The Zoe Project Update May - June 2011

Hi Everybody

Since my last newsletter, much has happened on the Zoe Project.

I would like to start off by saying that we have completed our Section 21 registration forms and await our registration number!

We have had our first executive meeting and our members and executive team are:
Tracey Aitken, Norah Papanicolaou, Marian Clemitson, Claire Adams and members are Penny Beer, Yolanda Parry, Pam Cuff, Charles Daniels and June Leonard.

We will continue to fulfill the vision and goals of the Zoe Project as before and I trust with all the documentation and duties in place will be more effective.

Thank you to the following contributors:

Arlene Johansson, Nicki Stock, Mary Johnson, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Michael P., Anna Johansson, Willem and Denise van Bergen, Annette Milner, Heather Booysen and the pupils from the Claddagh dance studio, Christel Swart, and our many anonymous friends from the New Beginnings Baby Clinic in Meadowridge.

Babies born in April

Girls 111 and boys, 75. There were 16 babies born to moms who are 18 years old and under.

Products for the mom and baby packs

We are in desperate need of all the items for mom packs and for the baby packs we just don’t have any baby grows, vests or receiving blankets. These items make up the 20 of each mom and baby packs that we have committed to give at the clinic each month. Our mom and baby packs go only to the most needy moms.

Products for the pantry

We are still receiving out 40 punnets of soup each month and we continue to buy bread, jam and peanut butter to fill the fresh items. We have only received a small amount of dry goods [2minute noodles, soups, pasta and rice and tinned food] and these items were used within the first week of delivery. We desperately would like to continue with our dry goods pantry, but can only do so with your continued support.

Desperate Appeal

The house of 2 children and their parents burnt down last week. They are situated in Hout Bay and attend a local primary school in the Southern Suburbs. They lost everything and I’m assisting the school where they attend in attaining clothing, bedding and shoes for all 4 people of this family. The most desperate items required are materials for a roof over their heads. I would like to ask if anyone out there can help with rebuilding these people’s lives. Please contact me at email address to discuss how you can help.

We need the following building materials:
Zinc 10” [any quantity – no amount is too little]
Door frames x 3
Door handles x 3
Any other items required with which to build a house
I also have a list of clothing and shoe sizes – please let me know if you’d like a copy.

I hope to hear from all of you soon and I wish you much love

As always

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

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

Update November 2009 by Norah Papanicolaou

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take care and lots of love

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

4th September Update by Norah Papanicolaou

Hello Everybody

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you again for all you do and lots of love