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

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

Hello everyone

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

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

Births this month…

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


Good news…

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

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


Counseling…

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

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


Information Empowers Project…because every child counts!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Pass on the message…

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

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

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



Norah
norah@xsinet.co.za

Jan 09 Update: contributors, christmas births, household items

ZOE PROJECT UPDATE – 2 JANUARY 2009

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

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

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

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

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


Christmas Day …

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

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

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

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

A Record month of births at the clinic…

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


Unwanted Household items…

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


Pass on the message… spread the word…

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

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

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


Contact me…

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


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

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

Take care and lots of love

Norah
norah@xsinet.co.za

Baby and Mom pack with newborn at Retreat Clinic

Hello Everybody

I've just received this photograph. It is of a mother and baby who is a recipient of a Mom & Baby's Pack. A little boy, born yesterday. [Name withheld to protect privacy.]

Thank you again, everybody, for making this possible.

Lots of love

Norah

xxxxx

Dec 08 Update: Information empowers an introduction

ZOE PROJECT UPDATE – 1 DECEMBER 2008

Hello Everybody

Again, I wish to thank all of you for your very considerate and thoughtful contributions and offers of help during November 2008. The collection week last week had me really busy. My car and house was full of grocery bags with items for the Moms & Baby packs as well as products for the pantry.

Thank you to the following people who contributed:
Jane and Sebastian, Ingrid, Jo D., Lorette, Dimitra , Nicki S., Nikki A., Lara S., Bronwyn H, Marlene H, Sandy S, Alexandra, Frederika S, Lisa S., Michael P.
The Anonymous Parents at Monterey School

A big ‘thank you’ too, to Jo Ashwell at Monterey Pre-Primary School and to Sharon Wewege and Heather Mylne from the New Beginnings Baby Clinic for allowing me to put our poster and brochures at both premises. The response from both has been tremendous!

There are still a couple of people from whom I haven’t heard and I know that I will hear from you soon.

I know we’re all making plans for the holidays and that the children are home from school or university and I appreciate those people who have taken this into consideration for the December collection week. When you get the email reminder for December collection week, and you have already contributed for December, please just ignore until January.



Some Very Interesting Developments…

A couple of weeks ago I met with a representative from UNICEF. We have been speaking via email and we are working towards getting UNICEF involved with our project. It would work in a reciprocal manner. They are very interested in learning our methodology and direction and adapting it to other clinics in South Africa. Needless to say, this is HUGE!

It also goes without saying that this is still in infancy stage and we are still very ambivalent about what would happen and exactly how this would unfold. I will update you in our newsletters and via the blogspot when I have news on this development.


Future growth……

I have been contacted by people from various ports of life asking for help about many things and through this and due to research, it has come to my attention that there are not many documents available regarding ‘what to do when you suspect or know that your child has been raped’.


The Child Protection Unit [CPU] was disbanded a couple of years ago, and because all of this has to follow correct procedure legally, very few organisations have material available. Currently, aspects like this are governed by the CFS [Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit]; which incorporates the Child Justice Bill, the Sexual Offences Bill and the Domestic Violence Act. I have had discussions with Lifeline and more specifically, Childline who have agreed to assist me in compiling a brochure with such information. The idea is to have it translated into English, Afrikaans and Xhosa and to distribute it to as many people as possible. Look out for that, because I may ask a couple of you to hand them out.

I ask that each of you continue spreading the word about the Zoe Project – not only because you are contributing products and knowingly are making a difference in the life of someone less fortunate, but my instinct tells me that we will be making a difference on so many more levels in our communities.


A Christmas Wish List………

Sister Linda at Retreat Maternity contacted me recently as asked whether we could put out a request for some much needed medical equipment. My philosophy in life is this: One can ask a question but one must be prepared for either answer…. A no, or a yes. I am asking a question, and obviously would love it if someone could help; or if someone knows someone who could help, but I am also prepared for the No answer.

We desperately need the following medical equipment:

Foetal Doppler Heart Monitors x 3
Suction Machine
Incubator
Dynomaps Machines - to monitor blood pressure
Phototherapy Light
Computers and printers – for administrative purposes

Please let me know if you know of anyone or any company who would be able to assist us in this quest.


I believe that each of us is placed on earth for a specific reason – one must just find that place within oneself first in order to be able to leave a mark on the world!

Enjoy the upcoming holidays. I look forward to your emails and phone calls.

Lots of love

Norah

Sports Day for staff at Retreat Maternity Clinic

November 15th, Saturday was a perfectly windless, beautifully warm day. Tracey arranged with a Navy PT instructor to host / referree some team building events. All the staff who currently work at the Retreat maternity clinic were invited to join us for a day of fun, a lovely braai lunch and a thank you to them from us via Father Christmas.

They were divided into two teams: The Gummy Bears [!] and the Lions. And the competition was on the way. From having to weave tyres through pins, to throwing netball balls through hoops; picking up 15 tennisballs - and not dropping any - to the waterslide... suitably dressed with foamy stuff to make it even more slippery. Not to mention trying to walk on planks with 3 other people also attached to the plank. Many sore bodies the next day, i promise you that!

It really was a great success, and to see everyone just relax and be themselves was wonderful. We often forget that the people who work day after day in difficult situations also have their own issues and personal feelings with which to deal. A day like the sports day ensures that one can talk in a relaxed atmosphere about things that lie close to the heart. Also a good time to get to know everyone in a more social atmosphere.

Here are some fun photographs from the day.

Nov 08 Update, pantry, 2nd hand clothing, sports day

Thank you so much to the people who have responded so far to my request for assistance with the Zoe Project. I have been overwhelmed by some – the offer of a fridge-freezer for our Dry Goods Pantry – and wowed by others – generous contributions for the pantry and our Mom & Baby packs.

I am going to list the first names of people who have contributed or helped so far. I am really appreciative to all of you, and the names are in no particular order…
Jane and Sebastian, Alison, Nikki, Nicki, Arlene, Kaye, Sharon, Heather, Jo A, Jo D, Ingrid, Sheena, Lorette, Frederika and the anonymous but generous parents at Monterey. Well done to all of you. Know that you have made a difference in the life of someone.

I have been sending out emails in the last week of each month, reminding our contributors of our “collection week”. This is when we collect from your homes. The process is the following. We collect the items, list what we receive from whom and then divide the goods into “for Pantry” and “for Mom & Baby packs”.

The reason for this is because the Pantry goods go to the clinic once a month and the products we receive for the Mom & Baby packs, go to two ladies who do our packing for us.
A full list of each item is then given to the sister in charge of the pantry, and another list to the ladies who pack the products.

Update on our progress

In addition to the contributors, I have contacted Musgrave Retirement Village and they have agreed to do some knitting for us – provided we provide the wool. The ladies there are constantly in the newspaper for knitting soft toys and clothes for the under privileged. I will make a delivery of wool once we have enough for them to knit at least 5 outfits and blankets.

Olive from the Busy Bees in Meadowridge has rounded up the “knitting ladies” in her church Circle – and they have promised 5 knitted blankets and jersey-sets per month. Thank you and well done… Anyone up for a challenge?

Further developments

No matter how small, each day we make a difference.
I have received a whole lot of second hand baby clothes, and as you all know, we have asked for new clothes for the mom and baby packs. The reason we ask for new clothes is because these women, just like you and I, would want to wrap and dress their precious babies in something new and fresh. They have nothing, and this new outfit is probably the only new outfit they will ever be able to give their child. Their dignity is important to us!

However, because of the receipt of the 2nd hand clothes, we have decided to make us of this by giving it to the 2 places of safety [because the women who go their leave their homes with nothing]; and also the 3 baby houses to which we refer the babies up for adoption .
Everything will be used! It is amazing how one event can have such a great spin-off to something else which is great!

So, if you have 2nd hand baby clothes and you don’t know what to do with it: wash them, and let me know – I’ll collect!


Dry Goods Pantry

I have spoken to the 2 sisters in charge at the clinic and asked them how the pantry was received. The patients know that there is no food, but in the last month and a half, it has made an amazing difference to them… from surprise to relief! Also, this has made the lives of those who stay overnight so much easier. They have had about 25 births over a period of 6 nights and all the moms have been fed.

In addition to the overnight deliveries, there are also a number of “kangaroo moms”. They are moms who have given birth prematurely and their babies are underweight. They also benefit from the Dry-Goods Pantry.

Yesterday, there was a little girl [unnamed as yet] who weighed 1.5 kg at birth. Her weight had dropped [as after all births] and she can only go home once she weighs 2.2kg. She was a miracle to see. I stood in amazement and watched this little thing, knowing that often these babies don’t make it.

The food is allocated by the night shift sister and she catalogues to whom it goes and even had a list for me of what they cooked!

A Couple of Questions

How many babies are born per month and how many are girls and how many boys?
The average birth rate is 200 per month, but in October there were 202 births!
Unfortunately, they couldn’t tell me the girl-boy ratio.

What things are most used in the pantry and which are not? And are there products which is needed but not on the list?
The products most used, are the tinned foods [tuna, pilchards] The products for the Dry
Goods Pantry which is not on the list, but is needed, are: Bully beef, tuna, tinned
meat, powdered and long life milk, baked beans. [I will send out a list of requirements
again when I notify everyone about our collection date.]

Products needed for the mom and baby packs but not on the list, are: roll-on deodorants
and medium sized panties [normal and disposable].

Sports Day and thank you to staff

The Zoe Project will be hosting a sports day for the staff of the Retreat Clinic this coming weekend. Watch this space for some fun filled photographs....

Thank you all for your contribution and commitment to this Project. Please contact me via email or telephone if you have any questions – you can leave your response/comment/suggestions on the blog.
Lots of love Norahxxx

great response to requests for the pantry

Thank you so much to the many people who have responded so very positively towards my request for assistance with the Zoe Project. I felt overwhelmed by the 4th email I received which was an offer of a fridge-freezer for the dry-goods pantry! We can now increase our frozen soup intake for the month. The generosity from people has really touched me. There are still a couple of people to whom I haven't spoken and I would love to hear from you.



I will officially be opening the Dry Goods Pantry on 1 October and am very excited because it means that the moms can have a meal at night.