents.” - Director
Progress Report 1: Pevensey Place- Solar heating system for a home for the disabled
Pevensy Place is a residential farm that houses 76 adults with cerebral palsy. The residents at the farm assist the staff with the daily activities at the farm including working with cattle and chickens; assisting other residents with more severe disabilities; or helping in the kitchen and the laundry. Pevensey Place believes that these activities serve to give residents a sense of purpose and self-worth.
Through this project Pevensey Place began the conversion of its heating system to renewable energy in order to avoid the frequent power cuts and increasing cost of electricity. The conversion started with the installation of four of the 13 units required for the several buildings that accommodate the residents. The four units funded through SASIX serve specifically identified areas that use the most power, namely the ladies bathrooms and the farm’s kitchen and laundry.
The installation of the four solar panels was completed in March 2010.
Activities and Outcomes
- Four solar panels were purchased from a local producer
- The old geysers were removed by sub-contracted builders
- The four solar panels were installed in the ladies bathrooms, the kitchen, and the laundry room in March 2010
The installation of the four solar panels has resulted in a 35% reduction in Pevensey Place's electricity bill.
Expenditure
The total budget for this project was R50,000 which has been paid in full.
| Description | Budget | Expenditure |
| 3 x 200LT conversion (plus tubes, manifold, reflector plate and conversion panel) | 32 000 | 32 000 |
| 1 x 150 conversion (plus tuber, manifold and reflector plate) | 9 570 | 9 570 |
| Installation, travelling and labour costs | 8 430 | 8 430 |
| TOTAL | 50 000 | 50 000 |
Pevensey place will spend an extra R6000 from its reserves for repairs after one of the panels was struck by lightning and to install lightning conductors on all four solar panels to prevent future damage.
Challenges
- One of the solar panels was struck by lightning soon after being installed
- The remote location of Pevensey Place meant that it took some time for the supplier to attend to the repairs after the lightning damage
- Lightning conductors were added to the budget to prevent future damage during thunder storms
- There have been problems with supplying the ladies’ bathrooms with enough hot water in the morning as Pevensey Place is still trying to get the balance between using electricity and solar power right.
Monitoring and evaluation
The installation was monitored on site by the Director. He was on sight every day and ensured that installation works aligned with quality standards and did not cause unnecessary disruption for the residents. The Director has decided to install lightning conductors to protect the solar panels from future lightning storms.
Savings on the electricity bill are being monitored by the financial administrator. Since the installation of the solar panels, Pevensey Place has seen a 35% reduction in their electricity bill.
Conclusions
Four solar panels have been successfully installed at Pevensely Place. There are already indications that this will ease the financial burden on the home, with a 35% saving off the monthly electricity bill. The residents also now have a supply of heat even when they experience power cuts, which are quite common in the rural part of KwaZulu Natal where the home is located. The shift to renewable sources of energy means that the project will also have a positive environmental impact. The installation of lightning conductors to protect the solar panels will help to ensure that they last and continue to provide a positive social and environmental impact well into the future.
