Update October 2010

Hello everybody
   There is always light at the end of every dark tunnel, we just sometimes need to find it!
This year is almost over. We are in the first week of November and my children and family are already talking about the Christmas holidays! I must remind myself every day to pace myself, otherwise the hours will run away from me.
   I hope the proximity of the end of the year is a relaxed one for you.

Thank you to the following contributors:
   Arlene Johannson, Dr Lara Smith, Bronwyn Hopwood, Marlene Helfrecht, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Tara and Dave Dunn, Kaye Longman, Sandy Schuurmans, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Michael P., Donna Cobban, Luc Michot, Anna Johannson, Yolanda and Allan Parry, Collyeen Sinclair and Dr Ian Sinclair, Bessie and Athina Kotsiopolous, Elaine Aquadro, Willem and Denise van Bergen, Annette Milner, Elizabeth, Lara and Ross, Salome Coetzee, Lesley Edkins, Fran, Dai Davies, Vyv Deacon, Anonymous friends from New Beginnings clinic in Bergvliet, Anonymous friends from Monterey Pre-Primary School and Rotary International.

Babies born in October 2010:
   There were 88 girls and 79 boys born during October. Two sets of twins among them. As explained in a previous email, twins are not usually born at the clinic, but well done to the staff and Dullahs who assisted. You are doing fantastic work! Seventeen girls under the age of 17 gave birth during October 2010. We are hoping for a decrease in figures here.

   I would like to add that it is humbling for everyone involved in volunteering at Retreat MOU. The instances where children are given up for adoption especially, is emotional for all involved.

   Our volunteers are sometimes caught off guard because a young girl may come in, claiming not to know that she was pregnant due to the denial of being raped. The baby is given up for adoption through legal channels and is immediately removed by a social worker and taken to a foster parent. But the young girl who has just given birth – her life will be changed forever. Not only because of the adoption, or the rape, but also because of the encounter with a volunteer from the Zoe Project.

   It changes the perspective and the hopeless view this girl may have had to one where life seems hopeful. And at the same time, the life and experience of the volunteer is changed too. I cannot stress how much the time and love you exert is appreciated.

   Counseling for these young women is ongoing. We are constantly reminded of how precious life is and to appreciate everything that comes our way.

Mom and Baby packs:
   Thank you again for the beautiful products received for the mom and baby packs. We are still in desperate need of size medium, new panties for the moms.

Regarding second hand clothing:
   I am not in a position right now to receive any more 2nd hand clothing, but will be again next year. Please either keep the clothing or take it to your nearest safe house or baby home. If you need contact details, please call or email me.

Medical Equipment received in September:
   Thank you so much to Dr Ian Sinclair who put us in contact with Rotary International. They have provided much needed medical equipment for the Retreat maternity unit: over 5000 lancets [to prick the baby’s heels], follie’s catheters, surgical gloves and automatic blood pressure cuffs were among the items received. It is worth gold and has made such a huge difference to the staff and patients. Dai Davies and Vyv Deacon were present at the hand-over to Tracey Aitken and Yolanda Parry and sister Lynda Smith.

Vyv Deacon, Tracey Aitken, Yolanda Parry, sister Lynda Smith and Dai Davies.

{photo by Allan Parry}

   We have also received endoscopes which Yolanda has taken to Victoria Hospital where it will be put to good use.

SAPS and Victim Empowerment Groups and Trauma Rooms
   The subject discussed below is very difficult for people to even consider, but I would like to put out an appeal to each of you to consider preparing a KIT for one rape victim, and deliver it to your closest SAPS office.

The first call for any rape victim is often a police station.
   The reason I’m appealing for this is that the SAPS Trauma rooms that I have spoken to are in desperate need of these rape kits. If you live in an area where the trauma rooms have enough prepared rape kits,
the counselors in conjunction with Community Policing Forum members pass it on to those areas where there is a shortfall of kits or a high rape incident rate.

A kit for rape victims consists of the following:
For an adult:
Panties, sanitary pads, deodorant [spray or roll-on], soap, face cloth, disinfectant hand wash, toothbrush and toothpaste, a t-shirt, a hand-towel.

For children:
Broken down into the following age-groups
0-2 year olds: nappies, a soft toy, a blanket, a baby bottle and/or a dummy, a clean set of clothing.
3-8 year olds: underpants or panties, a clean set of clothing [unisex], soap, facecloth, mouthwash, size small pads or panty liners, a blanket and a cuddly toy, a sweetie or chocolate and a juice.
8-12 year olds: the same as for 3-8 year olds, but larger clothing, a note book and pen, colouring book and pencils.

These rape victim kits assist the police and trauma counselors in giving the rape victim, adult or child, a less traumatic experience when reporting the rape.

   If we can change the course of one person’s life to something positive, we have achieved a lot.

I hope you will all stay well and enjoy the summer that is slowly sneaking in.
Thank you again for all that you do.

With love as always

Norah Papanicolaou

Update September 2010

Hello Everybody
It has been a really busy and difficult month for us but I’m happy to say that the worst is over, we are all well again and that hopefully soon, we can all get back on track and do what we need to do.


Thank you for all your well wishes and love and help.

Thank you to the following contributors:
Arlene Johansson, Dr Lara Smith, Bronwyn Hopwood, Marlene Helfrecht, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Tara and Dave Dunn, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Rene Grimmbacher, Liam and Sam Grimmbacher, Michael P., Donna Cobban, Luc Michot, Anna Johansson, Yolanda and Alan Parry, The DA Ladies Committee, Bessie and Athina Kotsiopolous, Jessica Midlane and baby Lucy, Helen Schick and baby Maia, Claire Surman and Baby Ellie, Catherine Orr and baby Benjamin, Cahterine Johnson and Baby Charlie, Jill Barker and baby Oscar, Kara Williams and baby Noah, Melissa Talbot and baby Evie, Rachel McCurrie and baby Hamish, Catherine Swindles and baby Neave, Elaine Aquadro, Willem and Denise van Bergen, Annette Milner, Tara Girdlestone, Our friends at the New Beginnings Clinic, and our friends from Monterey Pre-Primary School. If I have left any names out, please forgive me. There are just so many caring people out there who have contributed generously with products as well as time and expertise – thank you to each of you and know that you have made a difference in someone’s life.

Babies Born during September:
There were 206 babies born at the clinic in September; 94 boys and 112 girls.

I found it very surprising at the amount of new moms aged 40 +… there were at least 15 of them and I had to giggle to myself and ask if there was a power failure 9 months ago.

But jokes aside, there is still a large number of young girls giving birth and when asked, they all say that it is a planned pregnancy. The clinic saw twin boys born at the end of September – this is unusual as the twins are seen as a complicated birth and are normally sent to Groote Schuur hospital.

The largest baby weighed 4,554 grams.

 Mom and Baby packs:
We continue to receive the most beautiful NEW items for the mom and baby packs – thank you very much for this as we only give NEW items for these. We still have a shortfall of panties for all the moms who go to the clinic.

Dry Goods’ Pantry:
Yolanda Parry still continues to add to the pantry in terms of frozen soup – this is on top of the contribution of 20 frozen soups per month from another person. Fresh bread, jam and peanut butter is given weekly and this just adds to our existing pantry of noodles, packet soups, baked beans, tinned tomatoes, rice and pasta.

The government still only supplies one dry Provita and a cup of soup daily for each patient.

2nd hand baby clothes from UK:
Jessica Midlane and friends [noted above] collected clothing for safe houses and baby homes. We managed to get Rob Aquadro who works for Richard Branson’s Virgin Group of companies to transport free of charge, the goods via ship to Cape Town. We were awed by the response from everyone involved who helped to do this.
Reality set in and the goods could not be cleared through customs due to red tape. 2nd hand clothing is an item that cannot be imported as a donation. VAT and clearances needed to be paid – which were going to be waved, but unfortunately due to the fact that there were 15 nappies and 4 pairs of baby shoes in the consignment, another additional two permits were needed.
These could only be given once an 8 page document were completed in triplicate and sent to Pretoria; and in addition to this, a document from a registered NGO needed to be completed stating that we are not going to re-sell these items.

While all this was happening, the consignment was stored and the storage fee amounted to more than the value of the clothing – a couple of thousand rands.

 Due to this and the fact stated above, the goods have been moved to the State warehouse where one of the following things can happen:
It will be auctioned off. If not sold it may either be destroyed or the government can donate the goods to less fortunate.

We are investigating attending the auction in October some time.
This has been a harrowing experience for me as well as a huge learning curve for all involved.

Place of Hope
Numerous people have been paying a lot of attention to Place of Hope – one of the safe houses to where we send some of our moms and babies.
Thank you so much especially Suzelle and your group – the room make overs are valued more than you can imagine and the Pamper day is still spoken about.

Staff at the clinic
These are dedicated and hard-working women who are often affected by the patients they see daily. One cannot do this work without having amazing amounts of compassion for others.

Last month during a gang-shooting at the day hospital next door, they just continued working with this going on and police running around – that is dedication!

Dullah course
I have had a number of enquiries for this even as far away as Rustenberg. Please send me more emails and I will give you the details of the courses run for our Dullahs.

Soccer Day
Annually we have a soccer day in order to raise funds for a special day for the staff at the clinic. This usually happens in November and teams may enter at R20 per person.

It has proven to be a day of great fun and the funds are then taken and we have a team building day for all the staff who really value the fact that we do something special for them.

If you want to enter a soccer team and join us for this, please email me and I will send the details.

DA Ladies group
Councillor Denis Joseph and the DA Ladies’ Committee have visited both the MOU and Day hospital in the past month, distributing sandwiches and soup.

Thank you Denis and Harriet for what you do for the Retreat community.

Donations of 2nd hand clothing for women, men and children:
 At present I am still busy organising our house. As you know, we have moved recently and I still have to unpack and sort personal things, so I am going to ask that you hold on to the clothing that you’d like to donate for safe houses and children’s homes until such time that I say that I am collecting again.

Should you wish to, however, I can give a list of places to where you may take these items yourself.

Thank you again and I hope you’re all well and healthy.
Enjoy the spring blossoms and the occasional rain – summer will be here soon!
Lots of love always
Norah

Update August 2010

Hello Everybody

I trust you’re all well. It is almost school holidays again, and before we know it, Christmas!

Thank you to the following contributors:
Arlene Johansson, Dr Lara Smith, Marlene Helfrecht, Bronwyn Hopwood, Elize Johnson, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Tara and Dave Dunn, Sandy Schuurmans, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Ingrid Rix, Rene Grimmbacher, Michael P., Anna Johansson, Annette Cowley-Nel, Yolanda Parry, Denis and Harriet Joseph, The DA Ladies’ Committee, Bessie and Athina Kotsiopolous, Jessica Midlane, Rob Aquadro, Anonymous friends at the New Beginnings Clinic, Anonymous friends at Monterey Pre-Primary School, Willem and Denise van Bergen.

Babies Born during August:
There were 164 babies born during August – 76 girls and 88 boys. Quite a low number and unusual.

Mom and baby packs:
We continue to receive the most beautiful new clothing and blankets for the baby packs. I stress the word new because every little item has been bought with care or made with love. This is probably the only new clothing most of these newborns receive. Thank you so much.

Dry goods pantry:
The pantry is going strong. Thank you to the DA Ladies Committee who paid a special visit to the clinic as well as the day hospital on Friday last week. Your presence was much appreciated.
Thank you also to each of you who have been making soup for us – it is the quickest and most nutritional meal we have to offer at present.

Donation of 2nd hand clothing from Jessica Midlane and friends:
Currently these items are in Cape Town but stuck in the Customs office. Unfortunately, due to the customs and excise act, they cannot release the items unless A LOT of paperwork is sent to and fro… it is a bit of a nightmare, but we will get the stuff out. Once we do, I will take photos and post them on the blog.
Thank you Jessica and friends [I have the list of names of the moms and the babies who have contributed and will note them in a later update]; thank you Rob Aquadro [who is able to perform small miracles].

Donation of much needed medical equipment:
At Present, these items are on the way to us. Once I get a list of items received, along with the names of the donors, I will let you all know. It is so much needed and welcomed. A very special thank you to Yolanda Parry who has arranged all of this.

Thank you for all the notes of encouragement and support we receive. I am receiving emails and phone calls from people who heard from a friend and so on, about our project. Please continue to forward our newsletters and updates to your friends and family.

My family and I will be moving on Wednesday, 8th September…. Finally! I am still surrounded by boxes – just more, this time.


Have a fantastic month and lots of love
Norah

Update July 2010

Hello Everybody


Just when I thought we could pack away warm clothes because of the lovely warm days we’ve had, the weather turns and it is cold again. I forget that July and August are the months of freezing wind – let’s just hope that September will come quickly and then we can celebrate Spring and start enjoying picnics and summery days again.


Thank you to the following contributors
Arlene Johansson, Dr Lara Smith, Bronwyn Hopwood, Marlene Helfrecht, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Tara and Dave Dunn, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Sheena Hutchings, Ingrid Rix, Suzelle Moolman and friends, Michael P., Donna Cobban, Luc Michot, Anna Johansson, Ruby Passet-Gradwell, Yolanda and Alan Parry, Bessie and Athina Kotsiopolous, Liz Brunette, Elaine Aquadro, Annette Milner, Taryn Hopwood, Cindy Robertson, Joeline Stupel, Mikki Dimopoulos, Tim and Judith Brebner, Willem and Denise van Bergen, Rob Aquadro, our friends in Manchester, UK: Jessica Midlane, Helen S., Claire S., Catherine O., Catherine J., Jill B and friends, Kara W., Melissa T., Nicola C., Rachel Mc., Sir Richard Branson, Anonymous friends at New Beginnings Clinic, anonymous parents from Monterey Pre-Primary School.

About 3 months ago I jokingly asked that if anyone knew Sir Richard Branson, to please ask him to assist us in bringing clothing for safe and baby houses from the UK. Jessica Midlane and her friends from Manchester had collected for us but we had no way of bringing it over as we do not have the funds for shipping.


Elaine Aquadro is a neighbour and her son Rob works for a company owned by Richard Branson, and miraculously, we were put together and he is sponsoring the shipment for us. These items left the UK via boat on the 20 August and should be in Cape Town in about 3 weeks’ time.
I am over the moon and yet again, dumbfounded at just how the world turns and how things come together and work out. Thank you so much Rob for assisting us with this problem and for all the trouble you’ve gone to on our behalf. You are indeed a hero!

Babies Born:
There were 182 babies born at the clinic in July – 109 were boys and 73 girls; all perfect and beautiful.

Mom and Baby Packs
Thank you for the beautiful clothes for the babies as well as the items for the mom packs. They are indeed very much appreciated. We have been privileged in receiving a small quantity of panties for moms that we’ve given to the sisters in charge – these will be given to the moms who desperately need them.
We are still appealing for more medium sized panties [either washable or disposable] as we never have enough for the moms.

Dry goods pantry
The support for the dry goods pantry has been great again – I laugh sometimes, because our freezer [Thank you Sheena] is filled with soups [thank you Yolanda and friends] and not just the 40 we normally receive.

Medical Equipment
About 2 years ago I had discussions with UNICEF about sponsoring medical equipment for the clinic, but due to reasons beyond my control, this fell through. Yolanda Parry has been in contact with a group who has indicated that they’ll be supplying Retreat Maternity with some of the much needed medical equipment. I’ll fill you in on more about this next month as I do not have the details yet.

Breastfeeding Clinic
The need for information on breastfeeding for moms at the clinic has been noted and with the initiative taken by Antoinette, one of the sisters at the clinic, she has started a breastfeeding clinic. The first formal breastfeeding clinic was on Friday, 6th August, and from what I hear, the response was very positive.

The passion with which Antoinette approaches this, is admirable; and it does take determination for a mom who is struggling to breastfeed, to continue. Antoinette is helping moms give their babies the best first defense in life.

City of Cape Town
The CoCT has, in recognition of Women’s Day, arranged for women over the age of 30 to have free cervical/pap-smears.

One of the venues where this will be held is the Day Hospital next to the Retreat Maternity Clinic. This has been advertised far and wide in Cape Town but the response at the Retreat Maternity Clinic has been an excited hub of telling everyone to come. Cervical smears are so important and many women forget to have this done. Cervical cancer is a silent killer and all it takes is one pap smear every year to ensure your health.

67 Days on Mandela Day – 18 July
A Huge thank you to all of you who participated in making the lives of those who are less fortunate better by offering 67 minutes [and more in most cases] of your time on this day. Thank you especially to Tracey and Sean Fraser and friends for organising food for 300 homeless people on this day. You guys are selfless beyond words and are an example to all of us.

Women’s Day – 9 August
Lilian Ngoyi, Bertha Mashaba and Helen Joseph were 3 of 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in protest of the Pass Laws on 9 August 1956.

Today, we pay tribute to women who changed the course of South African history by celebrating Women’s Day; but also to recognise that women are silently capable of changing the world.
Suzelle Moolman is a friend of mine and has been working with a group of her friends at Place of Hope in Crawford, a place of safety for abused women and children. Suzelle is organising a pamper day in honour of Women’s Day for Saturday 14th August. The women and teenaged girls who live there will have a short aerobics class, will have their hair washed and styled, listen to a talk by a psychologist, and be given small pamper bags.

If anyone is interested in helping out on the day, it will be from 9am to 2pm, on Saturday 14th August – please contact me.

On a personal note
I will be without email from the 23 August up until about the 3 September. You will only be able to contact me on my mobile phone.

I will be doing a collection week during 23 August to 27 August, so please call me to arrange collection or drop off if you can.

Also, I will only be collecting items for the mom and baby packs as well as food items for the dry goods pantry .Please keep the second hand clothing until next month’s collection week.

Have fun this week, and surround yourselves with positive things … Life is good!

Lots of love

Norah Papanicolaou

Update June 2010

Hello Everybody


June has been a very exciting month with the World Cup which my family and I have been following with much enthusiasm. Needless to say, we have now started supporting the underdogs due to the fact that our original teams didn’t make the finals.But that is just the way of life and we wish the remaining teams well!
  
   If you haven’t yet done so, the fanwalk is an experience to have – even if you’re not into soccer or haven’t got tickets for the game, I encourage you to walk the 2,5km to the stadium and back and just experience the GEES!

Thank you to the following contributors:
   Arlene Johansson, Dr Lara Smith, Bronwyn Hopwood, Marlene Helfrecht, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Tara and Dave Dunn, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Sheena Hutchings, Ingrid Rix, Michael P., Donna Cobban, Luc Michot, Anna Johansson, Ruby Passet-Gradwell, Yolanda Parry, Roz Hoek, Nikki Haywood, Lou van Selm, Theas Bessie and Athina Kotsopolous, Jenny Morkel, Elaine Aquadro, Willem and Denise van Bergen, Lesley Edkins, Fran, Ros Leigh, Pam Cable, Annette Milner, Michelle Schneider and all the women At Curves in Westlake Business Park, Liz Brunette, Jenni Arendorf from Place of Hope, Anonymous friends from Monterey Pre-School, And anonymous friends from the New Beginnings Clinic in Meadowridge.

   As you know, the second hand clothing and household items we receive go to places of safety and/or children’s homes. There was a devastating fire in Hout Bay on 14th June and we were able to assist in donating, through word of mouth and with the kind donation from the clients and management, Michelle Schneider and staff at Curves in Westlake Business Park, much needed clothing. All the items are distributed by disaster management and the management of informal settlements. Thank you to everyone who contributed – I do not have your names, but know that many families were aided. Thank you also to Liz Brunette and Sheena Hutchings for assisting in putting the right people together.

Babies born:
There were 190 babies born during June at the clinic. 96 were boys and 94 girls.

   I am often devastated when I find that the age of the mothers are 15 or 16 years old – one can only sympathise with this because in my mind, no 15 or 16 year old has planned that pregnancy.
I understand that the law and constitution allows for children from the age of 12 to have access to contraceptives as well as have abortions without parental consent, but I still question that somewhere along the line these pregnant young girls are not always getting the help they need. It is a very sad and desperate reality in our country.

Mom and baby packs
   We have had wonderful support for items for mom and baby packs. Unfortunately, we still fall short on panties. The panties are included in the Mom packs, but often the women in labour only require a panty.

We are also short of baby grows – unfortunately the amount we receive per month is not enough to cover the need.

Dry goods pantry
   The pantry is going really well and with the addition of 3 people making soup, our freezer has remained full this past month.

The Zoe Project’s international connections:
   Tracey has informed me that the Zoe Project in Mexico [which has been going for about 18 months now] are having their first conference. I am jealous! But very pleased that the Zoe Sacks [mom and baby packs] as they call them, are doing well and that our humble project
has reached international shores.

We will be registering as an NGO and will keep you updated as to what that means for us.

67 minutes on Mandela day
   Sunday, 18th July is recognised as Mandela Day. We have been participating in a number of projects with other NGO’s and community based organisations
And people who have formed groups to do something for 67 minutes on this day for someone who is in need.

I know I’m preaching to the choir, but I would like to encourage you to find a cause and spend 67 minutes in aid of someone in need on this day. It is an enriching and humbling experience.

Please let me know what you plan to do, and enjoy the day.

Support structures
   I’ve said this before – we continue to grow because of the wonderful support and encouragement we receive from all of you.

   It is vital that any person or organisation or group of people form support structures with like-minded people who understand that doing what they do is for the greater good.

Thank you for the support and encouragement.

   We also cannot do what we do at the Zoe Project without knowledge and continued personal growth and continued information.
It is easy to say that one can counsel another, but without the correct information [practical and emotional/psychological], one cannot really help another.

   We are in a privileged situation that we have the right back up and the right information to impart on the clients we see. Thank you to the many nameless people who contribute their methods of best practice as well as assisting us to do our work well.

   Without the experience of the volunteers and counselors we would not be able to help as many as we do.
I wish you all well – enjoy the last days of the holidays and the soccer.

Stay warm and much love

Norah Papanicolaou

Update May 2010

Hello Everybody

Well, the 2010 World Cup fever has really hit Cape Town and within a couple of days [can you believe it?] we’ll be hosting every soccer lover around the world. How exciting is that?

And then there is the very, very long holiday for the children who are at school – to all the moms: don’t worry, we’ll find something to do with out little ones.
Thank you so much to the following contributors:

Arlene Johansson, Dimitra Kotsopolous, Dr Lara Smith, Bronwyn Hopwood, Marlene Helfrecht, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Tara and Dave Dunn, Sandy Schuurman, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Sheena Hutchings, Ingrid Rix, Michael P., Donna and Luc Cobban, Anna Johansson, Ruby Passet-Gradwell, Yolanda Parry, Collyeen Sinclair, Dalma Cheryll, Dr PJ Sinclair, Christina Smit, Roz Hoek, Nikki Haywood, Lou van Selm, Thea Bessie Kotsopolous, Thea Athina Kotsopolous Friends at New Beginnings clinic, and Friends from Monterey Pre-Primary School.

Babies born during May 2010:
There were 185 babies born in May – 99 were boys and 86 girls! All beautiful and perfect!

Mom and baby packs:
We have received lovely products again for the mom and baby packs – thank you so much for the items of clothing and products.
Sometimes I look at the size of the vests, for example, and can’t imagine that somebody very small will wear it.

Dry goods pantry:
We have had wonderful contributions of soup – thank you very much Yolanda and Sheena. Needless to say, the freezer has been full and there is nothing more nutritional than good old soup.
We still have a problem with milk and bread, but I’m sure we’ll find a way around that.

The Clinic and Zoe functions:
The Zoe Project is running as per normal at the Retreat Clinic. Our counselors are working hard – sometimes till late at night to ensure that all the clients are seen and assisted. The staff is working hard too – sometimes up to 8 moms are giving birth at the same time, but somehow they manage this
We have not changed anything regarding our functions or the support given to the people who visit the clinic.
Our intention is to grow and assist more people in need
Our ultimate goal is to have a safehouse of our own, run by and for the people we help.

Your support and encouragement:
Thank you again to each and everybody who have sent messages of love and support to us – especially during the last 2 months.

Your encouragement just proves that it takes small things by people to change the world, one thing at a time.
You are making a difference in many lives, and no matter what your beliefs are, it is making a difference in this country.

Spread the word:
Please continue to pass on these emails. The Zoe Project works because of word-of-mouth. We do not advertise the needs of our clients, nor do we request aid for financial support – we rely on your kindness and your spreading the word of our work.

Thank you so much for those of you who have done this and continue to do this

Enjoy the holidays and much love as always
Norah Papanicolaou

April 2010 Update

Hello Everybody

My apologies for only sending out the update now – it has been a very busy time and I wanted to wait
for information to come in before sending this update.

Thank you to the following contributors…..
Arlene Johannson, Dimitra Kotsopoulos, Dr Lara Smith, Marlene Helfrecht, Bronwyn Hopwood, Bessie Kotsopoulos, Thea Athina Kotsopoulos, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Tara and Dave Dunn, Sandy Schuurmans, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Sheena Hutchings, Ingrid Rix, Tracey and Sean Fraser, Rene Grimmbacher, Liam Grimmbacher, Michael P., Sally Harris, Anna Johannson, Kirsten Hopwood-Smith, Ruby Passet-Gradwell, Yolanda Parry,  Ward Counselor Denis Joseph and Harriet Joseph, The DA Women’s Network [DAWN], Colleen Sinclaire, Dalma Cherryll, Natalie Damian-Harris, Friends at the New Beginnings Clinic, Friends at Monterey Pre-Primary School and supporters who want to remain anonymous.

   A very special thank you to Jessica Midlane and friends in the UK. Jessica has recently had a baby and through her friends and network has started collecting products for the Zoe Project from the UK. It has taken off really well but at present, we have no way of bringing those items into the country yet.

   We appeal to anyone who may know of a shipping company who would like to donate half of a container [or thereabouts], or perhaps someone who knows Sir Richard Branson [one can dream] who could assist in bringing these items to South Africa. Jessica, this is incredible and we thank you for your efforts!

   Congratulations and thank you to Yolanda Parry who has taken up a position as Dullah/Birthing assistant at the clinic. Yolanda has been reporting for duty during the week and weekends. Your enthusiasm and dedication to the moms is a breath of fresh air and a great help. Thank you, Yolanda!

   We are still organising attendance with further Dullah courses, should anyone else be interested in helping out. Remember, only if you can commit the time to staying with a patient until the end of the birth, should you consider doing this course.

Babies born…
There were a total of 194 babies born at the clinic during the month of April – 92 boys and 102 girls.
Happily, again, only 4 babies were born to young women aged 17.

The Article in the Chronicle…
   I’d like to start off by saying thank you to the many, many positive responses and emails and phone calls we have received. Thank you to those of you who have written letters to the Chronicle.
Please know that the Chronicle published the article dated 21 April in good faith and had no control over the content of the article.

   We have had a bit of a negative impact due to that article in that not the same amount of food was donated or products for mom and baby packs were received. We do realize that the article had an impact and effect on all who read it with many questions and uncertainties, but would like to add that the publicity has assisted us.

   When one works as either a Community Based Organisation or for an NGO there are unwritten rules and protocol one has to adhere to ensuring successful accomplishment of the aims and goals of that organisation.

   It is practiced and known that duplication of functions at the same venue is fatal – whether Medicans sans Frontiers, UNICEF or other organisations.
Duplication uses up manpower and wastes resources. Duplicating or attempting to duplicate existing structures undermines efforts and sets up ideas of competition which distracts from the aims of CBO’s and NGO’s.
Local and International relationships between NGO’s and CBO’s recognises these facts, and adherence to protocol and showing of mutual respect for the different aims of various organisations working within the same community, ensures success.

Successful synergy never includes duplication or ideas of replicating existing projects.

From here on…
   We have met with the management at the Retreat MOU and it was agreed to and decided that, as the Zoe Project has an existing infra-structure at the clinic and a track-record of 7 years, and in order to prevent duplication and confusion, that other organisations would have to liaise with both management at the clinic and our director, Tracey Aitken as to their aims and goals.

This is to ensure that the existing structures are used properly and that protocol is followed correctly.

   But mainly, this agreement ensures that the goals of the Zoe Project, which is helping the moms and babies [and the staff] are accomplished and our aims are not lost within confusion.

   I would like to thank you again for your continued support and again, assure you that we have no intention of withdrawing our support and help for the moms and babies at the clinic, nor for the staff at the clinic.

I look forward to hearing from all of you soon and as always send

Lots of love

Norah Papanicolaou

Misinformation about the Retreat Maternity Clinic

Hello Everybody

The attached article was published yesterday, 21st April 2010 in The Chronicle.

This article implies that there has been no support to the moms and babies who visit the Retreat Maternity Clinic, and it ignores the fact that the Zoe Project has been operational there for the last 7 years.

We have been working for the past 7 years at the Retreat Maternity Clinic supplying the following services to the patients/clients there:
   Mom and Baby packs [consisting of panties, sanitary pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, facecloths, soap, roll-on deodorant, a snack and cooldrink for the mom; and Baby grows, vests, nappies, baby products, baby blankets, hats, booties, toys, etc]
   A Dry-goods pantry [supplying food for the moms who deliver there as well as for the Kangaroo moms]
   A pregnancy workshop for moms-to-be
   Psychological and emotional support for the patients with trained counselors
   The services of a pro-bono psychologist
   Assistance in adoptions and follow-through with adoptions
   Assistance with placing women [with or without children] in safe houses where domestic violence takes place
   Assistance to moms who are in emergency situations with their children [short and long term]
   Staff team-building events
   Registration of births
 
I have brought it to your attention because the article assumes that the people mentioned in it has just realized this need and that nothing has been done about it.

They have started a fundraising drive based on established functions of the Zoe Project at the Retreat MOU and is assuming that it is their "brainchild".

Please rest assured, that we have no intention of withdrawing our continued support to those clients at the clinic, or of withdrawing our support for the staff who work at the clinic.

We will continue to do our work because we realize that the need is great, and our project has worked successfully for the last 7 years.

I thank you for your wonderful and loyal support thus far and know that we have your continued support.

Please feel free to contact me should you have any queries regarding this matter or any other matter about the Zoe Project.

Lots of love as always
Norah

Update March 2010

Hello Everybody

   What a wonderful time of year! Easter Holidays and being spoilt by spending special time with the children and family; enjoying the last days of summer and being privileged to live in Cape Town… We’ve seen the Argus happening and enjoyed watching the runners in the 2 Oceans’ Marathon. Well done to those of you who have participated and completed these endurance events.

I hope you’ve all had a blessed Easter and have remembered the true meaning of Easter.

A huge thank you to the following contributors…
Arlene Johannson, Dr Lara Smith, Marlene Helfrecht, Bronwyn Hopwood, Alexandra Fisher, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Tara and Dave Dunn, Jo Dix, Sandy Schuurman, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Sheena Hutcihngs, Anne Wilson, Rene Grimmbacher, Michael P., Donna Cobban, Melissa and Sally Harriss, Anna Johannson, Yolanda Parry, Harriet and Councilor Denis Joseph, the DA Women’s Network [DAWN], Colleen Sinclaire, Dalma Cherryll, the anonymous friends at the New Beginnings Clinic, Anonymous friends from Monterey Pre-Primary School.

Thank you for each contribution – I have said before that no matter how big or small, it does make a difference to those who receive the items you donate to the Zoe Project.

A Warning…

As you are all aware, we have never asked for monetary contributions for the Zoe Project. It has been brought to our attention that there is a group of people who are fundraising for the Zoe Project. We have not employed any person or persons to do this on our behalf.

Please ensure that if you do contribute money to any cause, that you know to whom this is going and that it is legitimate. You are welcome to phone me to clarify the names and positions of people who work on the Zoe Project.

Babies Born…

Well, March 2010 has turned our Cape Town statistics on its head because there were more boys born than girls at the Retreat Maternity clinic. 99 Boys and 89 girls!

Just when you think you know what is going to happen, nature changes things up side down.

Other news of interest is that only 4 of the babies born were to teenagers: 1 x 15 year old and 3 x 16 year olds. We hope that this is an indication that the birthrate amongst young girls will drop and that the average age of giving birth of 14 years old in the Western Cape, will change. We also trust that the campaign of using condoms and contraceptives is getting through to the younger [and older] generation.


Mom and Baby Packs…

Last month, we received the most gorgeous baby clothes, and again this month [thank you Yolanda, Melissa and Sally] we were pleasantly surprised with another kind donation of the most gorgeous baby items. We will be using this for our Christmas day babies.

In addition to these items of baby clothing, we have received beautiful mom and baby packs [thanks Donna and Rene]. Your continuous and loyal support of our project assists me in continuing to believe in the kindness and humanity of others.

The toys that are so kindly knitted [thank you Anna] by hands that cannot do other tasks bring joy to little ones who perhaps would not have a new toy otherwise.

And the lovely baby products which we will include in our baby packs – perfect size! [thank you Colleen].

I am gobsmacked at the kindness and selflessness that I see every month – people who give sometimes when they can’t afford to, and those who give because they feel it is all they can do.
Thank you for that.

Dry goods pantry…

Our pantry is feeding the number of moms who give birth overnight and those who stay for Kangaroo care. Every month the amount of people being fed is different, and every month the amount of food I receive is different – but it is always enough. Miraculously it fills the stomachs of those who need the food.

We are in desperate need of powdered milk to make 3 liters of milk per day; and we are in desperate need of bread [2 loaves per day] for the clinic.

Pollsmoor babies…

Most of the babies of mothers who are incarcerated at Pollsmoor Prison are born at the Retreat Maternity Clinic. In an emergency situation these babies are born at Groote Schuur Hospital, but most of the time the moms are brought to Retreat MOU along with their guard and they wait. Children do not ask questions and moms who are imprisoned do not feel less pain at giving birth. We live privileged lives and no matter who you are, your child is precious to us.

Support messages and encouragement…

Thank you to all who have sent messages of support and encouragement. It means a lot to me but it means so much more to the staff who work at the clinic.

Enjoy the rest of April and lots of love
Norah Papanicolaou
norah@xsinet.co.za

February 2010 Update

Hello Everybody

   The first term of this year is almost over and life is flying by. I hope you are all well and have been making the best of the hot weather.

A huge thank you to the following contributors…

Arlene Johannson, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Tara and David Dunn, Sandy Schuurman, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Ingrid Rix, Rene Grimmbacher, Michael P., Donna Cobban, Anna Johannson, Yolanda Parry, Cathi and Colin Henderson, Sally Harris, Colleen Sinclair, Sharon Reynolds, The kind parents and children at Constantiaberg Pre-school, our anonymous friends at the New Beginnings clinic, Anonymous friends at Monterey Pre-Primary, and The ladies at the Constantia Gardeners’ club.

Babies born…

There were 185 babies born in February 2010 - 87 of them were boys.

Again I was very privileged to be a birthing assistant to a mom on Monday while she was giving birth, and I must say that the experience is still the same – absolute awe at the little miracles coming into the world.

The mom’s pain during labour and the dad’s face when he sees his child for the first time.
There are few things that can compare to this experience.

Well done to the staff who work so hard, and who assist moms to give birth to healthy babies under very difficult and sometimes stressful situations.

Mom and baby packs…
We have received the most beautiful newborn baby clothes for our baby packs. The moms will be most grateful for these, and also, we will be going into winter soon: the majority of these items were for winter!

The items are all lovely and very much appreciated by those who receive them.

The second hand clothing all goes to either safe houses or baby houses – so thank you for those items too.

Dry goods pantry…
The milk delivery [2 liters a day] seems to be problematic at present, as well as the bread [which is no longer available], so the food items we provide along with, of course, the daily one dry Provita, is all they have to feed the moms.

Thank you for your continuous support here. It is difficult, especially for the Kangaroo moms, to breastfeed a baby when you have an empty stomach.

We still have our 40 x 250g margarine tubs filled with vegetable soup – and if any of you would like to make more for us, please let me know.

A Special thank you…
To Elsie and Ras du Plessis from Miracle Kidz. I mentioned them in our newsletter and update last month but I would like to thank them again because they have gone above and beyond being emergency foster parents. Elsie and Ras have helped a very desperate pregnant mom by looking after her child while she went into labour.

The dedication of these two individuals is phenomenal – they have made a huge difference to the life of that child AND the one the mom has given birth to.

Another extra-ordinary thank you…
I am not going to name them by name [can’t single out individuals], but the two sisters at MOU who assisted with another emergency baby from Westlake – thank you for going out of your way to help this baby, for helping us register him and getting him his necessary injections.

You have done a wonderful service to him and I am especially impressed that you do your work with such joy and pleasure. Thank you!

Dullah Course…
Our Dullah trainer will be running another course soon – if you are interested in becoming a ‘birthing assistant’ please let me know and I can arrange for you to join the group who will be training.

Please note that these courses are run specifically for people who want to help at the Retreat Maternity Clinic. People who would like to do this privately and earn an income from this have to arrange their own
courses and training.

Support Structures…
I would like to talk a bit about support structures. We all have someone, either family or a close friend, who is there for us during a time of need. But we are also there to support them.

Many of the women I come across at the clinic and within underprivileged communities do not have this.

The question is, what do we do about this?
I haven’t got an answer yet, but I do know that it is important to re-connect with people and to value the friendships we do have. It isn’t about what that person can do for us, the maybe’s or perhapses, but rather an emotional support: The ‘just being there’ kind of support.
Life will feel lighter with someone on your side.

No man is an island, we need others to grow and others need us too.

Thank you so much again for all the wonderful messages of support that we receive via email and other means – the encouragement is an amazing boost for the staff and it is great to know that so many people care about what we do.

Take care and lots of love
Norah Papanicolaou
Information Empowers!
because every child matters
and for The Zoe Project
http://www.informationempowers.org.za/
norah@xsinet.co.za

Update January 2010 by Norah Papanicolaou

Life is Precious!

Hello Everybody

   What a wonderful way to start the year and get going! We have had a great response this month with people phoning and emailing to find out about the Zoe Project and Information Empowers! Word spreads fast and good things happen because people care.

Thank you to the following contributors…

Alison Roberts, Arlene Johannson, Dr Lara Smith, Bronwyn Hopwood, Marlene Helfrecht, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Tara and Dave Dunn, Jo Dix, Nicki Stock, Nikki Andrew, Sandy Schuurman, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Sheena Hutchings, Rene Grimmbacher, Donna Cobban, Michael P, Jennifer Norman, Anna Johannson, Antoinette and Claude Denis, Melica McCrae, Yolanda Parry, Constantia Ladies’ Gardening Club, Nurith Henderson and Ivodent, Georgie and Constantiaberg Pre-primary school, Thea Bessie and Thea Athina Kotsopolous, Anonymous friends at The New Beginnings Clinic and anonymous friends at Monterey Pre-Primary School.

   A Special thanks to Elsie and Ras Du Plessis for helping out one of the moms and her toddlers in an emergency situation… Elsie and Ras run Miracle Kidz and they are emergency foster parents to little ones who require special care.

Births at the clinic during January…

There were 187 births with 107 of them being boys!

   I would like to add the following [due to a couple of questions posed to me recently] that most of the moms who go there to have their babies, actually want their children and have planned their pregnancies.

   They are just in a situation where they cannot afford the luxury of a private hospital. Circumstances are preventing them from giving their children expensive medical care, but that cannot be a detraction from the fact that they have planned that child and are able to give that child their best. Like you and I would.

    The women who are addicted to substances, or are living on the street also go there to have their children. These are the ones we are helping most of all because of their situations. To us, it doesn’t matter from which demographic situation you hail, but rather that we are in a position to help you and that precious child.

Dry goods pantry…

   I have learnt that the bread supply [2 loaves a day] is no longer being supplied to the clinic. I would like to put out an appeal for 14 loaves of bread a week – they can be frozen at the clinic, in order to assist with this desperate shortfall.

   We are continuing with the frozen soup [40 x 250g margarine tubs a month], and with the 2 minute noodles, pasta, rice and tinned food, et cetera.

   The food makes a huge difference to the moms who are breastfeeding their underweight babies [Kangaroo moms] and to those who do not get a meal delivered to them by family – which is most of the women.

Please let me know if you would like to sponsor 14 loaves of bread a week.

Mom and baby packs…

   They continue to wow me! Thank you for the lovely items for both mom and babies. They are very much appreciated and needed.

Interest in the clinic and wanting to do something more…
  
   I have had a couple of people ask about physically helping out at the clinic. Please contact me to discuss the needs. Again, we are in need of birthing assistants [Dullahs] and this can only happen if you have the time to sit with the mom while she is in labour UNTIL the baby is born.


Please keep forwarding our emails to your friends, family and associates. We have a busy year ahead and the more people we reach, the easier it is for us to help others and keep this project going.

Thank you again and happy February.
Lots of love

Norah Papanicolaou
norah@xsinet.co.za