December 2009 Update and Thank You!!!

Hello Everybody
   A very happy festive season to you all. I trust you’ve had an excellent Christmas and hope the rest of this year will be joyous to you and your families.

Thank you to the following contributors…
   Alison Roberts, Arlene Johansson, Dimitra Kotsopolous, Dr Lara Smith, Bronwyn Hopwood, Marlene Helfrecht, Frenske Otzen, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Tara and Dave Dunn, Jo Dix, Lorette and Juliette Garnett, Nicki and Mia Stock, Nikki Andrew, Antoinette and Claud Denis, Sandy Schuurman, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Sheena and Roly Hutchings, Tracey and Sean Fraser, Thea Athina and Thea Vessie Kotsopolous, Rene, Joshua and Liam Grimmbacher, Donna Cobban and Luc Michot, Michael P., Anna Johansson, Kirsten Hopwood, Annette Cowley-Nel, Jonathan Ackerman, Melica McCrae, Yolanda Parry, Suzanne Kilpin and the Constantia ladies’ gardening club, Counselor Denis and Harriet Joseph, the DA Ladies’ Committee, Nurith Henderson and Gary from IVODENT Dental Supplies, Mr Seever and the Mount Nelson Hotel, the anonymous parents at Monterey Pre-Primary School and the Anonymous Friends at the New Beginnings Clinic.

   I’d like to mention the very special staff at Retreat Maternity Clinic and the wonderful work they do – they are a team of dedicated individuals who only have the best interest of their patients at heart. Thank you all for a wonderful year!

these are our Christmas Babies ...

Births at the clinic…
   I went to the clinic yesterday as is usual on Christmas day and there were 2 women in labour – through their pain they were competing to see who’s baby would be born first on Christmas day.
   I haven’t got the full total for the month of December, but as of yesterday there were 167 babies born, 75 of them were boys and 92 girls.

more of our Christmas babies...

What we have accomplished this year…

   I wanted to send out a lengthy newsletter about all the great accomplishments this year, but I feel that going into every aspect in detail would create at least a 3 page document.

I would just like, in point form to show you what we have done with your help…

Dry goods pantry – continued support of food to all the moms
Moms and Baby Packs – we’re still only giving 20 a month, but for someone who has nothing, this is gold.
Adoptions – 75% of children adopted from SA internationally are born at the Retreat clinic. We continue to counsel young mothers about the adoption options.
Counseling – we have 2 counselors and have recently acquired the pro bono services of a psychologist who sees to the multitude of needs and education of the staff.
Domestic violence – we continue to remove girls and moms with their babies from violent and abusive situations at home, placing them in the various safe houses we use.
Drug counseling – we are in contact with drug centres who assist in counseling and rehabilitation.
Clothing – for women and children. The ongoing support from you guys to the children’s homes and safe houses.
Used, but working electrical appliances – for second stage housing at safe houses.

  There are so many aspects surrounding the Zoe Project, and all is successful. We are growing and becoming stronger, but still taking every day as it comes.

Thank you to you all for you wonderful support for the Zoe Project.

Information Empowers!
fighting the war against child sexual abuse because every child matters...

What a year! We have also accomplished so much.

   First I’d like to say thank you to all of you for your support with the Kids2Kids project. I have sent out the thank you pamphlet and therefore won’t attach it here. If you haven’t seen it, please visit the website at http://www.informationempowers.org.za/

A Couple of pictures about our Kids2Kids (c) 2009 Drive...

Thank you for your support and recommendations with the workshops and workbooks.
   Our workshops are taking off at a tremendous rate – next year will be a very busy one indeed. The workbooks are being distributed and used throughout the Western Cape and we endeavour to have it as part of the curriculum at schools.

   The Smart Kids’ Kit © [Identity Profile Kit for Children] has been distributed far and wide – we have had it featured in the Cape Times and the National Spokesperson for SAPS have recently recommended that all children acquire an identity profiling kit. We are the first organisation to offer it to the public free of charge!

  We have had interviews on radio and the feedback from that has been tremendous. It makes it worthwhile doing this work about child sexual abuse, knowing that it is helping someone somewhere.

   Our website – after many errors and technical difficulties, our website is up and running and interactive. Please have a look at http://www.informationempowers.org.za/

   The blogspot has updated news reports and we welcome opinions… http://www.informationempowers.blogspot.com/

   A busy year and I must say that for a couple of days, I will be taking a much deserved break with my gorgeous family.

    I’ll be in touch in January 2010, ready for another year and I know that we will continue to grow and continue to help those who are in dire situations. With your continued support, we know that we can only help more people. Thank you and Well done!

Lots of love as always and all the best for 2010.

Norah Papanicolaou



Director - Information Empowers!
Fighting the war against child sexual abuse because every child matters
And for The Zoe Project
http://www.informationempowers.org.za/

Update November 2009 by Norah Papanicolaou

Hello everybody
   Again, I am so wowed by the incredible response and encouraging feedback received from all of you and people I don’t even know.

Thank you to the following contributors…
   Alison Roberts, Anna Johansson, Dimitra Kotsopolous, Thea Athina Kotsopolous, Thea Vessie Kotsopolous, Dr Lara Smith, Marlene Helfrecht, Bronwyn Hopwood, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Tara and Dave Dunn, Jo Dix, Lorette Garnett, Nikki Andrew, Antoinette Dennis, Sandy Schuurman, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Sheena Hutchings, Yolanda Parry, Rene Grimmbacher, Liam Grimmbacher, Samuel Grimmbacher, Donna Cobban, Luc Michot, Michael P., Kirsten Hopwood, Annette Cowley-Nel, Johnathan Ackerman, Melica McCrae, Ruby Passet-Gradwell, Denis and Harriet Joseph, The Ladies from the DA Women’s committee, Anonymous friends at the New Beginnings clinic, anonymous parents from Monterey Pre-Primary School………..

I would like to say a special thank you for all the wonderful clothes received for children and women this month. The clothing for the children are so welcomed – the sponsors of 2 children’s homes have withdrawn their clothing donations and the children and young ladies at the homes are very, very grateful for the items received. Well done and thank you!

Births at the clinic in November…
   There were 199 births in November and 91 of those were boys. Again being in Cape Town, more girls than boys born.
   Attached is a photo of a little girl born on 1 December at 10h21. She weighed 3.05kg. Gorgeous and healthy.

The pantry…
   The pantry needs have again been filled and the food is still being monitored by either the sister on duty at night or the midwife on duty at night.

Mom and Baby Packs…
   We have received the most beautiful mom and baby packs – thanks to all of you. I will be going through to the clinic on Christmas morning as usual, to hand out special Christmas baby and mom packs. Photographs will appear on the blogspot after Christmas.

Zoe Sports Day…
   I will post some photographs of our sports day a bit later on the blogspot for you to view. Eight teams took part in the ‘mini-tournament’ and all had a great time despite the cold and rainy weather. The money raised at the sports day will go towards a special Staff day for the personnel who work at the clinic. A huge thank you to all the individuals and families who came to watch. It isn’t always about winning but about support and encouragement. This means a lot to all of us, but especially the staff at the clinic.

Zoe goes International…
   A couple of months ago I mentioned that a USA based radio station has taken on the Zoe Project as a pilot project in the states. I am happy to report that currently the “Zoe project mom and baby packs” are being given to hospitals with less-privileged patients in America and Mexico. They are calling it the “Zoe Sacks”. The same principle applies – those moms who are in desperate situations receive something new for the newborns and receive a mom’s pack for themselves. They too, have to leave the hospital or clinic a couple of hours after giving birth. We are very excited that our concept and name has gone international and that others overseas are also being helped in the same way people are here.

Goodbye…
   We are saying goodbye to Bethany this month. Bethany counseled at the clinic on a Friday and has been for the last 8 months. Bethany’s main focus is going to be the “baby-safe” project, which is in Fish Hoek. Babies who are abandoned are placed in a safe which was designed by an American Engineer. Once the weight of the baby touches a pad under the blanket, it sends an alarm signal to ADT and 3 people who are in close proximity to the safe. We wish Bethany well and say thank you for your wonderful contribution to the Zoe Project.

Hello…
   We now have our own resident psychologist, Alison Breen. Alison’s main focus will be for the staff. She’ll attend the clinic once a month to start with and will conduct group-sessions with the staff at first – mostly information sessions to assist them in helping patients. Welcome Alison.

   We also have a permanent Dullah – I’ve been asking you guys to join if you have time. But Portia works every Tuesday. Portia helps as a birthing assistant and she has managed to make the work of the nursing staff so much lighter. Welcome Portia.

Information Empowers and Kids2Kids…
   I will send out a notice about the happenings and events of Information Empowers! next week. I don’t want to run ahead of myself with this. We are currently in the middle of a huge project which is dear to my heart and is proving to be very successful.

   School holidays are upon us. please drive carefully and look after yourselves.

I will be doing a collection week in December and I know that most of you will probably be away on holiday. If you’d like, we can arrange to collect items for the pantry and the mom and baby packs earlier – please just let me know what would suit you.

Take care and lots of love

Norah Papanicolaou
Director - Information Empowers!
because every child matters
and for the Zoe Project
http://www.informationempowers.org.za/
norah@xsinet.co.za

October 09 Update - The Zoe Project and Information Empowers!

Hello Everybody
It has been a really positive and eventful month for both the Zoe Project and Information Empowers!

Thank you to the following contributors…

Alison Roberts, Arlene Johansson, Dr Lara Smith, Bronwyn Hopwood, Marlene Helfrecht, Hilton Franz and Brandon Weeavind from InterMet Africa, Lisa McNamara, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Tara and Dave Dunn, Nikki Andrew, Antoinette Denis, Ronnie Morrison, Sandy Schuurmans, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Meg and Luke Carter, Rene Grimmbacher, Liam Grimmbacher, Samuel Grimmbacher, Donna Cobban, Luc Michot, Anna Johansson, Tracey and Sean Fraser, Thea Athina Kotsopolous, Thea Vessi Kotsopolous, Kirsten Hopwood, Annette Cowley-Nel, Johnathan Ackerman, Michael P., the anonymous friends at the New Beginnings clinic and the anonymous parents from Monterey Pre-Primary, Jo and Steve Thomas from Sothebys Real Estates Constantia and John Wesson from Bill Rawson Real Estates, Bergvliet.

Births at the clinic in October…
There were 180 births in October – 92 girls and 88 boys. Three of the babies were born prematurely with the smallest being a little boy called Liam, 1479grams at birth. He was born to a 16 year old matric student who is writing her English final exams on Thursday. The youngest mom was a 14 year old, and there were 14 babies born to 17-year old girls.

The pantry…
I cannot stress enough how important every food contribution is for the Retreat MOU. Every time I go to deliver the food, the cupboards are bare and the frozen soup is on its last little bowl. Thank you so much – we are nourishing young moms and inadvertently, their little babies.

A funny story – one of the night staff gave me a recipe that she cooks for the patients. She says, “And I put a little garlic and sometimes some curry powder in it…” Well, that would explain why the babies can’t sleep and are crying. Any spicy food will cause colic because it goes through the mother’s milk to the baby. I will give them a list of foods to avoid while breastfeeding, and they can pass it on to their patients. I have asked her not to put any garlic or curry in any of the food.

Mom and baby packs…
We have tried to increase the 20 mom packs and 20 baby packs that we supply each month by at least half that. Unfortunately, we don’t come close to that at all. But the ones we are giving are still being given to only those who most need it. The little items in the baby packs are so beautiful and it breaks my heart to think that this is probably the only new thing this child would ever get.

Zoe Project Sports Day…
We are hosting a soccer day on Saturday, 7th November at the Simonstown sports field. You may join and enter a 6-a-side team. Registration starts at 8.15 am and cost is R20 per person. The money raised on this day will be used to fund a team building day for the staff who work at the Retreat maternity clinic. This is an annual event and has proved to raise the spirit of the staff. We show our appreciation for the hard work they do under very difficult circumstances by organising the year end function.

Build-A-PC…
Donna Cobban who is a feature writer for CAPE TOWN’S CHILD MAGAZINE and an author had an idea that she put to her boss and the magazine has agreed to this initiative.

Donna arranged for a computer to be built from bits by a company called InterMet Africa. Hilton Franz and Brandon Weeavind built a pc and Donna delivered it to Place of Hope. CPT Child Magazine will do a call for companies and ask them to get their IT departments to build a pc from scrap, and they will be able to donate fully working computers to places of safety and clinics where they are very much needed. Please support this initiative if you are able. Have a look in the February 2010 issue of CPT Child magazine for further details.

Premier Helen Zille and Good News…
I attended a meeting where Premier Zille spoke on 23 October 2009. The lack of social workers in the field was heightened and the importance of NGO’s stressed. NGO’s play a vital part in communities as they supply a service where government [local and national] cannot. There are currently 1800 NGO’s who fall under the Western Cape government and get funding from government in order to do their work. Only 933 of these have proven to give results that would justify their financial support from government. Premier Zille has spoken about implementing a plan in provincial government whereby they change the accountability structure. NGO’s will no longer be able to apply for government funding and not produce accountable and consistent results. A Dashboard system will apply and NGO’s who receive funding will be regulated through this.

There are also 2 new drug rehabilitation clinics that will be opened by the Provincial Government next year. These clinics will only be for children just starting out on drugs. It will work on an out-patient basis. The research done indicated that if the children are helped at the outset, that there is a greater chance of rehabilitation and putting them on the right track.

Provincial government has also opened a new department to co-ordinate all the departments within government who deal with issues relating to women and children. The reason for this is to ensure that there is no duplication of work, that work is done and it is also a monitoring mechanism for the Provincial government. This is fantastic news as it will ensure that matters are dealt with timeously and effectively.

Mayor Dan Plato and good news…
I attended a meeting on 29 October where Mayor Dan Plato spoke to residents from ward 71. I indicated that child sexual abuse is not a justice issue as he mentioned, but an issue that touches all citizens in the Western Cape and indeed this entire country.

After his answer session to all the questions posed to him, he replied to me and pointed his finger, saying: “Let’s talk!” He has indicated that we will meet and I am preparing for this meeting with the mayor and trust that it will be fruitful.

We want the Information Empowers! workshops and workbooks to be introduced to all the schools in order to teach children about safety. We want to ensure that communities have access to practical information and implementation of their rights as far as reporting of abuse and other related issues go. We want to create awareness and prevention mechanisms for all our children. I will keep you updated as to the result of this meeting.

Our website and good news…
http://www.informationempowers.org.za/

I am proud and very excited to say that our website and blogspot is up and running. We have had fantastic feedback from people who have visited it. Please take the time to go through the website and if you have any questions or suggestions, please email me.

It is quite user-friendly and informative and even has fun pages and activities for children.

Kids2Kids (c) 2009…

Kids2Kids (c) 2009 is a pilot project this year, and I’m hoping it will become an annual event in Cape Town. The next couple of weeks will prove if we can deliver the Christmas gifts to the places of safety and children’s homes we have earmarked for this. It is all dependent on the support we receive from the schools. If your child received a flyer, encourage him or her to participate. This teaches our children who are very blessed, a valuable life-skill: compassion and thinking and acting for those who are less privileged than themselves.

Workshops….
Even though at outset I decided not to present workshops myself, I will be presenting a workshop next week, and it would appear as if next year will be quite busy for me in this regard.

I have made information freely available to counselors and Victim Empowerment Groups in and around Cape Town. They are to fund their own printing as we cannot.

I am appealing to anyone who has access to printing facilities and paper to assist me with this for next year. We need to give material to all the children who attend workshops, and at the same time, send home a ‘parent information pack’.

It would be of great help if we could get a sponsor for printing and paper for our workbooks and workshop material. Should you be in a position where you can help, please contact me to discuss.

As I said in the beginning of this newsletter, it has been a very busy month for both the Zoe Project and Information Empowers!

Thank you all for your wonderful support and encouragement – it is invaluable, not just to me but to all who work on these 2 projects. A little encouragement goes a long way!

Please remember to send our updates to your family, friends and colleagues. Visit the blogspots [ http://www.thezoeproject.blogspot.com/ and http://www.informationempowers.blogspot.com/ ]

And our website http://www.informationempowers.org.za/

Contact me with your feedback, questions and suggestions.

Lots of love to you all

Norah Papanicolaou

Update 07 October 2009 - the Zoe Project and other good news

Hello Everybody

I hope those of you who have children at school enjoyed the short, sharp holiday. Hopefully
Spring or Summer will show up soon…

Thank you to the following contributors…
Arlene Johansson, Dr Lara Smith, Bronwyn Hopwood, Marlene Helfrecht, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Tara and Dave Dunn, Lorette and Juliette Garnett, Sandy Schuurmans, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Sheena Hutchings, Yolanda Parry, Ingrid Rix, Rene and Samuel Grimmbacher, Michael P., Donna Cobban, Luc Michot, Anna Johansson, Kirsten Hopwood, Annette Cowley-Nel, Johnathan Ackerman, Ruby Passet-Gradwell, the Anonymous friends at the New Beginnings Clinic and The anonymous parents from Monterey Preschool.

Each of you is making a difference – and I can’t say it enough. Thank you for all the food
and the beautiful mom’s and baby’s packs you provide. Thank you also for the wonderful items
for the safe houses and baby homes. The rooms look brighter with the duvet covers and lamps
and little mats you’ve given. And the clothes for the women and children in the safe houses
are so welcome.

Births at the clinic in September…
There were 204 births in September and 74 were boys. The youngest mothers were 14, 15 and two 16 year-olds.

Pantry needs…
The pantry is fulfilling a much needed service. The moms who give birth overnight are fed a healthy meal before they go to bed, or at breakfast time. Dried goods really help with feeding the moms, especially the Kangaroo moms who stay for long periods. If their families don’t bring food, they only get the Provita and cup of soup.
These moms are not allowed to leave their babies alone at the clinic for fear of abandonment.

Moms’ needs… [very desperately]
We are in desperate need of NEW Panties, sized Medium. Many of the moms who arrive only have the one panty they are wearing and it isn’t conducive to hygiene for them to wear that panty after they’ve given birth. We have been blessed to have the mom packs handy, but supplies are limited and we would love to be able to leave a couple of panties with the sisters in charge to distribute as the need arises.

Staff at the clinic…
Thanks to the DA ladies group helping with a soup day. They are a group of wonderful women who make soup And travel to various clinics and day hospitals in the peninsula to feed the people who attend these.
Retreat Clinic has been visited and will be on their schedule again this month.
Thanks to councilor Denis Joseph who has arranged this.

Sports Day – Annual Six-A-Side…
We are hosting our annual Sports Day – Soccer, Six-A-Side on Saturday, 7 November.
Registration starts at 08h15 sharp and this year it will be on the Simonstown Navy Sports field.
We request that each player contribute R20 – this money is to raise funds for us to have a
staff Christmas day for the personnel at the Retreat maternity clinic.
Please contact me if you are interested in putting together a team – whether professional, skilled, semi-skilled…
The aim is to have fun and it is a wonderful opportunity to meet some of the Zoe team members.

Place of Hope…
It is with great thanks to Mr Tony Moolenschot from Moolenschot Construction who fixed the huge leak at Place of Hope in Crawford. It is unbelievable generosity that has made an enormous difference to the living conditions of the women and children who reside there. The place is warmer and drier and I haven’t seen a child with a runny nose in a couple of weeks. Thank you, Tony. You have no idea how big it is what you have done.
I would also like to thank Liz Brunette from the Constantia Hills Residents Association for putting us in contact with Tony.
Emails passed on… I’ve said it before.

Tony Moolenschot [right] with Place of Hope, Centre Manager, Jenni Arendorf.

Clean, Washed, Second Hand clothes and used electronic equipment…
We are still appealing for good, washed 2nd hand clothing for women and children for the safe houses. Equally importantly, we would welcome working 2nd hand electronic household equipment for the safe houses second stage housing. If you’re clearing out, please let me know and I’ll collect.

Zoe updates – please look at the blogspot for photographs and past issues of this newsletter.
You can find it at http://www.thezoeproject.blogspot.com/

Information Empowers!...
Our website will be up and running soon. You can find it on http://www.informationempowers.org.za/
Workshops are ongoing and we are moving from strength to strength.

Thank you all again for everything that you do.
With lots of love to you all




Norah Papanicolaou

Norah@xsinet.co.za

Kids2Kids 2009 - An initiative by Information Empowers!

Double click on the image to read full information.
Lots of love
Norah

4th September Update by Norah Papanicolaou

Hello Everybody

Spring has sprung and I always look out for those first little blossoms on the tree.
Freesias were always in our house when I grew up and in mid-August, this is the sign for me
that summer is near.

I hope you’re all well and enjoying a great Spring!

Thank you to the following contributors.
Arlene Johannson, Dr Lara Smith, Bronwyn Hopwood, Marlene Helfrecht, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Dave and Tara Dunn, Dimitra Kotsopoulos, Lorette Garnett, Nicki and Mia Stock, Nikki Andrew, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Ingrid Rix, Tracey and Sean Fraser, Michael P.,
Donna Cobban, Anna Johannson, Kirsten Hopwood, Annette Cowley-Nel, Johnathan Ackerman, Jo Ashwell and family, Antoinette Dennis, Melica McCrae, Andre and Becky Baldeo, Leigh-Anne and Brent Gerhard, Thea Athina Kotsopoulos and Thea Bessie Kotsopoulos.

Thank you for the beautifully knitted baby clothes – made with such care and love. Thank you for the specially picked snug blankets for the babies. Thank you for the toothpaste and tooth brushes, and soap and face cloths – I wish you could see what I see when these packs are given to the moms who don’t have. Their relief and gratitude is tangible.

Thank you for the food items which feed the moms who give birth overnight and also feed the kangaroo moms, who sometimes stay at the clinic for up to 2 weeks. They are not allowed to leave, because of fear of abandonment, and unless their families bring them food which doesn’t happen often, they only get the food from the Dry Goods Pantry. The state only supplies ONE dry Provita and a cup of soup per day per person.

Births at the clinic…
In August there were 202 babies born, and guess what? I have taken the book and worked through each birth and can happily tell you that there were 87 boys born and 115 girls. There have always been more girls born than boys on the days that I am there, so I think that this is really the norm at the moment. We just hope that these babies are given a better chance in life, irrespective of being male or female.

Difficulties experienced by staff at the clinic…
Aside from the volume of patients coming through the doors, and day-to-day labour [excuse the pun], some of the difficulties experienced by staff members are about patients. Women who are pregnant, know that they are pregnant and NOT once during their pregnancy seeing any medical personnel. They arrive when they are in labour. On Tuesday, a woman arrived in labour, she had not seen a doctor or nurse during her pregnancy and the baby was a breech baby. When she was examined, she was 7 ½ cm dilated and the umbilical cord was showing.
The sister in charge had to phone for an ambulance, but that was cancelled because she had to make the decision to save the baby. Happily a little baby boy was born FEET first, crying his heart out but he was well. This was another miracle.
Education about pregnancy is vital in some communities, yet even those who know to go to the doctor chose not to. And this puts their babies and their own lives at risk.

Earlier that morning, a baby was born prematurely at 26 weeks gestation. She weighed only 750grams and was sent with mom, to Groote Schuur Hospital for incubation. We trust that both of them will be okay.

It is difficult looking into the vacant eyes of a 15 year old who has just given birth. The average age of young moms in RSA is 14 years. This young girl didn’t know how to dress her new baby, and it saddens me to know that they have to leave the clinic and go back to where they came from, not knowing things they need to know to look after that baby. What saddens me more is that this 15 year old should be in school. She should have only her education and making her life better, in mind. The counselors with the Zoe Project assist where they can and give sound advice, but in the end the decision lies with the mom.

Cape Town’s Child Magazine…
The September issue of Cape Town’s Child magazine concentrates on Social Responsibility. Donna Cobban who is a feature writer for the magazine contacted me early in August and mentioned that they would be doing this article [see pages 39-42]. I am so happy that we were given the opportunity to mention Place of Hope in Crawford. Some of our clients also go to Sisters Incorporated and Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children - also mentioned in the article. Thank you for this, Donna and Lucille. Places like this need as much exposure by the media as possible and I know that people have already been in contact to help.

Second Hand clothing, Household equipment…
We are continuing to appeal for good quality, clean and washed second hand clothing for our safe houses and baby houses. Working household equipment is used to assist moms set up their own place once they are ready to leave the safe houses. Household linen and bedding is also welcome. Computers in working condition will be used by the offices and also for training centres – where the women in the safe houses can learn how to use a computer and use that skill to find work in an office as opposed to cleaning someone’s house. Please keep this in mind when you are clearing out or hear of someone who is clearing out. Contact me and I will collect from you.

Information Empowers!
Well, I mentioned Leaps and Bounds in the last newsletter, and we are moving forward fighting the war against child sexual abuse. A workshop which has been written for children, has been adapted and is being used to empower women. It is called MAXIMUM ME! And we are proud to say that it has proven to be quite successful in the areas where it has been used.

It is with great anger and heartfelt disgust that I heard this week that convicted paedophile, William John Creasy will be let out on bail on Friday, 10 September. He has spent only 6 years in jail for raping children, making pornography using little children and distribution thereof. The list of this man’s offences goes on. It is a well-known fact that paedophiles CANNOT be rehabilitated. The Sexual Offenders’ Register Bill has been passed by parliament, but access to this by normal citizens is limited. So if Mr Creasy decides to live in Caledon [as he has indicated] what is stopping him from changing his name, and moving in next to the local crèche or pre-school to continue with his paedophilic behaviour?

On a more POSITIVE NOTE, Information Empowers! has started an initiative called Kids2Kids. I have attached the brochure to this email. It is very exciting and we wish all of you to read the brochure and distribute it to all you know.
We hope that you will participate when your child comes home from school with this leaflet. We are also trying to get some corporate sponsors involved to help us with printing of the brochures and at the same time, when we get sponsors, we will include their company logos on the brochures.

I wish you all a happy Spring. Life is too short to waste. Take every opportunity and live NOW. Be happy with your children. Choose your battles with them wisely – they grow up too fast.

Thank you again for all you do and lots of love

4th August 2009 Update by Norah Papanicolaou

Hello Everybody

I hope you’ve all enjoyed a little break over the school holidays. Having the children at home for three weeks was not enough for me – I always think it is so unfair to send the children back to school when we’ve spent such beautiful time together.

A huge thank you to the following contributors:
Arlene J., Dr Lara S., Bronwyn H., Marlene H., Jane and Sebastian D., Tara and Dave D., Jo D., Lorette G., Nikki A., Sandy S.,Sharon W., Heather M., Sheena and Roly H., Meg and Luke C., Sean and Tracey F., Rene and Samuel G., Luc Michot C., Donna C., Michael P., Kirsten H., Annette C-N., Johnathan A., Jo A., Antoinette D., Melica M., Gary, Andre and Becky B., Leigh-Anne G., Brent G., Amy and Andre B., Albert B., Joan R., Val D., Ann R., Geoff H., Lynn M., Alison T., Linda M., Liz B., Ronnie and Vanessa W., Thabane K., Dorreen and Jackie from Ferndale Nurseries, Mica on Kendal Road and Tony M.

The past month has been a very busy one. The contributions for the Retreat Maternity Unit have been tremendous. The dry-goods pantry has been filled once again for the month by YOU GUYS. The fact that the food being supplied by government has been diminished to a dry provita and a cup of soup a day has not demoralised the nursing staff at the centre, because they know that the food we supply is enough for the mothers who go there to give birth and for those who stay as Kangaroo moms. The nursing staff feel that when they feed the patients who have had nothing to eat that they can supply a much better health care service once they’ve fed them. The care they feel for the patients who come to the centre is tangible.

It is always tremendous to hand out the baby and mom packs to those women who have nothing! I thank you for the care you’ve taken in selecting each item for these women and their precious little babies. Dignity is the last thing that can be taken away from anyone, and the joy and absolute gratitude that they have when they dress their little bundle in these items, is overwhelming.

I would also like to especially thank Mrs. Liz Brunette who is the chair of the Constantia Hills Residents Association. She contacted me on 16th July to enquire whether I knew of a place where the residents of Constantia Hills could go to spend 67 Minutes on Mandela Day. Well, she very quickly organized a group of people to assist in the day and to contribute things to make Place of Hope in Crawford, a better place.

The residents [named amongst the names above] came through and they cleaned the crèche, painted the kitchen cupboards and planted a vegetable garden – 2, in fact. A large number of bedding [duvets and covers] and other small household items, clothing for the 30 women and 34 children who live there were supplied and the residents of Place of Hope were very grateful for this.

It is not said lightly when I say that I do see little miracles happen every day!

Births at the Clinic
There were 211 births at the clinic in July 2009; each child precious and beautiful and with a purpose in life.

Information Empowers!
We are moving forward in leaps and bounds and the message against child sexual abuse is spreading. The workshops that have been developed are helping children become empowered and learn more. The workbook [C.I.A. Kids’ Workbook] is not only a book for children to learn about safety, but it is also being used as a tool for facilitators to assist the children using it.

Disclosure of child sexual abuse is not easy and the workshops are opportunities for children to disclose safely and with trained people.

August is women’s month and another workshop by Information Empowers! will be presented at a workshop for women. We are privileged that victim empowerment groups are learning more about our workshops and that news is spreading.


FCS - Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units

I received the following email from MP Debbie Schaffer and it is with great happiness that I share it with you that these specialized units are being reinstated throughout the country.
The Child Protection Units [CPU] were disbanded in 2006 and moved out to the local police stations. This caused them to become ineffective. The return of the FCS Units is something many South Africans have fought for and it is now happening.

Newly appointed National Commissioner of Police, Bheki Cele, stated on the Redi Direko Show on Monday that his strategy will be to empower these specialised units once again and ensure that they work closely with communities. We wait and pray that this is the strategy and that it will be enforced.


STATEMENT BY DEBBIE SCHAFER, MP
DA DEPUTY SHADOW MINISTER OF POLICE
Return of specialised FCS units is well overdue
Release, immediate: Wednesday, July 22, 2009

The Democratic Alliance (DA) applauds today’s announcement that Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units will be reintroduced. The DA has repeatedly, since 2006, advocated the reintroduction of FCS units, even while the ANC has set about centralising the entire Police Service, and disbanding specialised and semi-autonomous units. These specialised units are central to our safety and security policy framework, and their return is well overdue.


Spread the word and keep the message going…
Thank you to those who have already sent these updates on to colleagues and friends. This is how things happen! Incredible, caring people who want to make a change in the lives of ordinary South Africans can and have made a difference already – just by sending it on. You never know if a friend of a friend is in a position to do something to help.

I leave you with this quote which I absolutely love…
In answering the question: “What is my obligation to the world?” CG Jung said:
“We owe ethical behaviour so that we may live in a society which supports each person’s possibilities. And we owe the world the contribution of our best selves. It is in our uniqueness, our special talent or capacity or calling that we add to the richness of the world.”

Please contact me with feedback or suggestions.
Enjoy the month and stay warm.

Lots of love




Norah Papanicolaou
Founder
Information Empowers!
because every child matters
and
for The Zoe Project
norah@xsinet.co.za

7 July Update by Norah Papanicolaou

Hello Everybody

My humble apologies for only sending the update now. I’m running a couple of projects at the same time and sometimes it is difficult for me to get to everything at once.
It is July holidays and before we know it, it is Christmas. I hope you have all taken some time to spend with your family.

Thank you to the following contributors:
Arlene J., Dr Lara S., Bronwyn H., Marlene H., Jane and Sebastian D., Nikki A., Sandy S.,
Sharon W., Heather M., Sheena H., Michael P., Anna J., Kirsten H., Annette C-N., Johnathan A., Guy W., Constantia Pharmacy, Sue [New Beginnings Clinic], Julie and Greg B., Samuel G. and Luke C.

Your contributions this month have again proved to me that magical moments and miracles do happen. The amount of clothing and household items that
we have been able to give to the safe houses this month has been great. Funny how I had just enough toys for the children at Place of Hope – there are 32 little children
and we had 34 toys. Each of these children now has something of their own to cuddle and name. I have also appealed to everyone that if they know a plumber or a plumbing company who would assist with fixing the giant leak at Place of Hope in Crawford to give me a call, and I know that somewhere someone will assist us in helping them out.

The food that has gone to the Retreat Maternity Clinic is indeed a blessing. We had a meeting last month and we were told that from the beginning of July 2009
the moms will only be given 1 dry Provita and a cup of soup as the meal for the day by the clinic. They have been given a couple of packets of Oats-so-Easy and a box of Jungle Oats and this must last through the month. This boggles the mind as this is supposed to be sustenance for moms who have given birth as well as the Kangaroo moms who are breastfeeding their babies.

The freezer is in place but at the moment it only holds 40 x 250gram margarine tubs filled with soup. I know that we will get someone to make more soup to be frozen and given to the women.

I would like to thank Guy Wood and the Constantia Pharmacy especially this month, because they have donated some incontinence sheets. The clinic had run out and their delivery wasn’t scheduled until a couple of days later. The nursing staff was assisting moms giving birth and they had nothing to put under the babies when they were born. Guy and his team helped us in giving them a more hygienic entry into life. I think it is wonderful that local businesses are recognizing the need in poorer communities.

Information Day on 13th June 2009

Thank you to those of you who joined us. I know you have all learnt a bit more about the Zoe Project and everything we are involved in – more than I can ever write in an email.
To those who couldn’t make it, here is a little update.

The Zoe Project is growing arms and legs – as with all good things.

Bethany from BABY SAFE told us about the safe for babies. Let me explain. With the magnitude of babies being dumped in bins and toilets and open fields, an engineer in the States came up with the idea of creating a safe place for moms who don’t want their babies, to safely leave the babies. This is not something that is advertised as it is a sensitive issue and we don’t want people to think that this is now a ‘way out’. Baby safe was engineered to work in the following way:
It is located in Fish Hoek and when someone opens the door and places the baby inside the ‘safe’, a sensor goes off which is attached to an alarm system. The alarm system works like the one you have at home. It starts phoning telephone numbers. There are at least 3 people on call at a time and the first call it makes is to a private security company who is there within 3 minutes. So, the baby who has now been abandoned is not alone for longer than 3 minutes.

The other people who are contacted by the ‘sensor’ are emergency care and the counselors who place the baby in emergency foster care or hospital – should there be a need to do so.
This is the most incredible technology I’ve heard of in a long time. There are only 2 baby safes in South Africa. The one in Fish Hoek hasn’t been used yet, but it is there as an alternative option to just dumping your unwanted baby in a field.

Tracey spoke about the wonderful help we’ve received from members of King of Kings Baptist Church. They have undertaken to look after very young moms and their babies, and re-introduce them to the community after they have given birth and in some cases, gone through rehabilitation. It is not easy for us to understand about the difficulties experienced by someone who is in a state of despair. The ladies at the church take the young girls into their care, counsel them and help them find their place in the world again. They are doing a tremendous job and are filling a need where no one else is available to help.

Sister Lynda Smith, Manager of the Retreat MOU spoke about the wonderful support that her staff has received from the Zoe Project personnel - Just making their work so much easier. The gratitude of these women who work so hard and under such difficult situations is over whelming. They shine even under pressure and it is all because of working together with caring people. Without that, the Zoe Project would not be as successful as it is. I would like to add that each of you is helping in this. Please remember this on the days that you’re feeling down or not sure about yourself. You are an incredible support, anonymous though it is, to an incredible bunch of women.

A Radio Station from the United States has come to hear about the Zoe Project. They have contacted us and are interested promoting our cause in the States. The technicalities of this still need to be worked out and it will take a while before anything materializes. But it is great news as the Zoe Project and the work we do is gaining an international name.

I invited an honoured guest, DA ward counselor Denis Joseph joined us at the information day. He has rallied the DA Ladies Alliance to provide soup twice a month to the people who visit the Retreat Maternity clinic. With approximately 450 registrations per month and the additional average of 200 births per month, that is a lot of people to feed. Thank you Denis and Harriet for your sincere interest in the community and wanting to make a difference where you can. The first soup day was Friday, 3rd July and according to Sister Lynda, it went really well.

Our vision…
The ultimate vision and goal of The Zoe Project is to have a safe house and baby house of our own. There are a hand full of baby houses and safe houses in Cape Town. I visit them often and many of them are in a state of disrepair. They all need funding, they all need help. They are all providing an incredible service to humanity and improving the lives of so many people. Our goal is to provide this. And it will happen when the time is ready and everything is in place.

The Zoe Project as an example…
We endeavour to assist other clinics in other areas to do the same work we do at Retreat. This is huge – the main criteria for this working, is that people who are passionate about helping others need to work together. This is the main ingredient of our success so far.

Births at the clinic this month….
There were 214 births at the clinic during June 09. I have been privileged to witness births and I am telling you, it IS a portal for souls to enter this world. Watching a baby being born is a miracle that cannot be compared to anything. The endorphins that pulse through the body of the mother enable them to go through the pain of birth and immediately love that child. That baby crying for the first time is the most beautiful sound in the world.

Information Empowers!
Although Information Empowers! is separate from the Zoe Project, we link in because of the people we help. I am proud to say that Information Empowers has developed workshops about child sexual abuse for children and adults which are currently being used by 3 Victim Empowerment groups in the Western Cape. I have also just finished a workbook that ties in with the workshops and it has proved to be an additional tool in fighting child sexual abuse and helping victims and non-victims become empowered. There are a couple of workshops and workbooks in development at the moment and it is all very exciting knowing that we are helping those who are most vulnerable. Thank you so much to those people who have been supporting me with their encouragement and love.

I hope I haven’t left anything out. I know this has been a very long email filled with news, and I’d like to receive feedback. Anything positive you would like to share with the moms or the staff of the clinic, please email me and I will pass the message on to them.

I would like to leave you with this thought:
Individuals CAN make the difference – even if you think that your little bit is too little: it is helping someone with nothing. You ARE making a difference.

Thank you and lots of love and many blessings





Norah Papanicolaou
For the Zoe Project
Information Empowers!
Because every child matters.
norah@xsinet.co.za

UPDATE 01 JUNE 2009

Hello Everybody

Welcome to June 2009. I am inspired on a daily basis by the amount of people who want to help those in a less fortunate
position than themselves. I am inspired by small kindnesses that are shown daily and I am grateful for being part of a humanity
where people still care enough to want to do something to change the lives of others.

Thank you to the following contributors…
Arlene J, Dr Lara S, Bronwyn H, Marlene H., Alexandra F., Jane and Sebastian D., Lorette G.,
Sandy S., Sharon W., Heather M., Colleen W., Rene G., Donna C., Anne W., Anna J., Kirsten H.,
Annette C-N., Johnathan A., Fiona B., Michael P., Anonymous Friends at the New Beginnings Clinic AND Anonymous Friends at Monterey Pre-Primary School

Thank you for your contributions. No matter how small, they are well received and very much appreciated.


A Personal Acknowledgment to a Special Friend…

I would like to acknowledge a friend of mine, who has taken the initiative and started a sandwich tray for the HIV/AIDS patients at the False Bay hospital. She makes peanut butter and jam sandwiches DAILY and personally gives it to those patients who wait to receive their medication. She has also taken it upon herself to provide paper and crayons
to keep the children busy while they wait for their mothers at the hospital. Thank you Jane D. for what you are doing.

I know that you are a very humble person and I thought that some acknowledgement and voice of appreciation would be in order.

Births at the clinic during May 09…
There were 205 babies born during May – again no breakdown of boy-to-girl ratio, but yes, more boys than girls when I am there!
The age of the youngest mother is 16 years old, [and there was only one 16-year old last month] and the oldest mom, is 42.

Safe houses and baby houses…
I don’t know if any of you saw the article in the Cape Times a couple of weeks back. It was about Sisters’ Incorporated in Kenilworth.
This is one of the safe houses we use for our clients. Sisters’ is one of the better facilities in that, amongst other things, receive food on a regular basis from
corporate contributors. The article dealt with the fact that their contributors are pulling back and that they are struggling with expenses.

At the same time, thanks to the generosity of your contributions, they are able to assist families who have escaped from violent situations
to establish a new life for themselves. Continued donations of household equipment, linen, cutlery and crockery, as well as 2nd hand baby
and women’s clothes help the safe houses support these women and children.
Please keep these items and our safe houses and baby houses in mind when you do clean-ups of your cupboards.
[Sisters’ Incorporated is one of a couple of safe houses that we partner. We also make use of the baby houses available in Cape Town.]


Pass on the message…
Our message has been passed on to people in France! I am not saying more about this as yet, but I have been in contact with someone
who shows interest in the Zoe Project and will continue to fill you in should more come of it.
So, please continue to send on these emails to your friends and colleagues and family – you never know who may be able to help.

There is a lovely long weekend coming up in June. Remember, the kids are off school on Monday 15th June. Spend time together, enjoy your families and have fun.

Until next time, lots of love and warmth to you all





Norah Papanicolaou

Update 19th May 09 - This is why we help those who can't help themselves right now.

Hello Everybody

May month is here and it has been a bit of a bumpy ride trying to make up all the days of holiday during April.
Thank you so much to the following contributors…

Arlene J, Jane and Sebastian D, Lorette G, Sandy S, Sharon W, Heather M, Ingrid R, Dr Lara S,
Bronwyn H, Marlene H, Rene G, Donna C, Michael P, Tamlin and Benjamin B, Claudine G, Anna J, Kirsten H, Annette C-N, Johnathan A, Jo D, The Anonymous Parents At Monterey Pre-Primary, The Anonymous Friends at the New Beginnings Baby Clinic.

Thank you for the contributions – you have made the difference in the lives of people who don’t have much and who are going through really tough times… for example:

The 17 year old having her 2nd child by her own father – both kids removed and given up for adoption
The heroin addicted, 16 year old who lay with labour pains in a semi-comatose state
The mother who decides to give her 4th child up for adoption because she cannot afford another and her husband is on tik and she desperately
wants something better for her new baby
The 12 year old who was raped by the ‘uncle down the road’ – whose child is given up for adoption and for whom ongoing counseling is given
The fetal alcohol syndrome babies born to moms who are alcohol dependant, and who have nowhere else to go to give birth
The mom who cannot feed another child and knows that giving it up for adoption gives that child a chance in life
The countless beautiful babies born perfect and imperfect in the eyes of society – those whose lives are difficult in ways you and I cannot imagine…

I thank you on their behalf and would like to say to you all – well done!!! You are helping someone in some small way.
[I would like to add that the examples mentioned above are all getting professional help from people in the various medical and psychological fields.]

Births at the clinic …
There were 208 babies born at the Retreat Maternity Clinic in the month of April. I am still not able to give you a breakdown of
boy to girl ratio, but I have noticed that on the days I am there, there are usually more boys than girls in the ward.

Unwanted Household items…

Should you have any unwanted, working household electrical appliances, linen, curtains or good second hand clothing for women and children/babies – please let me know and I will collect them from you. These will all go to the many baby houses and safe houses that we use. One request though, please ensure that all clothing is washed and clean.

Pass on the message – spread the word…

Please continue passing on my emails to your friends and colleagues – it really helps. A lot of people who may not be able to contribute, know of others who can.
I am available to answer questions, via email or telephone. My contact details are at the bottom of each email.


Information Empowers!….
I am proud to say that I have launched the information empowers project at the Freedom Day march in Delft, on 27th April.
Thousands of people and NGO’s and NPO’s and organisations showed up to support the fight against child sexual abuse.
It was humbling walking with people from the community of Delft and hearing about the situation, particularly there.
There are many ordinary people in this specific community who do wonderful work – they just need more help.
Delft is one in many communities where this epidemic is real.

So far, I have written and developed 3 brochures which are available in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa. [3rd Brochure only in English and Afrikaans]. And there are still many in development, along with stories for children and workbooks.
Should you wish to get a copy of these brochures, please email me your snail mail address and I will post it to you.


And last, but not least, to all of you, a very Happy Mothers’ Day on Sunday.
Enjoy your children and enjoy your mothers.

Lots of love as always




Norah Papanicolaou

30 March 09 update - birth portal, information empowers explained, household items

30 MARCH 2009 UPDATE

Hello Everybody

Thank you to the following contributors:

Arlene J, Dr Lara S, Bronwyn H, Marlene H, Frenske O, Jane and Sebastian D, Jo D., Nikki A, Sandy s, Sharon W, Heather M, The Anonymous Friends at The New Beginnings Clinic, Peter N., Rene G., Donna C and Michael P., Jennifer N., Anne W and Karen K.

Even the smallest amount of things can make the biggest difference; and you have enabled us to help many people who are in dire straits this month.


Births this month…..

During my visit to the clinic this morning [Monday, 30th March] there were 3 babies were born. Another mom and newborn came in with an ambulance – she had given birth in the ambulance to a beautiful boy. And there were a couple of moms-to-be in serious labour. The tally of babies born this month so far, before the ambulance arrived, was at 179. Tomorrow is the last day of the month and I can therefore say that 179 births is not accurate.

While standing in the labour room, with all this activity going on around me – the sisters and nursing staff explaining to the one mom that she’s not entirely dilated and, no, the baby can’t come out yet; the ambulance arriving with the baby and mom; the new arrivals [women who had gone into labour at home, or early]… the thought came to mind that this labour ward was like a portal: precious lives entering the world to embark on who knows what kind of future?

One can just take a deep breath and say thank you to the higher powers which guide us and lead us for our lives. We are privileged to be able to help other people.



Information empowers project…

I need to clarify that the information empowers project runs separately from the Zoe Project – even though the people we want to reach are the same [poorer communities in the Cape Flats] and the people we work with are essentially the same [safe houses, baby houses and eventually, schools and so forth].

The Zoe Project currently is only concentrating on the Retreat Maternity Clinic and the clients who come through there. We are in contact with the safe houses and the baby houses because of the people who come to the Retreat Clinic for assistance. Tracey is also doing work with schools where the educators have found the need for pregnancy and pregnancy prevention education. This has been an ongoing thing.

We are also in touch with an organisation called ‘Turning Point’ – they work with women who are in prison and who have decided to keep their children with them. [These kids stay with their moms in prison until the age of 5.]

Information Empowers project started off 5 years ago as a research project for myself. I have been working on and off with it, but in the past year or so, have given it a more concentrated effort.

It is basically what the name says: the intention is to inform people so that they may be empowered to live a better life through knowledge – and it is about helping the children mostly. It is about prevention and awareness of child sexual abuse, teaching children and parents what danger signs to look for and what situations to avoid, what to do and where to go for help in any abusive situation and to teach children how to be safe.

Basic ‘good parenting’ education is added in the mix. It is an ongoing project and it is very exciting to know that one’s passion can be so rewarding.

It is funny how things can grow arms and legs… one starts off with a small project, and before you know it, it has subdivided and is no longer an amoeba; but rather an octopus driving a mini-van with 10 kids in the back.

I will keep you updated as to the progress of the information empowers project.

Unwanted Household items…

Should you have any unwanted, working household electrical appliances, linen, curtains, or good second hand clothes for women and children/babies – please let me know and I will collect them from your house and deliver to the safe house or baby house where they can use it. I would just like to ask that you ensure that all clothing is washed.

Thank you to everybody who have contributed so far. The people at Saartjie Baartman Centre and Place of Hope and Sisters’ Incorporated have been overwhelmed with the kind response I’ve had to my request.

Pass on the message…

Please continue to pass this information and my contact details on to your friends, colleagues and associates. The more people who know, the more people can help! Big things start small and you are doing something valuable and important by helping.

Please phone or email me should you need any information on either the Zoe Project or the information empowers project. I am always available to help.

Lots of love


Norah
The Zoe Project
And
Information empowers
norah@xsinet.co.za

03 March 09 update - Dullah course offered

THE ZOE PROJECT UPDATE AND FEEDBACK – 3 MARCH 2009

Hi Everybody

A Huge Thank you to all who have contributed to this month’s collection drive. We have managed so much from your contributions; and every effort is appreciated.
Thank you to the following people:

Arlene J, Bronwyn H., Jane and Sebastian D., Jo D., Lisa S., Lisa S’s anonymous friends, Nikki A., Sandy S., Sheena H., Sharon W., Heather M., Colleen W., Michael P., Janine P.,
Anonymous friends at the New Beginnings Clinic
Anonymous parents at Monterey Pre-Primary School

Well done and thank you again!

Births this month…

167 babies were born at the Retreat Maternity Clinic during the month of February 2009.


Pantry and mom and baby packs…

In last month’s collection drive, I asked that you concentrate on the dry goods pantry more than the moms and baby packs. We’ve found that the food is stretched only the way it can be stretched by people who know how to do it. They would buy an onion and maybe a green pepper to fill up the pot, and then use the tinned food and rice or pasta to make sufficient food for the amount of people that night. Thank you very much to everybody who has helped us fill up the pantry and ensure that the moms who stay overnight and the Kangaroo moms now have enough food for the month of March.
Next month, we can go back to the normal list of goods required for both the Pantry; and the Moms and Baby packs.


Household items… linen… working electrical appliances…

What a wonderful contribution of household items! We’ve received a number of good-condition electrical appliances and linen and towels which will be distributed amongst our safe houses. Thank you so much – these items are given to the women who leave the safe houses after a period of time, and when they are able to support themselves and their children; and can move into an apartment or home of their own.

I have also had a tremendous response to the 2nd hand, clean baby clothes. These items [plus a couple of wonderful toys thrown in] will be distributed amongst the baby houses.
And just when we thought we had run out of baby grows, I received a BOX full of them for the baby houses. Miracles happen!


Dullah course offered….

One of the ways in which anyone can help at the Retreat Clinic is to become a Dullah, or birthing assistant. One must have time to sit with the moms while they are in labour and one cannot “run off” until the baby is born. We are in contact with a Certified Midwife who is running a Professional Accredited Dullah course between June and December this year. It will be one full Saturday per month for the 6 month period [lunch is included] and is sponsored by Johnson and Johnson. The course used to be run from Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic, however we do not know at this time where the venue will be. The cost of the course is approximately R2000.00, and for those of you who are interested, please contact me and let me know if you’d like to participate.


Information empowers update…

Fantastic news on the brochure! You all know that I have been working on this for a while and now Childline has now finally agreed to undersign it.

My main worry was the design of the brochure and printing thereof. Tracey and Sean Fraser have very kindly and very generously offered to do the design of the brochure for me!!!! You guys have absolutely NO idea how grateful I am for this wonderful gift! Thank you!

There is currently a distribution plan, but I do not want to rush ahead of myself. One thing at a time… I operate on faith and I know that from somewhere a solution for the printing of the brochure will happen.

Childline has also agreed to comment on any other child safety related documents that I produce.

Thank you to everybody who has supported and encouraged me in this very important endeavour.


Please pass on the message…

Word of mouth and the brochures which have been left at various points have helped spread the word about the Zoe Project. By passing on our introductory email to your friends [if you haven’t already] you may find one person who is able to help in some remote way. Please continue passing on the message and thank you for doing this.
Should you need brochures to hand out, let me know and I will get them to you.

Should you or any of your friends have any questions regarding either the Zoe Project or the information empowers project, please email or phone me. I am always available.

Take care of yourselves and lots of love

Feb 09 Update: Safe houses and baby houses, counseling, information empowers

4 FEBRUARY 2009 UPDATE – THE ZOE PROJECT AND INFORMATION EMPOWERS.

Hello everyone

A great ‘thank you’ to all who have contributed in our collection drive last week. A couple of people have asked me if there was anything more that they could do. I do understand that it sometimes feels like you are just giving, and that you’d like to do more. Believe me, the “behind the scenes” work that you do and contribute to is phenomenal and it does make a difference!

I would like to thank the following people who have contributed this month:
Arlene J, Dr Lara S, Marlene H, Bronwyn H, Jane and Sebastian D, Lisa S., Lorette G, Nicki S., Sandy S., Colleen W, Jason C, Dr Sandy C, Heather M, Sharon W.

Births this month…

There were 187 births at the Clinic during January 2009 – quite a low number this month as the average being around 200.


Good news…

We have been able to start up the computer training centre at Sisters’ Incorporated, Kenilworth thanks to the donation of 2 printers [thank you Jane and Sebastian], and a full-house computer [thank you Jason and Sandy]. This will enable the women who live there, who have no computer skills, to learn how to use a computer with all the programs properly. This would help them to learn a new skill, go out and find work in an office, instead of working as domestic workers. They now have a better chance of maintaining themselves and their children when starting their new lives away from the safehouse.

One of the printers was given to the Retreat Maternity Clinic to be used in the labour ward.
Should there be anyone out there with a computer that they cannot use, please contact me – it will be put to good use.


Counseling…

A number of the young moms who give birth at the clinic are drug and/or alcohol dependant. This is a huge problem which goes along with poverty, gangs, the sense of hopelessness and everything else that goes together with substance abuse. And it has a negative effect on the children that they bare, and creates further social and economic problems in an already vicious circle.

The counselors at the clinic are not entirely equipped to deal with specifically, drug counseling. We endeavour to undergo training for 10 people in the next couple of weeks to help assist these people in need. A rehabilitation centre in Goodwood has agreed to help us with this. And it is great news, because we will be able to help more people overcome their addiction and face life in the real world.


Information Empowers Project…because every child counts!

I have been working during the last 4 to 5 years on a project which is something about which I feel very passionate, and it will still take some time to totally “get there”. The number of children being abducted, raped and murdered in our country has become page 7 news in our daily newspapers. People need information and phase 1 of the information empowers project is developing a brochure or leaflet in conjunction with Childline, Western Cape.

The brochure is titled: “What to do when you know or suspect that your child has been sexually abused or assaulted”. The brochure will cover this information, as well as give signs and symptoms of abuse. It is currently with Childline for edit and approval.

Phase 2 of this project is informing children and parents about dangerous situations and identifying potentially dangerous behaviour in people who may harm your child.

I know you’ve all just gone cold. Rape/sexual assault and abuse is the worst thing that could happen to anybody. I felt the need to do the research on this because, in a more privileged community, people are equipped to deal with the practicalities of such an atrocious event. But in the Cape Flats and the shanty towns of the Western Cape [and I’m sure the remote parts of rest of the country], people are not always sure of what they can do, how to do it, or whom to approach first.

I have mentioned that I am in need of a Xhosa translator as the brochure will go out in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa – please keep me in mind if you know of anybody who would be able to do the translation for me at no cost.

The aim is to distribute the brochure and then, subsequent material on child safety and educating parents and children on how to be safe, to the following areas in Cape Town: Bishop Lavis, Steenberg, Hanover Park, Bonteheuwel, Manenberg, Elsies River, Langa, Nyanga, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Crossroads, Delft, Phillipi, Blue Downs, Macassar, Kuils River. The idea is to distribute from day hospitals, clinics, community centres, pre-schools, schools, crèches, churches and police stations.

There are more phases to this project and I will update you on developments as they happen. I believe that it will make a difference and who knows where this will end up. I believe that there are people in the country who have become blasé about the issue and it needs to be put into the forefront of people’s minds. And specifically because they may tell themselves that it won’t happen to them, we need to face this epidemic head-on!


Pass on the message…

If you haven’t done so yet, please pass this information and my contact details on to your friends, colleagues and associates. The more people who know, the more people can help!

Please phone or email me should you need any information on either the Zoe Project or the information empowers project. I am always available to help.

Keep up the good work, thank you and lots of love



Norah
norah@xsinet.co.za

Jan 09 Update: contributors, christmas births, household items

ZOE PROJECT UPDATE – 2 JANUARY 2009

A Very Happy New Year to all of you. May 2009 be a year of health, happiness, progress and many blessings to you and your family.

A Huge ‘thank you’ to all who have contributed for our December collection drive. In amongst the contributions, we received enough 2nd hand baby and maternity clothes to give to Sisters’ Incorporated in Kenilworth. They are one of the safe houses we use, assisting in establishing women and children removed from abusive situations after approximately 6 months at the home. The 2nd hand clothes and household items are used to allow these women and their children to start a new life away from violence. They also assist young girls who have opted to give their babies up for adoption.

Thank you to the following people who have contributed:
Jane and Sebastian
Dr Lara
Bronwyn
Marlene
Dimitra
Jo D.
Marijke and baby Annike
Heather and baby Matthew
Gill and baby Nina
Meg and baby Luke
Angela and baby Sophia
Lorette
Nikki
Sheena
Ingrid
Lisa
Heather M
Sharon
Michael
The Anonymous People from The New Beginnings Clinic in Bergvliet

It is very difficult for me to put into words the positive effect that your generosity and that of those who have given in the past, has on the people I meet at the clinic. In most instances, the new baby clothes are the only new baby clothes they will ever give their children.

The food from the pantry also feed the Kangaroo moms. They are there sometimes for 10 days waiting for their premature and underweight babies to gain the 2.2kg weight mark before they can go home. They do not leave due to the fact that they have to hold their babies with them at all times – carry them like Kangaroos. This is the only way that the babies thrive and grow. They are assured one solid meal a day thanks to the pantry.


Christmas Day …

I went through to the clinic at 9.00 am on Christmas day and found 5 babies born that morning; one mom was in agonising labour at the time of my arrival. Two moms arrived later on and gave birth in the late afternoon.

Thanks to Marijke, Heather, Gill, Angela and Meg for providing fantastic Mom and baby packs which they put together instead of buying one another gifts for Christmas. These were handed to the moms who were at the clinic on Christmas morning. In addition to the 6 early births, 2 other children were born and they too were given special Christmas mom and baby gift packs.

Born on Christmas day were:
A boy – 1940 grams to Thandai
A girl – 2660 grams to Yolanda
Stonique [girl] – 2880 grams to Stania
A boy – 1940 grams – to Catherine
A girl – 3260 grams – to Shirleen
Luke [boy] – 2960 grams – to Angeline
A Boy - 2500 grams – to Tracey
A Boy – 2500 grams – to Colleen

The youngest mom was 15 and the oldest one, 21 years old.

A Record month of births at the clinic…

The average amount of babies born at the clinic is 200 per month. There were 229 births in December 2008.
I am unable to tell you the amount of boy-to-girl ratio.


Unwanted Household items…

I have mentioned Sisters’ Incorporated earlier. They are one of the safe houses [there are 8] and baby houses that we utilise for our clients. Should you have any unwanted, working household electrical appliances, linen, curtains, or good second hand clothes for women and children/babies – please let me know and I will collect them from your house and deliver to the safe house or baby house where they can use it. I would just like to ask that you ensure that all clothing is washed.


Pass on the message… spread the word…

The more people we get involved with The Zoe Project, the more people we are able to help. Please pass on our message to as many of your friends and colleagues as possible.

Should you require brochures to hand out, please contact me and I will print them for you and deliver them to you.

All the updates and news is also available on our blogspot: http://www.thezoeproject.blogspot.com/


Contact me…

Information Empowers! People need to form a visual picture of what the Zoe Project is about. Unfortunately, we are prohibited in terms of taking photographs of the clinic. I am available at any time to answer any questions about our project should you wish to phone or email me. Please also give out these details to your contacts.


I will contact you again within the last 10 days of January to let you know about collection week.

Again, I would like to say how much your contribution and efforts are appreciated.

Take care and lots of love

Norah
norah@xsinet.co.za