A look back on 2013

As we head into 2014 with an awesome January shaping up, we want to take time to reflect on the great year that was 2013. 

Firstly we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who was involved. From volunteers to staff to visitors to community members, you have all made 2013 a year to remember. There is far to much to put into one blog so we have picked out a few highlights for our readers to enjoy.  

One of our biggest achievements of the year on our ‘Orphan Day Care and HIV Education’ project was the progression that was seen with our Child Assessments carried our by volunteers with children aged 4 and 5 heading to Grade R across the 8 Creches we work within.

Sabatha was delighted with his Child Assessment results

The Child Assessments assess abilities such as  pencil holding, reciting and recognition of the alphabet, basic motor skills and matching of shapes and objects. 

At the creches we were lucky enough to return to and do a second round of assessments, we saw huge improvements in the children’s ability which is a great testament, not only to the volunteers but to the teachers of the creche who have been putting in the hard work while the AI team are absent. 

Huge congratulations to all the children who went on to graduate and are now starting Primary School this month. 

Inkanyezi Creche

Along with creches we were delighted to have continued the work at Inkanyezi Creche. After meeting with builders and raising more funds with the help of The Happy Africa Foundation, a middle pillar was erected along with the roof being tilted meaning that there will be no more leaks! 

The next stage will be to fit toilets and an extension for the kitchen and baby room. A local business woman has kindly taken up sponsorship for the food for the children which will assist in the registration process.

 We are very attached to this gorgeous Creche and look forward to the relationship continuing and for what 2014 brings for this special place of learning. 

Volunteers and Support group members enjoying yoga

2013 was the start of our new ‘Vulnerable Children and Rural Family Support’ project which consisted of two HIV/AIDS Support Groups, one Mothers’ Support Group, two After School Clubs, Girls Club, two community gardens, refurbishments, Garbage Pick-Up, bed building, assisting in baby rooms and lots lots more! 

This project is something that all who contributed to this year should be very proud of and it is only what it is because of the amazing volunteers that we have had join us in 2013. 

All the Support Groups loved the Hippo & Croc tour!!

A highlight for the community project has to be the awesome trips we were able to take our  Support Groups and After School Clubs on. Not only did the Support Groups enjoy beach trips and an afternoon at the Croc Centre, but everyone had the best time in November as a local tour operator sent everyone off on two mornings of Hippo and Croc tours on the Estuary! This was such a treat for community members and staff, made even better by a local business woman’s donation snack boxes for all 80 children. This really was incredible!

The ‘Medical Outreach and HIV Awareness’ project went from strength to strength. Volunteers saw 6706 patients at the Sipho Zungu Clinic intake desk and also participated in 260 home visits for Home Based Care.

Home Assistance is a hit with the volunteers

We welcomed the start of Home Assistance in 2013 which was born from Home Based Care. 

There were many patients we would visit and want to help more in and around their home, but faced time restraints, so March saw volunteers head into homes to help with anything that might need doing. 

This could include  washing, cleaning, gardening, washing the children or fetching water - volunteers did it all!  

Over all 2013 was epic! The African Impact team and everyone here in the communities surrounding St. Lucia truly appreciate the hard work that was put in from every volunteer. You all did truly make your impact. We are all very excited for the coming year and hope you all are as well! Be sure to follow our updates from our blogs, Twitter and Facebook. Happy 2014!