As in previous years, the main focus of ELCSA-DS’ activities has been on community oriented small-scale development activities that included agriculture and environment, self-help, the HIV/AIDS and water & sanitation programme.
The activities of this sector were meant to improve the food security of subsistence farmers and help them with drought resistant seeds, training on various improved agricultural practices and in some places assist with small-scale irrigation undertakings and encourage household gardening. From among these undertakings, the ELCSA-DS supported irrigation project in Vhembe district continues to be encouraging.
During the year, ELCSA-DS co-ordinators offices were responsible for monitoring 13 continuing and four new project groups in agricultural and environmental activities. A total of 62 female-headed households in Limpopo were supported in starting backyard gardens, while 74 subsistence farm households were provided with drought-resistant seeds. A total of 504 subsistence farmers were trained in crop and fruit production, plant disease control, animal feeding, breeding and poultry. It was reported that a total of 12 different training workshops and sessions were organized to help farmers in different project locations.
Feasibility studies were conducted on two small irrigation schemes. Due to financial constraints and the absence of a viable structure, these schemes were not implemented as envisaged.
In the area of environment, the focus was on raising awareness and the establishment of tree nurseries. Where possible the field officers also encouraged the establishment of orchards.
Initially, there were plans for a new water system and a borehole. Due to budgetary constraint and the failure of a certain school to secure the agreed matching fund from the Department of Education, the plans did not materialize.
Although the revised annual plan target was 355 VIP latrines, only 317 were installed. Side by side with the construction of the latrines, basic training in sanitation and hygiene, at community and school levels, was provided. The impact on the health status of the beneficiaries has been positive, particularly in the areas that have benefited both from the water and the VIP latrines projects.
In principle, the self-help project focus has been on organizing those identified as the beneficiaries in small groups and assisting them with projects that could create employment and generate income. During the year, all in all, over 30 on-going and new self-help projects were supported with material inputs and training. However, market access remains the major challenge for most self-help project initiatives. Not many new activities were initiated during the year. It is strongly felt that careful study and situation assessment should precede the selection process. Viable activities as well as the potential group for a self-help project must be identified with the utmost care. Overall, the plan is to focus on those who demonstrate potential to stand on their own in a relatively short time.Members of a self help project group processing sweets.Market Garden Project in Eastern Cape: Time to harvest!
ELCSA-DS literacy training activities have always been weak. In addition to lack of interest on the part of adult learners, the ELCSA-DS approach also lacked attractions.
During the year, 20 needy students identified and selected by their respective communities, were supported by ELCSA-DS to join a vocational training institution.
With staff Capacity Building, ELCSA-DS has encouraged and facilitated for many to take part in different workshops, exposure visits and training. In addition, four staff members were assisted with formal training at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
With Urban Community Development, as in the past, the involvement of ELCSA-DS was minimal. During the year, the Central Diocese of ELCSA, located in Soweto, utilized some of the earlier project funds to run a workshop on HIV-Aids. In addition, small assistance was given to The Baby Therapy Centre in Pretoria.
In previous years, the main emphasis has been on raising HIV & AIDS awareness through workshops. During the period under review, the programme also concentrated on training for home-based care and counselling. The workshops were held at community levels, projects sites and schools as well as with some pastors and youth in the church.
In 2002, having noted the magnitude of the problem,
ELCSA-DS started taking further steps to strengthen its HIV & AIDS programme.
A full time staff was added to the Co-ordination office in Polokwane. In all
the project areas, there have been quite a number of workshops for different
groups in the communities, churches and schools. The programme has also trained
a total of 168 volunteers in awareness as well as in home-based care &
counselling.
In many areas and where possible, ELCSA-DS worked closely with other local
organizations and the Department of Health. In close collaboration with the
Diocesan office in Polokwane, special workshops were organized for ELCSA youth
leaders and the pastors and their spouses.
The successful Ugandan HIV - AIDS campaign is recognised as being exemplary. In October 2002, ELCSA-DS sent a team of four to Uganda on a study tour. The team visited churches, NGO’s, parastatal organisations, AIDS information & counselling centres, government institutions and the LWF/DWS Programme. Upon its return, the team was involved in organizing a workshop for ELCSA youth leaders and the preparation of an HIV/AIDS Action Plan.
With increased involvement, the ELCSA-DS programme is reaching more and more
people, particularly the youth groups in churches, communities and in schools.
During the year, it was reported that the ELCSA-DS Polokwane and Kokstad offices
reached a total of 6,260 people with the HIV & AIDS awareness message
and the related issues. What is also promising is that field staff are noticing
a gradual change of attitude and behaviour, in the communities in which they
work.
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