FARR is dedicated to building positive futures in South African communities

Growth 2019/2020 Content Title Author Page

From the Board: Musings on growth, for what. Professor JP van Niekerk 3

Setting the Scene “It takes courage to grow up and Dr. Leana Olivier 4 become who you really are”

Growth and commitment x THREE Mandi Broodryk 5

Van verlatenheid tot FARRsheid Rita Mentz 6

Positive and powerful impact Tinashe Tombe-Nyahuma 7

Burgeoning with a bang! Monica Dyakumeni 8

Inspired to grow! Dr. Claude Bailly 8

Footprint in fertile soil Beulah Grobler 9

Voluit vorentoe Christel Botes 10

Flourish and thrive “little succulents” Liska Bunge 11

Brainy Matters Martlé Vosloo 11

From humble beginnings to brighter futures Dr. Leana Olivier & Meryll Smit 12

A tree won’t grow without roots Jaco Louw 13

Accelerated progress in the Progress Community Grace Humphreys 13

Sisterhood solidified Portia Tyibela 14

Walking this path together Charlene Grobbelaar 15

Growing impact assessment possibilities Debbie Acker 16

Finance Angelique Rossouw 16

Like oxygen to communities Marietjie Mouton 17

KEEP CALM and let the Admin Unit handle it! Estelle Pillay 17

Seeds sprouting in the ECD sector Charnine Sobey 18

International FASD Day – 9 Sept Dr. Leana Olivier 19

PLEASE NOTE: Pictures in this newsletter DO NOT depict children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), but all children from the communities who participate in FARR’s activities.

Editorial Team

Charnine Sobey Liska Bunge Martlé Vosloo Therin Stroucken

2 Board Members

Dr Leana Olivier Prof Denis Viljoen Prof JP van Niekerk (CEO) (Chairperson) (Board member) Dr Louisa Bhengu Mr Adrian Botha (Board member) (Board member)

Prof Marietjie De Villiers (Board member)

Prof Tania Douglas (Board member)

From the Board: Musings on growth for what?

Written by: Professor JP van Niekerk through the many milestone developments Love and understanding are great starters (Board Member: FARR Board of Directors) to a healthy adult status. This growth can for an NGO such as FARR. But they are in- be measured by its height, in terms of the sufficient for sustainable growth – profes- number of staff employed, and weight, in It has been a bumper year, is what we like sional organisation is also vital, and FARR terms of its income. Both have shown ro- to hear. We are keen on doing well and has grown an admirable team to do so. bust and healthy growth. While these are concerned about failure. And growth is the important measures, they tell us little about measure that is mostly used to measure Ultimately the measure of success of the value of the organisation. progress or otherwise. But growth may FARR is the impact that it has on out- comes. Through its demonstrated exper- sometimes be a treacherous ambition. The mind of the organisation started mod- estly with Denis gathering information to- tise FARR has gained trust and has made Growth and development are part of our gether with USA colleagues. The growth a significant positive impact on individu- human experience, from birth to being an in the further acquisition of information als, communities, and political structures. adult. But abnormal or excessive growth has continued unabated. But that infor- FARR has added much to the understand- can also be deadly, such as the growth of mation has been turned into knowledge – ing of the FASD spectrum. cancer cells. With ambition, businesses the theoretical and practical understand- may grow and flourish - and then collapse ing of the subject. In turn this has led to It has been said that the closest that we under the strain of too rapid expansion, un- the growth of practical applications, mea- can get to immortality is to have influenced wise accumulation of debt or external fac- suring their effects, and teaching its les- others – preferably for the good. Whatev- tors beyond their control. sons learnt. If this seems somewhat like er happens to FARR in the future, it has What then is FARR’s record of an academic exercise, it is confirmed by earned its immortality in spades. growth, what does this mean, and the growth of scholarly publications and what should it aim for? members of staff earning higher degrees FARR has managed its growth wisely and because of their work. Indeed, an aca- its well-trained and dedicated team are its Following its delivery as a healthy infant demic department in a higher institution best insurance to navigate safely through by Prof Denis Viljoen, FARR has grown would be proud of this output. potential choppy waters ahead.

3 Setting the scene

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” - EE Cummings-

Written by: Dr Leana Olivier (Chief Executive Officer)

s I am writing this article, South Af- • Programme expansion follows when velop new interventions and to resourcefully rica is in COVID-19 Level 4 Lock- new areas of operation, coupled with the obtain funding. By doing this, we not only down with strict national restrictions necessary skills, are developed. continue to strive to serve our clients and to Aon movement, health and safety. Indeed, a complement government services, we also strange time to be thinking of growth whilst • Programme replication refers to the du- develop and sustain our own organizations you are getting used to breathing through a plication of an existing programme in a and programmes. In many ways, this has mask! However, it is also an opportune mo- new geographical area. paved new directions and stimulated growth. ment, since NGO’s are often established, During this current COVID-19 pandemic or show remarkable growth and develop- As the proud manager of FARR, I salute the NGO sector finds itself under extreme ment during difficult periods, such as wars and honour our loyal sponsors and my brave stress. On the one hand we have to adhere and epidemics. During these times societ- front-line colleagues, who are willing to risk to the national restrictions, we have to se- ies lean heavily on the non-profit sector to their all to serve. Increasingly the impact of cure the health and safety of our staff and address challenging psycho-social, political COVID-19 has become a reality to many of we have signed agreements with sponsors and health issues with particular emphasis us who are supporting our staff and clients to render specific services with specified key on the plight of the disadvantaged. who are sick, those who are awaiting test re- indicators linked to funding. On the other sults or have lost loved ones. Despite these Internationally the non-profit sector has hand, we as front-line workers, are faced challenges I am experiencing tremendous grown by 20% over the last 10 years, com- with the multitude and increasingly dire personal growth and observing the same in pared to the 2 – 3% growth in the for-profit needs of the disadvantaged communities those around me. I am extremely grateful for sector. During the same time the number that we serve. To address these demands how this has permeated into FARR. I believe of non-profit staff has increased by 50%, some NGO’s were forced to operate out- that this period will become one of the most making non-profits a more favoured ca- side of their normal scope of practice, often remarkable milestones in the history of our reer option than in the past. With increased without adequate funding, thereby putting organization, and our country. demands from communities for essential their organizations at risk. Others found services, and the limited abilities of the gov- themselves under pressure from funders ernment sector to address these needs, to re-adjust their operations to meet the the demand on NGO’s is on the increase changed needs and requirements of their (https://www.501ctrust.org/nonprofit-sec- stakeholders. tor-growing-faster-than-for-profit). All of the above had to be done in a vacuum, Mark P. Fulop, from Facilitation & Process, taking huge risks. Government departments May God also found themselves in lockdown and “ states that growth in the non-profit sector is usually in terms of the following: could not provide much needed guidelines to non-profits funded by these departments. keep you safe • Operational growth when an NGO The same applied to corporate funders. strengthens its capacity and staff structure. Resilience and creativity are however key and brave to • Programme growth when existing pro- characteristics of the non-profit sector. The grammes and services are strength- above challenges and the COVID-19 pan- continue to ened. The strongest drivers being: (i) demic forced non-profits to take action and identification of a social need and (ii) to develop their own realities. It also provid- strong evidence that the NGO’s pro- ed opportunities to form stronger partner- serve. gramme is addressing the need. ships, support each other, to ingeniously de- ”

4 Setting the scene UNIT: Research Growth and commitment x THREE! Written by: Mandi Broodryk (Research Coordinator – Head Office, Bellville, Western Cape)

Written by: Dr Leana Olivier (Chief Executive Officer) n 2019 the grueling process of Between 24 February and 13 March times also take its toll. This happens planning and preparing for FARR’s 2020, a total of 24 schools were incor- especially when they see the great need three new FASD Prevalence stud- porated in the medical examinations. and the limited resources available to Iies in Britstown (), Kirk- During this process, the data clerks had the learners in these rural locations. Si- wood (Eastern Cape) and Graaff-Reinet a multitude of crucial responsibilities to multaneously it is also a very humbling (Eastern Cape) started. Little did I, as safeguard the integrity of the data collec- experience as these are often resources the research unit’s fairly new research tion process. They had to oversee all the that we, who live in urban areas, take for coordinator, know how challenging one administrative functions, engage with the granted. project’s planning, preparation and ex- teachers to manage the flow of children ecution for a prevalence study is, let to the medical examiners, and do qual- As a research unit, being part of these alone doing three simultaneously! ity control of all the data collection and three projects’ initial phase has brought record-keeping. The data management about the realization of the importance During the planning phase the initial process in particular required great at- of continued commitment to our core priority was to obtain research ethical tention to detail, and a strict systematic business. We know that we do not just approval from the Stellenbosch Univer- order of organizing the data files was fol- deal with data, but contribute to positive- sity’s Health Research Ethics Commit- lowed on a daily basis. This regime along ly impacting the lives of these learners. tee. Once this had successfully been with daily update sessions provided team Knowing that our referral system will as- attained the next step was to seek ap- members with an overview of the number sist learners with medical problems, who proval from the departments of Educa- of learners screened. By also identifying otherwise would not have had access to tion, Health and Social Development the number of learners to be seen, the special health interventions, is very grat- and other integral stakeholders within team could mentally prepare for the fol- ifying. the relevant communities. lowing day. Now that the medical examinations and Our next undertaking was to plan and The days were long and busy, with tem- screening has been completed for the coordinate the medical examinations peratures often rising above 40 degrees. three new projects, each project will prog- of the learners along with all the logis- Also, being away from family and friends ress into the next phase of our research tical arrangements involved. With the for two weeks in new surroundings was process. With the conducting of neurode- assistance of the highly experienced quite tough. Time after hours and on the velopmental assessments and interviews data clerks, Lebo Khusu and Mathias weekends were put to good use as it pro- with learners’ caregivers to follow, our Roberts, and a temporary administra- vided opportunity to fine-comb through commitment (times three!) will continue. tive assistant, Warren Doherty, we set the captured data and ensure accurate This is applicable in more sense than out preparing all required documenta- data collection. Considering that a total one, as our team happens to also con- tion for the schools and the individual of 1584 Grade 1 learners from the 2019 sist of three passionate and devoted staff learners to be screened, we prepared class were assessed, the medical exam- members. the medical kits and aligned our data- inations were a major success, with the As the research coordinator it has been bases. I must reiterate that it is quite an research unit rising to the occasion… an intense and valuable journey thus far. encompassing process to execute for times three! one project and having to do it for three Speaking on behalf of our unit, I can at- projects at once, was rather exhilarating! For the data clerks these medical ex- test that: Together we have grown, we The adrenalin was steadily pumping, aminations and on-site experiences are have learnt to appreciate each other’s and it certainly kept our team pulsating always a time to learn, grow and self-re- experience and contribution, and togeth- to complete all the preparatory work in flect. It is especially the engagements er we will take on the next phases that lie time. This achievement would not have with the learners that stand out for them. ahead. We trust that our hard work and been accomplished without the excellent They see the excitement and smiles on research effort will in future bring about groundwork done by our colleagues at the little faces and get to share a few mo- positive and constructive developments the project sites. ments with them. It can however some- in these communities.

5 PROJEK: Britstown

Van Verlatenheid tot FARRsheid Geskryf deur: Rita Mentz (Projekkoördineerder, Britstown, Noord-Kaap)

ritstown is ‘n klein -dorpie direk daarna ook die jaarlikse “Strategic kon die span heerlik gesellig wees by die in die hartjie van Suid-Afrika. Die and Operational Planning” sessie, of “SOP” Transkaroo Country Lodge op die dorp. Bdorp is bekend vir sy vriendelike soos wat almal daarna verwys, bygewoon. mense, asemrowende sonsondergange Hierdie was ‘n ideale geleentheid om die Nadat die mediese ondersoeke en pragtige natuurtonele. Soos vele ander hele FARR familie te ontmoet en mekaar ‘n voltooi is, is die soektog na ‘n geskikte dorpe in Suid-Afrika, gaan Britstown met al bietjie beter te leer ken. gemeenskapswerker in alle erns sy prag, ongelukkig ook gebuk onder die voortgesit. Na ‘n behoorlike siftingsproses, euwel van drankmisbruik. Dit is juis daarom Terug in Britstown het die mediese is Eldene Kok as die suksesvolle kandidaat dat Britstown die inleiding van die FARR- ondersoeke van leerders amptelik op 25 aangewys en het sy in Mei 2020 by die projek in Februarie 2020 met ope arms Februarie begin. Dit was ook die eerste, projek aangesluit. verwelkom het. offisiële kennismaking tussen FARR en die plaaslike gemeenskap. Die twee Die beplande verloop van die projek Voordat die projek formeel kon afskop, moes laerskole wat deel vorm van die studie, se moes egter aangepas word weens die allerbelangrike opleiding eers ondergaan mediese ondersoeke is vinnig-vinnig deur COVID-19 wêreldpandemie en gevolglike word. Die induksieprogram wat by die die behendige span voltooi. Op daardie grendeltydperk. Ons is opgewonde en FARR-hoofkantoor in Kaapstad aangebied stadium het die projek nog nie oor ‘n gemotiveerd vir die tyd wanneer ons op is, het drie nuwe projekkoördineerders gemeenskapswerker beskik nie en was grondvlak met die gemeenskap betrokke van onderskeidelik Britstown, Kirkwood en dit ‘n behoorlike spanpoging deur iedere kan raak, om ons voorkomings- en Graaff-Reinet voorberei op die werk wat vir en elk om die week se verrigtinge vlot te opleidingsinisiatiewe uit te rol, en om hulle wag binne die organisasie. Met al dié laat verloop. Tussendeur die harde werk groei in die Britstowngemeenskap teweeg inligting nog vars in ons geheue, het ons was daar darem ook kans vir asemskep en te bring.

6 PROJECT: Burgersdorp

Written by: Tinashe Tombe-Nyahuma (Project Coordinator, Burgersdorp, Eastern Cape) Van Verlatenheid tot FARRsheid Positive and powerful impact he Burgersdorp FARR Centre alcohol exposed pregnancies. As a team we Burgersdorp FARR Centre welcomed its opened its offices on 1 March 2017. recruit women who are less than 20 weeks first baby on 3 February 2018 and to date It inaugurated FARR’s commitment pregnant via the primary health care clinics. 250 babies have been born into the pro- T to serve the community through They are enrolled regardless of their alco- gramme. It is always a joyous occasion raising awareness of FASD and making a hol use. Group work and individual sessions when our community workers, Esethu and positive impact by reducing the number of are conducted to share information that Zandile come across the “FARR” babies in children affected by FASD. enhances healthier pregnancies. Topics the townships as they go about their work. covered during these sessions include the This grants them an opportunity to witness Looking back over the last three years, we importance of healthy eating, exercising, ab- some of the precious milestones these are proud to know that we have yielded tre- staining from alcohol use, how to take care children reach. As a team it warms our mendous growth and spread the FASD pre- of your baby and family planning. hearts to know that we have made a differ- vention message to more than 6 000 com- ence to the lives of so many women and munity members. This has been achieved The first HMHB© client was recruited on their families. As Esethu says: “Through through the implementation of various 17 October 2017, with a total of 49 join- the HMHB© Programme I have learnt that training initiatives such as the Think Twice ing the programme during the first 12 when you educate a woman you educate workshops, FAStrap© courses, LoveChild months. To date 390 pregnant moms generations”. The process is however re- Industrial Theatre Shows, courses for pro- have received services from the HMHB© ciprocal, as it is not only the mothers who fessionals e.g. Educators and Social Work- Programme and we can safely state that benefit from this experience. As Zandile ers, and in particular, the Healthy Mother the community is now very familiar with states: “I have learnt to be a lot more com- Healthy Baby© Programme. this intervention. Close and lasting bonds passionate and patient”. have been formed between staff and cli- The HMHB© Programme is especially close ents over this time. As a result the project The expansion of the total number of clients, to our hearts. This is an evidence-based has reached a stage where clients who witnessing their personal growth whilst par- intervention programme which provides join the HMHB© Programme are commu- ticipating in the programme and recording pregnant women with information and the nity members who have already interact- the birth of their babies as healthy, attests necessary skills, to make informed deci- ed with FARR and received information to the efficacy of the HMHB© Programme. sions regarding their health and that of their about FASD through: door-to-door health The Burgersdorp team is very proud to be unborn babies. The main objective of the talks, health promotion talks at clinics and instrumental in making such a positive intervention is to decrease prenatal mater- via friends or relatives who have been part and powerful impact in the lives of our nal drinking, thereby reducing the number of of the HMHB© Programme. community members.

7 PROJECT: Burgeoning with a bang! Graaff-Reinet Written by: Monica Dyakumeni (Project Coordinator, Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape)

As reported extensively in the media, our created much excitement for the stakeholders cesses like a well-oiled machine. It was an historic town of Graaff-Reinet is currently in in attendance i.e. representatives of govern- honour for us as the newly appointed team the grips of a severe draught. Facing this ment departments, church leaders and espe- for the Graaff-Reinet project to be thorough- adversity in an already stressed socio-eco- cially us, the newly appointed staff members. ly guided, supported and integrated into this nomic environment, makes the possibilities The project literally started off with a bang, as team. for growth even more difficult. a raging thunderstorm hit the town, coupled with a downpour of much-needed rain. It We now eagerly await the arrival of our One of the formidable challenges facing our brought huge relief from the excruciating heat FARR colleagues to conduct the psycho- community, revolves around alcohol con- we had been experiencing and ignited the be- metric tests on the learners. It will also set in sumption and the negative effects thereof lief that the rain was a symbol of hope and motion our first engagements with the moth- on family structures. Especially concerning growth for the future. ers during the maternal interviews, which we is the consumption of alcohol during preg- look forward to with great excitement. nancy and ignorance regarding the harm During the same week, the first phase of the it could cause the unborn babies. Subse- project, being the prevalence study was initi- As the much-needed rain soaked into our quently FARR’s arrival in Graaff-Reinet ated. Medical examinations were conducted soil and brought about rejuvenation, it is was welcomed with open arms, bringing a on the learners at 12 schools in the area. As our conviction that through our project we much-needed glimmer of hope for the future. the medical team had recently completed will shine a ray of hope, burgeoning health this phase in Britstown and Kirkwood, the and brighter futures into the Graaff-Reinet The launch of the project on 12 March 2020 staff conducted the various required pro- community.

MEDICAL ASSESSMENTS Inspired to grow Written by: Dr Claude Bailly (Contracted Medical Specialist ) uring my registrar training, I was giv- high prevalence of FASD in addressed and appropriately referred. I en the opportunity to attend a FARR and Medical Genetics is a unique field in appreciate every staff member’s patience outreach clinic. Under the supervi- medicine equipped to identify these chil- and commitment to the task at hand during Dsion of Prof. Viljoen, I was able to dren clinically. Getting a diagnostic handle the long and thorough assessments. The assist with the medical assessment of pa- on these conditions comes with experience, team gives me the confidence to fulfil my tients and learn more about Fetal Alcohol and the value of learning from knowledge- role as best I can, knowing that every child Spectrum Disorder (FASD). After qualifying able colleagues is beyond what any text- has received a thorough evaluation. I feel as a Medical Geneticist, I was fortunate to book can offer. reassured that those children identified cross paths with FARR once again with birth defects (alcohol-related or not), or and have joined the FARR team on Performing clinical assessments on a who present with other medical concerns, some of their recent outreaches. large group of babies and/or children are appropriately referred for follow-up requires a well-managed team ap- and management. I feel confident that we The medical assessments involve proach. I am grateful to all the FARR strengthen primary health care in the areas examining babies as part of the affiliated staff who assisted in recruit- serviced. Healthy Mother Healthy Baby© ment of participants and helped with Programme and children who are the general assessments, in- I have fond memories of the Northern and involved in the FASD Prevalence cluding performing growth Eastern Cape towns that I have had the Study. We examine participants parametry (mid-upper arm privilege to visit over the past few months. for a wide range of birth defects circumferences, height, The children waiting politely for their as- and clinical findings associ- weight and head cir- sessments and the community workers, ated with prenatal alcohol cumference which are teachers and principals who earnestly exposure. Many unrelated plotted on appropri- serve their communities, have impressed medical and genetic con- ate growth charts for and inspired me. I learn new skills and gain ditions are often identified, all participants) and experience with each outreach clinic, and prompting referral to the ap- identifying additional I am becoming a more astute clinician. I propriate medical facilities medical concerns am grateful that my personal, professional and departments. There is a which needs to be growth is alongside that of FARR.

8 PROJECT: Kirkwood Footprint in Burgeoning with a bang! fertile soil Written by: Beulah Grobler (Project Coordinator, Kirkwood, Eastern Cape)

n the banks of the Sunday’s River with the schools, the first phase of the prev- To see the growth of a project, develop from you will find the beautiful town of alence study took place from 2 - 6 March an initial request to its official launch, has Kirkwood, nestled in a picturesque 2020. During this period, the FARR medical been a wonderful journey for me as the proj- Ovalley, where citrus fruits are grown and ect coordinator. We have “hit fertile soil” in team examined learners from 11 schools exported across the globe. It is in this fer- in the Kirkwood area. With the help of two the Sunday’s River Valley in more ways than tile area where one of FARR’s new projects eager, newly appointed FARR community one and wish to establish healthy growth have come into fruition. The “birth” of the workers, i.e. Babalwa Rooi and Rozaan and development! Kirkwood project stemmed from numerous Joubert the team managed to assess 558 requests for FASD intervention. children. This was executed despite ex- In the words of our treme heat conditions with temperatures Our engagement with the community was soaring above 40oC. The medical team’s Community Workers: initiated by an invitation to present at the visit coincided with the official opening of ”You work with different people in different Sunday’s River Citrus Company’s (SRCC) the FARR office on 5 March 2020. It marked “#don’t look away” campaign on 27 No- environments. It does not matter in what the beginning of FARR’s journey to estab- vember 2019. The focus of the event was situation you find yourself, doing what you lish a footprint in the community. With the on the protection of woman and children, love and living your passion by helping oth- medical assessments completed, the con- and the prevention of abuse. It was an ideal ers, shows your character and how you see ducting of maternal interviews and coordi- opportunity for FARR to engage with import- your community. We can never get yester- nation of neuro-development assessments ant stakeholders and community members day back, but how we move forward, by do- about our proposed project and the benefits by our psychometrists are next in line. ing what is right, will determine our future”. it offers. It was well received. - Rozaan. As the three members of the FARR-Kirk- Written by: Dr Claude Bailly (Contracted Medical Specialist ) The next engagement entailed Dr Leana wood team we have a single heartbeat and “Introducing the new FARR project in our Olivier (CEO) addressing school principals indescribable excitement at the prospect of community and raising awareness on the and foundation phase teachers. The aim of commencing our grassroots interaction with dangers of alcohol abuse, is a way of pro- the meeting was to discuss the process of the community. We literally cannot wait to tecting and brightening the future of unborn the prevalence study and the importance start arranging the various training initia- leaders in advance”. It connects closely of parents or guardians signing Informed tives and recruiting pregnant moms for our with a Xhosa phrase “Umntu ngumntu ng- Consent Forms in view of the medical as- Healthy Mother Healthy Baby© Programme abantu”, which means: “a person is a person sessments. Through excellent collaboration as set out in our business plan. through others” - Babalwa.

9 PROJEK: Prince Albert Voluit vorentoe Geskryf deur: Christel Botes (Projekkoördineerder, Prince Albert , Wes-Kaap)

erwyl die lug fisies en virtueel gons • Bewustheid van Fetale Alkohol Spek- sers sou ons glad nie eers uit die weg- oor COVID-19 en ons kantore tans trum Afwykings (FASA) in ons ge- springblokke kon kom nie… na ons huise geskuif het, is daar meenskap: Dit is verblydend dat daar T heelwat tyd vir oordenking, sê die stelselmatig ‘n groter bewustheid by • Projekwerk: Ons projekwerk het met geleerdes. Ek kan myself voorstel dat klein gemeenskapslede oor FASA ontwik- die verloop van tyd ook kwantitatief ge- woonspasies met baie mense tot allerlei kel, wat ek grootliks toeskryf aan die groei. Behalwe vir die Gesonde Moed- frustrasies en enigsoortige uitdagings lei toegewyde werksywer van ons ge- er Gesonde Baba© Program wat deur- en ek is innig dankbaar vir die wydheid van meenskapswerkers, Moira Prins en lopend in alle projekte aangebied word, die Karooplaas waarop ek myself bevind. Muschke Hendricks. Hul passie en was ons projek bevoorreg om ook ‘n Ek besef dat almal se realiteite van me- entoesiasme om weekliks getrou be- stimulerings- & ontwikkelingsprogram kaar verskil en dat dit juis daarom soveel wusmakings- & voorkomingspraatjies te loods, genaamd “die Vetplantjies”. moeiliker is om ‘n standaard as maatstaf by die klinieke en ander plekke in die Hierdie program wat fokus op leerders te stel vir die meting van onder andere gemeenskap te hou, is prysenswaar- wat gediagnoseer is met leeruitdagings “groei”. Maar hoe meet ek FARR se projek dig. en FASA, word in beide Leeu-Gam- in Prince Albert, waar ek die afgelope 15 ka en Prince Albert aangebied. Dit maande bevoorreg is om te werk? • Verhoudings: Hier verwys ek spesi- is ontwikkel deur FARR se interne fiek na die verhouding wat FARR op- psigometris, Liska Bunge, onder wie Ek kom tot die slotsom dat daar wel ver- gebou het met ander rolspelers in ons se waaksame oog en leiding ons die skeie areas van positiewe groei is, wat ek projekarea. Een van die pluspunte van 32-week program implementeer. Dit is kan uitlig: “hier wees” en “hier bly” is die feit dat heerlik om ‘n gewaarwording van groei daar ‘n vertrouensverhouding tussen in belangstelling en ondersteuning by • Myself: En nee, hier verwys ek glad nie mense ontstaan wat uiteindelik tot sommige van die kinders se ouers te na die nommergrootte van my denim voordeel van die hele gemeenskap gewaar. En dit is om van die kinders se langbroek nie! Die feit dat FARR inten- strek. Verhoudings is natuurlik, soos eie entoesiastiese deelname aan akti- siewe opleiding aan hul werknemers alle getroudes weet, konstante harde witeite nie eens te praat nie! Ek het in gegee het en deurlopend geleenthede werk, maar met hierdie span pak ek die proses ook sommer baie nuwe res- skep waarin ons kennis en vaardighe- enige maraton aan. Sonder die be- pek vir onderwysers bygekry. idsvlak verbreed, is buitengewoon pos- sonderse verhouding met ons befond- itief. Dit skep die gevoel van ‘n veilige Ten slotte en met liefde vanuit Prince Al- raamwerk en gebor- bert, die volgende motiverende woorde genheid. “Dank- van David McKay: ie, hiervoor”.

“Die voorreg om te werk is ‘n geskenk, die krag om te kan werk, is ’n seën, die liefde vir jou werk, is sukses.”

10 UNIT: Neuro-developmental Assessments Brainy Matters Written by: Martlé Vosloo (Psychometrist, Head Office, Bellville, Western Cape)

or the past two and a half years the “Success is where Usual day-to-day activities can sometimes neuro-developmental assessment become mundane. Yet, it is a well-known unit at FARR has consisted of Lis- preparation and fact that our CEO will not let you get too Fka Bunge and me, Martlé Vosloo. With our opportunity meet” comfortable in your appointed position. contrasting personalities and interests, we She believes that every person needs to have somehow found the perfect midway leave the safety of “the nest” to embrace Bobby Unser to complement each other and form a for- new possibilities. Hence, the development midable team. and implementation of “The Succulents Support Programme” by Liska. In a similar You may wonder what the necessary skills manner, I was co-opted to join an internal are for being a psychometrist in this unit. A team in developing and facilitating FASD few adjectives that come to mind include workshops for Early Childhood Devel- being focussed, having excellent planning opment (ECD) practitioners at Technical and writing skills, being considerate and Vocational Education Training (TVET) col- having the ability to persevere. Focussed, leges. In doing so, both Liska and I were because you have a responsibility to en- “subtly” encouraged to “spread our wings”. able your client to achieve their best re- sults. Planning, because so much goes In hindsight, even though it was tough into preparing and conducting the assess- and stressful at times, we have realized ments. Writing skills, to present a true and that, in pushing ourselves and digging professional reflection of the results. Con- deep, we found pleasure and fulfillment sideration, to be empathetic towards your in the process. With three new projects client who may encounter hardships due to It involved assessing a total of 111 school launched and requiring our services, we FASD. And finally, perseverance to be pa- children on the West Coast and a further are confident in applying our expanded tient and encouraging, especially with our 55 babies at various 9-month clinics. Con- knowledge, experience and skills to the young clients. sidering the time, effort and sometimes benefit of our clients. We regard our- challenging surroundings and circum- selves fortunate to have opportunities to This blend of our personalities and skills stances that influence each assessment, become ever-evolving individuals and contributed to the unit successfully reach- this is certainly an accomplishment that we look forward to this new chapter in our ing our set targets for the financial year. are delighted to share. professional lives.

Support Session, during which time they receive much needed guidance, enabling Flourish and them to further support their child’s de- velopment. We are hopeful that this pro- thrive “little gramme will positively impact the lives of these children and accelerate their poten- succulents” tial. Through the development of the programme Written by: Liska Bunge I have learnt and gained a great deal of (Psychometrist, Head Office, knowledge and experience. However, this Bellville, Western Cape) does not begin to compare to the growth and dedication of Christel Botes (Project fter many months of meticulous flourish in harsh environments with mini- Coordinator) and the Community Workers, planning and preparation, Janu- mal rainfall. The programme is thus appro- Moira Prins and Muschke Hendriks. They ary 2020 marked the start of The priately named ‘The Succulents’ because, were handed the incredibly challenging A Succulents Support Programme just as succulents can flourish with a little undertaking of facilitating the programme (a.k.a. ‘Die Vetplantjies’) on FARR’s bit of rainwater, so too these children have at grassroots level. Even though it is no Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka project the ability to grow and prosper with a bit of easy task managing a programme for chil- sites (Western ). This pro- love, appropriate support and stimulation. dren with learning disabilities, they tackled gramme caters for children diagnosed the challenge head-on and have since ex- with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders The aim of the programme is to enable pressed gratitude for the learning incurred (FASD) and/or other learning disabilities. children to learn through play and improve and self-confidence gained. upon skills essential for formal schooling. At this point you might be wondering how The 32-week programme focuses on sev- As The Succulents Support Programme the name ‘The Succulents’ came about? en areas of development and is facilitated continues to grow, so we envisage that Well, succulents are well known for their in a group setting once per week. Par- through nurturing our “little succulents” will hardy nature and their ability to grow and ents are also invited to a monthly Parent thrive. So, stay tuned!

11 PROJEK: PROJECT: West Coast

Written by: Dr Leana Olivier and Meryll Smit (CEO & Project Coordinator, De Aar, Northern Cape) From humble beginnings to brighter futures ARR was established in 1997 pledged their support, thereby enabling enabled us to guide people living with to conduct FASD research in a FARR to set up and maintain the project. FASD, and their loved ones, community wine-farming area in the Western Subsequently the FARR-Joan Wertheim members, caregivers and professional FCape Province. Funded by the USA’s Centre has been serving the community service providers on the prevention and National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and for the past 19 years. The first coat of management of FASD within their own Alcoholism (NIAAA) and a grant from the paint was selected by community mem- communities. National Institute of Health (NIH), FARR bers, leading to the centre being called was tasked to complete this study (1997 “The Pink House”. To this day the centre Due to several international publications – 2005) and then close its doors. During is fondly clinging to its name and colour, and academic visits, the De Aar project this time, the District Manager of the De- symbolizing friendship, love, harmony is world-renowned. Of huge interna- partment of Health, Ms Mariëtte Eckhard, and peace. tional interest is the positive impact on raised her concern about the state of the health status and steep decrease in maternal and infant health in De Aar. Ap- From its humble beginnings as “just the number of babies born with FASD at proaching FARR, it became evident that a study site”, the De Aar Project has present. For this we salute our current these health challenges might be linked grown with baby steps to become one and past dedicated project staff and the to high levels of prenatal alcohol abuse of FARR’s mature flagship projects. It support provided by our loyal sponsors and possibly FASD. has laid the foundation for us to conduct such as Solar Capital, and a variety of on-going research and pilot many inno- local businesses who regularly contribute This led to the birth of the FARR project vative programmes such as the evidence towards the project. Without our clients, and the FASD prevalence study in De based Healthy Mother Healthy Baby© the mothers and the fathers as well as the Aar (2001 – 2002) which reported an Programme. This initiative now forms leaders in the communities that we serve, alarmingly high FASD rate. In true spirit the core of the prevention focus in all our our projects would have been mere of Ubuntu, a local businessman, Mr Ste- projects. plans on paper. Together we have learnt, phen Wertheimer and his family, offered together we have grown, and together we the use of the family home as a project Research findings and lessons learnt will continue to tackle the psycho-social centre. The Local Emthanjeni Munic- from our most valuable stakeholders, and other challenges to create a brighter ipality, Departments of Health, Social being our FARR clients, have been the and better future for the optimal growth Development, Education and Correction- blueprint for establishing projects in and well-being of the precious new gen- al Service, as well as local businesses other provinces. This knowledge has eration in De Aar.

12 PROJECT: West Coast and innovative ideas, like the “Do You A tree Have 3 Minutes?” programme and the FARR gaming project. Hayley and Elloise won’t grow have been invaluable on not only the West Coast project, but they have been able without to lend their expertise and experience to roots other projects as well. There may be a new grey hair or two, but the team has grown to wear many hats. Not only have they been performing brief Written by: Jaco Louw (Project Coordinator, Vredenburg, Western Cape) motivational interviewing, handled the administration and running of a randomised ooking at the picture accompanying after year. Starting off with the prevalence control trial, they also assisted with research this article, it is difficult to not feel study, a new project coordinator and fresh in many other project sites. Furthermore, a sense of déjà vu. These faces community workers had to hit the ground they are active in speaking to at least 3 L have been in many articles and running and learn on the go. Moving on 000 community members a year, always for good reason! The West Coast project to the Healthy Mother Healthy Baby© sharing the message that no alcohol is safe has been ongoing for six years and is fast Programme, as with all projects, the at any time during pregnancy. approaching its seventh. We have said unexpected happened more often than goodbye to two colleagues in the interim, not, and we had to turn to our colleagues The seed in the West Coast was the FARR but these three faces have been around for assistance and advice. By the end of 3–year intervention model, and from those since the beginning. the HMHB© Programme it was veteran deep roots we have grown the branches of community workers who took the next step enhanced universal intervention, research Jaco, Hayley and Elloise all started in in the growth of the West Coast project. into remediation for FASD and models for 2013, but their longevity does not speak ensuring sustainability of interventions. to stagnation. The West Coast project With such a strong foundation the West We cannot wait to see what will sprout brighter futures has been changing and growing year Coast area has been a pilot site for new from the buds already forming in 2020. PROJECT: Accelerated Upington progress in Written by: Grace Humphreys the Progress (Project Coordinator, Upington Project) Community

n 2016 FARR rolled out its Healthy FARR on a door-to-door campaign to inform 25 clients another 47 new beneficiaries Mother Health Baby© Programme to the Progress community about FASD. This were added to the programme. Our pa- three Upington clinics i.e. Pabalello, collaborative initiative resulted in us reach- tience, care and tenacity eventually paid ILouisvaleweg and Rosedale. After two ing more than 350 households on the day. off. We can therefore proudly say that our years a need was identified to expand the efforts propelled accelerated growth in the To reinforce the FASD prevention message, programme to two more clinics, i.e. in the number of clients. Progress in “Progress” FARR and the Northern Cape Alcohol and Raaswater and Progress neighbourhoods, indeed! Drug Office (NADO) also co-hosted an respectively. awareness walk for our pregnant clients. Due to increased awareness in the area, Even though the Progress area has almost The event took place in the Upington CBD many pregnant women now approach the 10 times more residents than Raaswater, on 13 September 2019. While being escort- community workers to became part of the ed through town by the South African Police the programme initially struggled to take HMHB© Programme. This creates an op- Service (SAPS), the group sang songs and off. Quitting is however never an option at portunity for FARR to empower them to put engaged with the public. Afterwards our the growth and wellbeing of their unborn FARR and subsequently it was decided to clients were treated with a hearty meal and children above everything else. To all these host our main awareness event, being Inter- goodie bags, which were sponsored by the wonderful women: We salute you! national FASD Day, at the Progress clinic on Department of Social Development. 9 September 2019. This event was a huge To all our partners, the Progress communi- success as more than 100 people from the These two interventions proved to be “just ty and our clients: Thank you for your un- Departments of Health and Social Develop- the right medicine” for our initiative in the failing cooperation and continuous support. ment, SAPS and various local NGO`s joined Progress area. From an initial enrolment of Together we can make a difference!

13 PROJECT: Hanover Sisterhood Solidified Written by: Portia Tyibela (Community Worker, Hanover, Northern Cape)

began my journey at FARR in 2017. My aim with this group is therefore to teach school to join the mentorship programme. Initially I stayed in a hostel in town them to love and respect themselves and They decided to leave the group. In my and it was here that I first came into others. To learn to do so, we engage in heart I knew they would be back. And, as Icontact with a group of young girls with, various activities such as talking about im- predicted, they returned a few weeks later. and amongst whom, I would experience a portant aspects of life. They enjoy cutting They apologized for being unreasonable unique sisterhood. This is our story……. pictures from magazines and using them and said they realised they were also that to tell their personal stories. The enjoyment young when they started. The also realised During my work with pregnant woman, I wit- of using pictures breaks the formality and how much the group had helped them and nessed the high rate of teenage pregnancy seriousness. However, some intense top- now proudly share their knowledge and in the Hanover community. This bothered me ics are also discussed, and they are given advice with the younger girls. This expe- and I decided to explore the situation. I found an opportunity to speak their hearts out and rience solidified in me the value of these that in most cases pregnancies were an in- release their stress. Afterwards the girls group engagements. I was overjoyed! direct result of peer pressure and a desire to give each other hugs. We then take turns fit in. To fulfil this intense desire to fit in, these to form a circle around one girl and each We also engage in fun activities such as young girls would participate in activities tell her what we love about her. The power sports, singing and spiritual dancing. Be- which made them uncomfortable, such as a compliment holds, is amazing! fore dance practice we say a prayer to drinking alcohol and having unprotected sex. connect with God and in that moment, The feeling of shame that followed because As certain girls struggle with reading, we they appear at their calmest. They often of the unwanted pregnancy often resulted in visit the library as often as possible to take perform at functions and I might be biased, some of them quitting school. out books. We started off the reading ses- but to me they look like little angels as they sions by having them listen to stories being sing and dance in front of the audience. To I had a strong desire to work with the teen- read to them, and thereafter discussing the relax, we watch movies and do fun girly age girls in the community and was very content. This was done to sharpen their things together such as make-overs and grateful when FARR gave me the oppor- listening skills and to encourage a love for polishing each other’s nails. Every month tunity to initiate a mentorship programme. reading. Initially they were shy and reluc- the girls bring a small donation and once I specifically chose to focus on the girls tant to read for fear of being ridiculed. How- we have enough funds, we go to the park residing in the hostel. As the adjustment ever, rules were put in place and all agreed and have some delicious snacks, of which from farm life to living in town is vast, I rec- that no one was to laugh at any one when chocolate cake is always a must. ognised that it caused a lack of confidence making a mistake. Instead they had to help in them. I felt there was a need for a men- each other by offering a correction once The girls and I have built a strong relation- tor in their lives as they were away from done reading. It was also agreed that if ship and they know that I am there when- home and their families. anyone laughed, they would have to wash ever they need to talk. Like any relation- the school uniform of the girl they laughed ship we sometimes have disagreements, What you should remember is that these girls at, as punishment. I am happy to report that but we always find a way to work it out. do not come from wealth and there seems the girls are now more confident to read Overall, the girls care deeply for each oth- to be a belief amongst them that you need in front of the group and are reading with er and their relationships have grown so to have something to be someone. They be- greater understanding. much that they have become close friends lieve, to be accepted, a person should wear and form a special sisterhood. I always branded clothing and look and behave in a At the beginning of 2020 we experienced remind them to never try to be someone certain manner. This however makes build- a bit of a challenge when the older girls did else, because no one is better than the ing their confidence particularly difficult. not want the girls who had just started high original you!

14 PROJECT: Renosterberg Walking this path together Written by: Charlene Grobbelaar (Project Coordinator, Renosterberg, Northern Cape)

ARR’s Renosterberg project can “Goggo’s” in Philipstown participated in a Bukiwe Williams and Leonora Mouers ex- look back on a year packed with session which focussed on overcoming plained many practical ways in which men exciting events which fostered con- negative past experiences and moving can support their pregnant partners. The Sisterhood Solidified Fstructive community participation. These forward with a positive outlook. It was en- day concluded with the painting and dec- events took place in Keurtjiekloof, Petrus- thusiastically presented by our community orating of stones, symbolizing men as the ville and Philipstown and were funded by worker, Monize Smeer. After dealing with “rock” in the family. Scatec Solar. It included youth, men and this intense topic, all eased into a creative As per usual, with 9 September being Inter- grandmothers (“Goggo’s”) from these crafting session. Each “Goggo” made a national FASD Day, we took to the streets communities. The motivation for hosting beautiful motivational bookmark for them- of our three communities to create aware- these events centered around increasing selves. The back of the bookmark listed some tips on how to manage hurtful expe- ness. We used this opportunity to call on knowledge about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum the community members of Keurtjiekloof, Disorders (FASD) and encouraging par- riences, while the front inspired with a mo- tivational quote. It was clear that the ladies and Philipstown to continue to ticipants to share ideas on how they, as enjoyed this interactive and fun event. walk this path with us, to not get tired of a community, can help to curb the prob- spreading the prevention message and to lem of alcohol abuse, especially during Another highlight was an event held in “Say No to Alcohol and Yes to Your Baby”. pregnancy. These gatherings furthermore Petrusville especially for men. The theme The wonderful participation by the com- allowed community members to interact, of the day emphasized the crucial role that munity and their enthusiasm during these to develop new friendships and even grow men fulfil in supporting their partners and events fills us with new strength and invig- their networks of support. families. Our two Community Workers, orates us in our strive!

15 UNIT: M&E “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement and success have no meaning”

Benjamin Franklin

Growing impact assessment possibilities Written by: Debbie Acker (M&E Officer, Head Office, Bellville, Western Cape)

ince the establishment of the programme. Simultaneously an audit of the need to be trained in Maternal Interviewing, FARR M&E Unit, just over 18 HMHB© Programme at all projects was which is conducted after the completion of months ago, it has shown mean- completed. These findings were instru- the medical examinations. Supplementary Singful growth in terms of monitoring and mental in the complete revision and update to this, a standardized operational proce- evaluating the progress and effectiveness of the Standard Operational Procedures for dure and training manual was developed to of programmes and interventions offered the HMHB© Programme. Going forth, the steer new project staff on how to present at the various Project Offices. HMHB© audit will be an annual process to FASD Awareness talks to members of their allow for relevant updates. local communities. The first steps towards the use of refined M&E tools within FARR, comprised of the Another milestone that was reached en- Through continued monitoring and retro- monthly monitoring of progress in terms of tailed the development of an operational spective assessment, the M&E unit will recruitment and projected target attainment, procedure guideline to standardize the guide FARR towards optimal growth. Infor- related to the Healthy Mother Healthy Baby© implementation of Prevalence Studies at mation gathered will be utilized to demon- Programme (HMHB©) at the Project Offices new Projects. This includes an electronic strate the valuable contributions of FARR in where this Programme is implemented. The training package for new project staff who the communities that we are serving. “Target Monitoring and Calculation Tool” that was developed, proved to be a valuable Project Management tool. The application of the M&E tool together with the dedica- Enrolment Risk Groups Total number recruited: 835 tion and hard work of our community work- Enrolment Risk Groups Total numberRetention recruited: rate: 835 Retention rate: ers, ensured that the HMHB© targets at all Enrolment Risk Groups Total Totalnumber number recruited: recruited: 835 835 Low riskEnrolment Risk GroupsModerate risk RetentionTotal number rate: recruited: 835 Low(Gr1): risk Enrolment RiskModerate Groups(Gr2): risk Retention rate: project sites were fully met for 2019/2020. (Gr1): (Gr2): Retention rate: Low risk Moderate risk Low risk Moderate risk Please see figure included here. (Gr1): (Gr2): Dropout: (Gr1):Low risk Moderate(Gr2): risk Completed:Completed: Dropout: (Gr1): (Gr2): # false alarm # false alarm # absconded / moved# absconded / not / moved / not Completed: Dropout: In addition, the HMHB© data collection tool Completed: interested# false alarmDropout:interested Completed: # pregnancyDropout:# complicationsfalse alarm # absconded# false /alarm moved# pregnancy / not complications # absconded / moved / not was revised and updated in collaboration interested# absconded / moved / not interested # pregnancyinterested complications # pregnancy complications with the FARR Research Unit. It was un- # pregnancy complications Busy with theBusy program: with the program: dertaken to ensure the collection of useful Pending recruitment:Pending Busy with the program: and accurate data which informs the evalu- Pending0 recruitment: BusyBusy with with the theprogram: program: High risk 0 (Gr3 +High Gr4): risk recruitment:PendingPending ation and assessment of the impact of this recruitment: High risk(Gr3 + Gr4): 0 recruitment: 0 (Gr3 +High HighGr4): risk risk 0 (Gr3(Gr3 + + Gr4): Gr4):

GRANT ANALYSIS 2018/2019 UNIT: Finance

Discovery Trust Interest Income Cheil SA Ad Hoc SA Mainstream Compiled by: 3% 2% 1% 1% Wiphold Trust 4% 1% Angelique Rossouw AACF 4% (Chief Financial Officer) Scatec (Tshikululu) MSDF 32% 4% The chart illustrates

DSD-WC FARR’s funding received 6% in 2019/2020. FARR has worked tirelessly to reach stability by acquiring fund- Distell 8% ing from various sources. This enables us to secure our future for at least the Aware.org SAB/ABInbev 13% next 12 months. We wish 9% Solar Capital to sincerely thank all our 12% generous sponsors. Copyright FARR 2012. Presentation contains unpublished and confidential information and can therefore not be used for any other purpose or by any other user. 16 Like oxygen to communities Written by: Marietjie Mouton (Training & HR Officer, Head Office, Bellville, Western Cape)

orking for FARR as a Human working for a Non-Profit Organisation. You selfcare training. Both these presenters Resources Officer and a training pray for a suitable candidate who will fit complimented FARR on the excellent facilitator is a true privilege. In my the criteria. And then, with the closing date team of community workers. W position as the HR Officer I find fast approaching and discouragement that one of the most important functions is looming, your prayers are answered! Next Even with the temptations of many ex- the recruitment and appointment of new staff is the interviews, and this is often where citing activities on offer at the resort, all displayed total commitment to the training members. When doing so for FARR project the magic happens. It is here that I ex- sessions and long hours. However, during sites, our policy is to recruit persons who perience a WOW moment time-after-time, their limited free time they made full use reside within these communities. Therefore, as we meet candidates with a true passion of the facilities such as the swimming being blessed with three new projects i.e. for their community. It is always very grat- pools, waterslides, jacuzzi etc. At the end in Graaff-Reinet, Kirkwood and Britstown, it ifying to welcome capable, energetic and of the week all were in agreement that it was a highlight of my year to be a part of the dedicated people to the FARR family. process to appoint staff members. was time well spent. During the final ses- FARR’s annual community workers’ train- sion, the ladies expressed not only expe- Initially it was interesting and disconcerting ing session which took place during Feb- riencing personal growth, but also forging to note that most of the applicants did not ruary 2020 at Goudini, Rawsonville was a formidable bond and new friendships fit the stipulated criteria. This demonstrated another invigorating experience. Of the 20 amongst each other. the severe lack of employment opportuni- community workers who attended, eight ties in our rural towns. Most applicants are In conclusion, FARR staff members al- were “brand new” appointees. Within a young and have no work experience, whilst ways remind me of Psalm 1, referring to blink of an eye they were part of the team. some are highly educated with degrees, those who take delight in the Lord, being The week’s programme was jam-packed and willing to accept an entry level position. like trees planted along the riverbank and and included two external facilitators, i.e. It is heart breaking to set these CV’s aside. bearing fruit each season. Their leaves Ms Amanda Swanepoel from Bright Star never wither, and they prosper in all they As you work through the applications, you Lifestyle presented their “First Light” Pro- do. FARR staff members can be likened continue to hope that one or two CV’s re- gramme and Ms Marietjie Bezuidenhout to oxygen-producing trees, bringing hope fer to experience in community work or from PROCARE presented trauma and and growth to our communities.

Written by: coordinator was subsequently tasked to receptionist, Ms Heirene Coert. She began Estelle Pillay, manage a core team to develop Stan- her journey with FARR amidst a hectic start Administration dard Operating Procedures, or “SOP’s” to the year. Heirene had to “hit the ground Coordinator, as we refer to it, within the various units. running” as, soon after her appointment we Head Office, The SOP’s refer to step-by-step guides hosted our annual Strategic Operational Bellville, that set out a clear description and se- Planning (SOP) Session (not to be confused Western Cape) quential flow of tasks for each operation. with the procedures referred to above), with It prevents misconceptions of responsi- all project and unit coordinators gathering at bilities and provides new appointees with our Head Office. In addition, the launch of clarity and reassurance. three prevalence studies were to follow, with a myriad of items and documents, corporate KEEP CALM Initially the process was quite a learning clothing and stationery etc. which had to be curve for all involved. The team brain- distributed to get the teams ready for their and let the Admin stormed various formats and reference task. With her friendly demeanour and help- systems. As we went along, the complex- ful nature Heirene has already proven to be Unit handle it! ity of the task became almost overwhelm- a real trooper and a true asset to not only ing at times. The team however “bit the here is never a dull moment in the the admin team, but also to the organisa- bullet” to come up with suitable solutions. FARR admin unit. Working in an tion. This exercise continues to be a learning organisation which has grown ex- experience as it highlights gaps in proce- Our admin unit can look back on a year in Tponentially over the last few years, has dures and forces lateral thinking to secure which we demonstrated our ability to adapt, resulted in admin procedures and func- improvements. Although there is still a lot could learn from new experiences and tions having to keep up. This has certain- of work to be done, we have made excel- continued to deliver a high-quality support ly kept us on our toes! lent progress in completing crucial SOP’s. function in an ever-evolving environment. With many additional actions also re- I believe that we have the right mindset to We will continue to approach our work with quired from units, the CEO felt it crucial make this process a successful one. dedication and determination. KEEP CALM for the organisation to be clear on all and let the Admin Unit handle it! This is our On 13 January 2020 we welcomed our new project and unit procedures. The admin motto, and this is how we roll!

17 UNIT: Training Academy At the beginning of 2020 plans came to- gether to reflect on the “harvest” by recog- nizing the excellent collaboration with the TVET colleges, the fruitful participation of the students and the overall success of these sessions. On 6 February 2020, a prestigious certificate ceremony was host- ed at the Chrystal Towers Hotel in Century City, . Once again aware.org helped to make this event a proud reality and we were also graced with the pres- ence of their CEO, Ms. Ingrid Louw. Coor- dinators from the respective ECD units at the colleges, lecturers as well as student representatives attended and had the op- portunity to share their perspective of the value that the workshops added. There was no denying from the podium: All found “Don’t judge each day the workshops to be tremendously em- Seeds by the harvest that you powering, and simultaneously a cry went reap, but by the seeds out by all for more funding to be channeled sprouting in that you plant” to this purpose. FARR is extremely proud to have been the ECD sector Robert Louis Stevenson instrumental in planting these “seeds” of knowledge, insight and skills, and to see Written by: Charnine Sobey (Training Coordinator, Head Office, Bellville, Western Cape) it come to fruition in the ECD practitioners. Just before the lockdown stopped us in our he first seed in a new venture for participants with not only information, but tracks, we had reached 690 students and FARR was planted during Pres- also with tools and practical techniques to hosted 28 sessions. We look forward to ident Ramaphosa’s State of the manage FASD and behavioural challeng- achieving our target of 800 and resuming NationT Address (SONA) in 2019. At the es within an ECD classroom. Hence, a the ECD workshops as soon as regula- time he pertinently elevated the impor- basic toolkit was identified, procured and tions allow. Our hope remains that FARR tance of establishing Early Childhood De- packaged for hand-out to each participant. will be enabled to sow more of these seeds velopment (ECD) Centres and providing in future and for each ECD practitioner to training to ECD practitioners to a national The TVET colleges were very eager to continue to germinate and shine on our priority. participate, making it an absolute joy to children for a brighter future! liaise with the various identified coordi- Whilst the value of early childhood edu- nators and arranging dates, groups and cation cannot be overstated, it can almost venues. On 11 November 2019 three fa- be likened to water that initiates a seed’s cilitators set out to the Crawford Campus Training Initiatives: growth. Similarly, ECD centres offer nur- of the College of Cape Town, armed with April 2019 – March 2020 turing environments and provide learning loads of excitement, a dash of nerviness, opportunities for proverbial “strong roots” facilitator manuals, presentations, partici- FAStrap© Courses TOTAL: to sprout in terms of healthy physical, pant workbooks and of course, boxes filled Initiatives 11 Initiatives 1 000 with toolkits! Three workshops were host- socio-emotional, cognitive and motor de- Beneficiaries 218 Beneficiaries 16 946 velopment. Another important element to ed every day during that first week. What put this in motion is having qualified and a humbling experience it turned out to be. informed ECD practitioners who can be Facilitators found “fertile soil” in receptive Think Twice Workshops equated to the sunlight, beaming down participants who afterwards expressed Initiatives 10 with heat and light, and allowing these little their immense gratitude for the knowledge Beneficiaries 246 seeds to germinate and flourish. and insight gained. Some stated that they often contributed certain behaviours to the LoveChild Shows After the SONA the CEO explored fund- children “just being naughty”. They did Initiatives 7 ing opportunities for such an initiative not have the understanding that it may be Beneficiaries 737 and found a willing and eager sponsor caused by other factors such as prenatal Awareness Sessions in aware.org. This wonderful partnership alcohol exposure. Initiatives 141 allowed for 800 ECD practitioners to be Three more colleges were incorporated, i.e. Beneficiaries 3594 trained at Technical Vocational Education Professional Courses and Training (TVET) Colleges. The col- Boland, False Bay and Northlink with ses- Initiatives 10 leges were chosen as they are well orga- sions hosted in Khayelitsha, Goodwood, Beneficiaries 236 Health Promotion Talks nized, provide an ideal gateway to access Strand and Stellenbosch. Every session the practitioners and have existing training turned out to be a highlight for the facilita- Initiatives 791 facilities. tors as they were profusely thanked in word Beneficiaries 8907 and in writing. Many completed evaluation A core internal team consisting of the forms revealed a desperate plea for parents CEO, an occupational therapist, a psycho- and communities to also receive the train- metrist, social workers and a counselor ing and to be sensitized about the dangers Do You Have 3 Min sprang into action to develop a 90-minute of alcohol use during pregnancy. The reality No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. FASD causes permanent FASD awareness workshop. It was im- of the effects on children that they work with Initiatives 30 Beneficiaries 3008 portant to use this time effectively to equip daily, had set in. damage, but can be prevented by alcohol free pregnancies.

18 International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum 9 SEPTEMBER Disorder (FASD) Day

Background support of a pregnant friend or family What is the FASD prevention member. Also reflect on how you can message? In the late nineties, a group of biological and go about sharing this message with adoptive/foster parents in Canada and New friends and family. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Zealand got together to decide how best to with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) as the create awareness and share information • 09h09: Break the silence by ringing a most wellknown form of these disorders, is regarding the management of children with bell (or bells, e.g. church, school or hand the most common cause of permanent in- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) bells) thereby calling people to take ac- tellectual disability in the world. According across the globe. They were concerned tion in creating awareness about FASD, to the World Health Organization (WHO) about the lack of information regarding especially regarding the importance of the prevalence of FASD in the world is pro- FASD. An online parental support group alcohol-free pregnancies. jected to be 1,5%. South Africa has the was formed and this eventually led to the highest reported FASD prevalence rates • Encourage participants to wear the establishment of an International FASD day. in the word, with rates as high as 28% in FASD knot for the day and to share the The first International FASD Day was held some communities. It is estimated that our message with at least 9 other people, on 9 September 1999 (09/09/1999) and was country’s overall rate is at least 6%. such as colleagues/friends/family. also commemmorated in South Africa. FASD is caused when an unborn baby (fetus) is exposed to alcohol. The alco- What is the FASD knot? hol reaches the unborn baby through the Why 9 September? bloodstream of the mother and can cause The knot consists of a white rope tied in a damage to any of the baby’s organs. The The symbolism of 9 is very important, as a specific way, known as the reef knot or the brain is the most vulnerable organ. For this woman is normally pregnant for 9 months. Fisherman’s knot. The knot is worn on your reason, all children with FASD have some The number 9 is therefore fully utilised (the chest to raise awareness about FASD. form of permanent brain damage, present- 9th day of the 9th month at 09h00). ing as developmental delays, learning and The knot symbolises the following: behavioural problems. This is a lifelong condition and cannot be cured by medica- • The rope: Symbolises the umbilical th tion. What happens on the 9 cord whereby the unborn baby (fetus) of September? is supposed to receive nutritious food FASD is prevalent in all cultural, religious and not alcohol; and socio-economic groups. There are still Members of the public who are interest- many myths around FASD. Some peo- • The worn ends of the rope: Is a re- ed in raising awareness regarding FASD ple still believe, incorrectly, that a women minder of the damage that prenatal al- are requested to share the prevention must be an alcoholic to have a child with cohol use can cause to the central ner- message with small groups of friends/col- FASD. Research has shown that even light Think Twice Workshops vous system (brain) and other organs leagues or other community members in to medium alcohol intake has the potential of the unborn baby; doing the following: to cause harm. Therefore the prevention • Meet on 9 September at 09h00. • The knot: This type of knot (Fisher- message that must be spread is: man/Reef) is so strong that it will not • Hand out FASD knots, if available (or- break if traction is put on it, it will only FASD knots and Information Sheets: der packets of 9 knots from FARR, with pull tighter. This symbolizes the strong flags containing the FASD prevention support that we are supposed to give Can be ordered from the FARR Head Office in message). pregnant women to abstain from alco- Bellville, Cape Town. hol use; • Share a short FASD prevention message Contact: Estelle at: [email protected] or phone (See the standard message below). • The circle inside the knot: Symbol- her at: (021) 686-2646. izes the womb (uterus) of the pregnant The FASD knots, flags with information and • 09h08: Observe one minute of silence woman which should provide a safe en- Health Promotion Talks safety pins (to wear) cost R20 per packet (9 to think about individuals affected by vironment for the unborn baby, free of knots and messages included per packet). This FASD and their family/caregivers, as alcohol. well as one’s responsibility towards the excludes postage or courier costs.

No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. FASD causes permanent damage, but can be prevented by alcohol free pregnancies.

19 For more information contact us 021 686 2646 [email protected]

www.facebook.com/FoundationForAlcoholRelatedResearch/ www.farrsa.org.za 20