The Zoe Project Update January 2011

Hello Everybody

What a wonderful break December has been! It was time to reconnect with family and friends and find time for ourselves.


Every New Year signifies new beginnings but unlike resolutions that are fleeting and impulsive, fresh ideas are inspired, planned and organised; hopefully to come into fruition with hard work and co-operation.

It is in the follow-through and committing to these plans and projects that we find success.

I hope you’ve all had a wonderful break and thank you to those who have replied during December and to my earlier email this week.

Things have been a little slow during the last two months in terms of contributors. Many people have emailed and phoned offering assistance to help but as I said earlier, it is in the commitment and follow-through that we see the plans realized.

I am positive about 2011 and realize that many people are still trying to get into the swing of new schedules [as I am] but believe that our contributors’ list will grow in order for us to assist those who are in dire need.

Thank you to the following contributors:
Arlene Johansson, Dr Lara Smith, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Donna C., Sandy Schuurman, Rene Grimmbacher, Michael P., Sevi Avondo, Anna Johansson, Lesley Edkins, Willem and Denise van Bergen and our anonymous friends at Monterey Pre-Primary School.

A very special thank you to Sharon Wewege and Heather Mylne from the New Beginnings Baby Clinic, Meadowridge…
I received a phone call in December from Sharon to ask if I would give a talk at their Christmas lunch organised for approximately 40 new moms. When I agreed and arrived at the clinic, I was really overwhelmed by what these two women had organised. They arranged a lunch with a talk for these new moms and asked them to contribute to the Zoe Project’s mom and baby packs and dry goods pantry instead of buying one another gifts.

In addition to this, they could also donate money that would be used to buy a wheelchair for a very special 20 month old boy with severe health difficulties. Thankfully and wonderfully, the wheelchair was bought the following week [cost is approximately R20 000]! Wow, Sharon and Heather! The two of you are amazing and will be so blessed.

The Zoe Project received beautiful items of clothing and nappies for the baby packs and products for the mom packs, and tinned food items for the dry goods pantry.

Thank you for your continued support, your kindness and encouragement and your generosity of spirit.

Another very special thank you to Ametjie Rust and the Finance Department of Syntell (Pty) Ltd: Ametje Rust and her team members, Karen Davies, Janine Laubscher, Tanya Gonsalves, Thabisa Mendes, Kevin Eddy, Trichelle Green-Thompson, Deidre Claasen, Samantha Henson, Jamiela Abdulahman, Natalie Heuvel, Bridget Johnson, Kashiefa Solomons, Abigail Richards, Denise Kruger, Nolene Williams, Deshni Naidoo, Nzwakhele Mkhize, and Allison Rulse.

Allison called me in August to arrange something special for their team building event. They decided to contribute mom and baby packs for the Zoe Project’s Christmas Day babies.

To say that I was overwhelmed when I collected 24 x A4 paper BOXES of brand new, beautiful, carefully considered and packed and wrapped boxes from them, would be an understatement. I was in tears!

Thank you, thank you and thank you again – you made Christmas [and New Years Day] moms and babies feel very appreciated and loved.

I know through talking to Allison Rulse who co-ordinated everything, that each team member mentioned above was equally touched by knowing that these items would go to those who need it so badly. We wish you and your team success in your endeavours and know that you’ve been blessed by this experience too.

I have a couple of photographs that I will put on the blog where we have permission from the moms to publish them. It isn’t always easy or permitted to publish photos of moms and babies due to privacy issues.

And another very special to Rotary International and to Bob Harvey :

Thank you for arranging for the 5000 sterile wipes for the Clinic and the 4 large boxes of toys donated from overseas for the babies. The toys have brightened up many little lives and we wish you to thank  your contributors. The sterila wipes have made work at the clinic for the staff so much easier.

Email updates:
I have requested before that you should let me know if you would like to continue receiving our email updates. Please let me know as I have only heard from a few people. If you do not respond, I will keep you on the mailing list.
Also, please continue to forward these updates to your friends and family and colleagues. It helps in many ways!

The year ahead for us in short:
Counseling and the most important functions of the Zoe Project will continue as always.

We are going to concentrate on the mom and baby packs and the dry goods pantry. We would love to be able to give more mom and baby packs to more people but we can only do that if we have enough donations.

We are trying to add to the food that the government allows for moms who give birth at the clinic. The food provided for by the state is ONE DRY PROVITA AND A CUP OF SOUP PER DAY! That is the only meal. And as many of you know, this is not enough nourishment for a new mom who is breastfeeding a baby.

Many moms stay behind as Kangaroo moms [sometimes for 10 to 12 days] as they cannot leave the clinic due to regulation and fear of abandonment. Unless their families bring them food [which doesn’t happen] they only eat what the state and we provide.
Your contributions assist us to provide much needed nutrition.

This year I will not be collecting 2nd hand clothing or items of linen. Last year we had a really good response and I know that many of you prefer to give these items to us because you know that they are going to places of need. Unfortunately, it is extremely time consuming to sort these items and I do not have the capacity at present to do this due to other commitments and obligations with work.

If you do have items that you would like to donate, take them to your nearest home for children or place of safety for women and children; alternatively, [believe it or not] your Ward Councillor will know of people in need either in your area or another area.

I would like to say thank you again and in anticipation for your continued support in the next year. I look forward to seeing all of you and hearing your news.

Please continue to pass on our notices and continue to email or phone me should you have any questions.

Happy February everyone and lots of love

Norah Papanicolaou

Zoe Update November 2010

Hello Everybody


It is that time of the year – silly season! Schools break up for a very long and much needed holiday,
families plan visits and trips, and we rush around getting last-minute things together for the festive season.
I hope you’ll all have a wonderful, restful time.

I will not be doing a newsletter in December this year, as I will be taking some time off. The past year has
been a huge challenge for us all, and this will be a time for me to spend with my family and children.
Definitely a much-needed and anticipated break!

Thank you to the following contributors:
Arlene Johansson, Dr Lara Smith, Marlene Helfrecht, Bronwyn Hopwood, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Tara and Dave Dunn, Sandy Schuurman, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Rene Grimmbacher, Sam and Liam Grimmbacher, Michael P., Donna Cobban and Luc Michot, Anna Johansson, Kaye Longman, Yolanda and Allan Parry, Collyeen Sinclair, Bessie and Athina Kotsiopolous, Dimitra Kotsiopolous, Willem and Denise van Bergen, Annette Milner, Elaine Aquadro, Pam Cable, friends at New Beginnings Clinic and friends at Monterey Pre-Primary School, Georgie and anonymous friends from Constantiaberg Pre-Primary School.

Babies Born during November:
There were 177 babies born during November – 97 were boys and the rest girls. Twelve babies were born to young women 17 or younger.

A Reflection on the year behind us:
As far as the counseling goes, Tracey has seen 115 clients and has facilitated 7 adoptions. It has been interesting that the severity of problems experienced by clients have increased due to the rise in tik abuse. Clients are much more inclined to be dishonest, with worse anger problems, resulting in much more time-consuming counseling. The new Act has clamped down on ladies re-entering the same safe houses time and time again, making it difficult to find immediate relief from their situations. But with all this, we have had outstanding results through the year.

We have assisted in removing approximately 10 women and their children to safe houses where domestic violence have been taking place, ensuring better prospects for the mom through the training and counseling provided at the safe houses as well as ensuring the children enter crèches or schools in the areas of the safe houses.

We held a Dullah [birthing partner] course on 18th September, to which 15 people attended. It was an amazing day and left a lot of the women wide-eyed and excited. We have two new Dullahs who have joined our team, Yolanda and Grishelle. They are an absolute blessing to the moms and staff at Retreat MOU. We continue to receive enquiries as to assisting at the clinic in this regard.

The six-a-side Zoe soccer tournament was held on Saturday, 27th November, which was a success. It was amazing to see how sport can be used as a tool to bring people together and to make people aware of the Zoe Project.

240 mom packs and 240 baby packs have been supplied to the Retreat MOU this year. Ten amazing Christmas packs have already been made up and are ready for those precious Christmas babies. All this thanks to your generosity throughout the year.

We have also been promised more baby and moms packs from a corporate sponsor and we cannot wait to distribute theses to our moms on Christmas day.

We now supply 100 portions of homemade soups per month. That’s a whopping 1200 meals per year, absolutely amazing! As well as 32 loaves of bread a month and 8 margarines per month. This is produced consistently throughout the year.

Our dry goods pantry supplies meals for approximately 75 people a month – another 900 meals per year! Incredible to think how far soup and pasta as well as tinned food can go.

There was also a large donation of portable blood-pressure machines, surgical gloves, catheters, etc which has been invaluable to the staff and patients.

Regina Dyonasie, from Masiphumelele, has joined the Zoe Project, handing out food and baby parcels where needed. It has been encouraging to see her enthusiasm in taking responsibility for these donations to her community.

Thank you so much to each of you who have helped us help others. I trust you will all have a blessed December and January. Take this time to enjoy special moments with family and friends.


Lots of 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

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

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

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

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