Vision iThemba Lethu means ‘I have a destiny’

Our vision is to restore destiny to babies and children whose futures are at risk of being negatively impacted by the

effects of HIV/AIDS, in Cato Manor, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa.

Purpose We believe in restoring HOPE, and that every child has a DESTINY (noun, defined as your future or the pre-ordained

path of your life). Our main objective is to enable each baby, child and/or young person that we engage with, to

know and understand their true self worth and value, in order to live triumphantly with a hope-filled future.

Interventions iThemba Lethu implements three HIV Prevention Programmes:

1. The HIV Prevention Programme which invests in youth and families who are at high risk of having their

future negatively impacted by HIV/AIDS;

2. The Family Integration Programme assists the process of integrating orphaned, vulnerable and

abandoned babies/children (OVC) into suitable permanent family environments;

3. The Breastmilk Bank, assists in providing optimal nutrition for the OVC babies in the transition homes.

Why 3 ribbons? The three unfurled ribbons depict unravelled AIDS knots, which symbolise the open-ended and positive influence we

can have on those threatened by effects HIV/AIDS, in order to live in the fullness of their true destiny. The three

different coloured ribbons represent our three programmes i.e. red for HIV Prevention Programme, orange for the

Family Integration Programme and blue for the Breastmilk Bank.

Registration details Non-Profit Registration 014-699 NPO

Public Benefit Number 18 11 13 725

Vat Registration 4210213650

Contact details Tel: +27 (0) 31 261 7723

Fax: +27 (0) 31 261 1351

info@ithembalethu.org.za

www.ithembalethu.org.za

@iThembaLethuDbn

iThembaLethuDbn - FB

ithemba_lethu - Instagram

Offices:

Mayville Library Complex, Cato Manor

Manor Gardens, Durban

Postal address:

PO Box 41138

Rossburgh

4072

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

I know the plans I have for you – Jeremiah 29 v 11

Chairperson’s Report

2015 was a significant transition year for iThemba Lethu with the leadership being passed on from Professor Anna

Coutsoudis to Mark Slaughter, who are both on eldership at Glenridge Church.

My husband, Nick and I, together with a team of eight other wildly passionate community developers, founded

iThemba Lethu in 2000. In early 2015 after 15 years at the helm, I felt that my season of leading the organization

was drawing to a close. Giving God thanks for His plans that came to fruition thorough the work of our hands,

facilitating 88 life changing adoptions during my term in office, as well as recognizing that a solid foundation for HIV

Prevention through behavioural change, with pre-adolescent youth and their respective families in the community of

Cato Manor, had been established, impacting over 10,308 learners and 19,544 respective family members. I

conceded this was an ideal time to hand over the baton to a more business minded leader to take iThemba Lethu into

the new landscape of enterprise development, job creation and entrepreneurship.

Mark Slaughter was appointed as the new Chairperson for iThemba Lethu on 23 July 2015, along with five new Board

Members and two former Board Members. The team comprises of various complimentary skill sets including business

and enterprise development, public health, community facilitation, psycho social training, BEEE/CSI experts and a

former staff member.

Mark said of Anna, at the Board Inauguration Dinner held in September 2015, “What a privilege and responsibility to

lead the new iThemba Lethu Management Team. The plight of the orphans and the poor are so close to the heart of

God; the needs of these precious people are huge, especially in South Africa, but here is the joy; to partner with God

in a very real way and to extend his kingdom in a very practical way by helping those less fortunate than ourselves. I

have very great shoes to fill, Anna is a lady of great faith and great capacity and most importantly she loves God with

all her heart. I trust that we will continue the outstanding work of those before us, stand on their shoulders and play

our part in the continued iThemba Lethu dream - in God we all have a great destiny”

On behalf of the outgoing and incoming Board members, staff, children and communities we invest in, we express

our sincere thanks to all our long term financial partners, corporate sponsors and the many generous, individual

donors. As well the plethora of in-kind donations and services received, in addition to the wonderful volunteers and

community service students, who have given of themselves and their time to invest on our work. We would also like

to acknowledge the unfailing support from our home church, Glenridge.

Please note: A comprehensive list of all our financial donors, partners, in-kind donations and volunteers is posted

online www.ithembalethu.org.za

We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the commitment of our people. The Family Integration

Team for nurturing the 17 vulnerable babies/children in the homes last year; the HIV Prevention Team who instilled

values of identity and self worth into 946 school learners, their respective families and community members of Cato

Manor; our Breastmilk Bank ambassadors for screening 62 local donor moms who donated 212 litres of breast milk, in

addition to the 51 litres received from Ibmp, USA, that

was used for the health and well being of seven babies

in the transition homes. To the Marketing Team who

shared our stories, raised awareness of our work and

generated funds, Administration & Finance Teams for

ensuring we delivered reports on time and kept good

corporate governance; and finally to our outgoing and

current Board Members for seeking God’s face for His

wisdom, plans and purposes for the work of our hands!

Warm regards,

Mark Slaughter & Anna Coutsoudis

Organisational Structure

GOD'S PURPOSE & PLANS

Membership:

Glenridge Church Eldership

Board Members:

Gary Van Vuuren (Treasurer), Kudzai Mqingwana, Lihle Qulu, Marc Matthews, Mark Slaughter (Chairperson), Monty Thomas,

Thuthukile Mkhize and Toby Rochat (Administration)

Programmes Co-ordinator

Marketing

Fundraising & Donor Relations

Communication & Social Media

Networking & building partnerships

Report Writing

Operations

HIV Prevention Programme -

Schools [Life Skills] Parent/Caregivers [Empowerment]

Family Integration Programme - Adoptions &

Reunifications [OVC] Home School [ECD]

Breastmilk Bank

Volunteers & Community Service

Administration

Office & Financial Administrator

KNH (Donor) Administrator

Social Worker

Monitoring & Evaluation

Standard Operating Procedures &

Policies

27 11

Staff Matters

In 2015 the iThemba Lethu Staff Team comprised of:

34 full-time staff

4 part-time staff

Administration & Finance Team:

Programme Co-ordinator/Marketing – Karen Brokensha

Office & KNH Administrator – Jenny Jansen van Rensburg

Financial Administrator/Bookkeeper – Joelle Gibson

Social Worker – Brenda Cooper

HIV Prevention Team:

Team Leaders – Andile Simelane, Zama Gumede

Youth Workers - Akhona Mpengesi, Ayanda Sehiea, Busisiwe

Hlongwa, Lindokuhle Nkabini, Lineo Mbatha, Lungile

Mnganga, Nkanyiso Mngadi, Ntsika Cele, Samkelisiwe Jali,

Sindiswe Zulu, Siboniso Zikonjwa, Sibusiso Thusi, Siyabonga

Ngiba, Wendy Buso, Zukile Moto

Parent Team Leader – Ndondo Ngcobo

Parent Workers - Fikile Zulu, Mondli Ngubane, Sifiso Zulu,

Zukiswa Ndyalivane

Family Integration Programme Team:

Team Leader – Jenny Jansen van Rensburg

Home staff – Elizabeth Holley, Cheryl Marsh, Ndondo

Ngcobo, Eunice Blose, Mercy Velecheni, Harriet Shirichena

Mamsie Ngcobo, Maureen Mbanjwa, Penny Khumalo,

Caroline Potifara, Iris Mbanjwa, Sandile Mkhize

Breastmilk Bank Administrator:

Joelle Gibson

Staff Training & Development:

To minimize compassion fatigue, develop skills, self leadership, and build team spirit, we facilitated various training

sessions throughout the year and these included:

iThemba Lethu Values – Shaun Baxendale

Teambuild - Amawundlu

Culture of Honour – Paul Spooner

HIV Education – Dr Beth Spooner

Report Writing – Zama Gumede

Enterprise Development – Roy Hockey

Glenridge Church Values – Ryan Matthews

Self Leadership – Drew Land

Restoration – Vuzi Kwayama

Taking Ownership – Nontabiso Mthembu

Valentines Breakfast

Self Defense Training

Team build - Easter Egg Hunt

Team build with Overlake Church USA

Leadership Development – Edge Training

SWOT Analysis/Mid Year Reflection

KNH Report Writing – Thandanani

Personal Coaching – Sam Thornton

ECD training – Mes Amis Manna

Media and Marketing Relations – Soul Action

Strengthening Partnerships – Cato Manor ABM

Visit to City Art Gallery

Facilitation Training – Patrick and Shannon Kenny (Mixed

Media)

Personal Success Training – Catalyst Coaching

Mandela Day Projects

HIV Team Staff Retreat to Drakensburg

NPO Know how: Finances

Year End Fun in the Sun at uShaka and Afro’s Chicken

During the year we continued to collaborate and network with Soul Action, The Gatekeeper Foundation and Kindernothilfe through their training sessions and collaborating with their other local partners. We also encouraged staff to study part-time towards diplomas/degrees/drivers licenses etc and allocate an additional 10 days study leave each year.

Submitted by Karen Brokensha Programmes Co-ordinator

One body, many parts 1 Corinthians 12

Youth School Activities:

a) Classroom Curriculum 1.5 hrs per week

b) One-on-One Meetings c) Youth Clubs x 1 hour per week

d) Holiday Workshops 3 days x 2 p/a

e) Peer to Peer Leadership Development

Parent/Caregiver Auxiliary Programme

f) Home Visits to learner families

g) Parent/Caregiver Workshops x 10 p/a

Teaching Life Skills to youth

The aim of this school-based, behavioural change

intervention is to reduce HIV infection rates amongst pre-

adolescent young people in Cato Manor, by reducing their risk-

taking behaviour in general. The motivation for change has to be

the realisation of self–value and destiny. This provides a

backdrop against which HIV/AIDS education can then have a positive effect on their behaviour and lifestyle.

To ensure the sustainability of this behavioural change, the programme is holistic and includes an additional focus

area, namely strengthening existing family structures in the community, by equipping their parents/caregivers

in their role of supporting the positive changes in behaviour to create a safe and loving home environment.

In 2015 we started our seventh - five year cycle of the HIV Prevention Programme into two grade 5 primary

schools in Cato Manor. We continued the programme into one grade 6 and four grade 7 schools respectively. The

staff compliment remained the same with two Youth Leaders and 14 Youth Workers (male and female per grade)

implementing the Life Orientation programme into seven grades as detailed below.

Summary of Schools Implementation Plan 2015:

Quarterly modules of the Behavioural Change Curriculum:

Module 1: Understanding your value

The aim is to teach young people that they are intrinsically

valuable and that their life has worth. No external factors or

experiences can decrease their value because they have a

specific destiny. In light of this destiny, they need to make

wise decisions so they can reach their full potential.

Module 2: Understanding the value of others

Children are exposed to a bombardment of false truths and

unrealistic portrayals of what constitutes acceptable behaviour

in relationships. They receive conflicting messages: on the one

hand, a deadly HIV/AIDS epidemic, whilst on the other hand,

promiscuity being heralded as glamorous and sophisticated by

the media and societal norms.

Module 3: Understanding sexuality, HIV and AIDS

The message that young people receive about appropriate

sexual behaviour is distorted and ultimately detrimental to their

health. The curriculum challenges negative peer pressure to

engage in ‘socially accepted’ and yet physically and emotionally

damaging sexual behaviour.

Module 4: Orientation towards the future

This gives young people the opportunity to consider aspects of

their future, including life skills, preparation for further study,

investigating career paths and general life orientation, thereby

increasing their exposure to opportunities for employment and

economic empowerment

School Cycle Duration of Cycle Grade Approx. no of Learners

Nsimbini Primary 7 2015 – 2019 5 (ABC) 113

Cato Crest Primary 7 2015 – 2019 5 (NVS) 202

HP Ngwenya Primary 6 2014 – 2018 6 (AB) 93

HP Ngwenya Primary 5 2013 – 2017 7 (AB) 94

Mayville Primary 5 2013 – 2017 7 140

Nsimbini Primary 5 2013 – 2017 7 138

Cato Crest Primary 5 2013 – 2017 7 (F,SP) 166

Total: 4 Schools 3 Cycles 3 Grades 946 *

Summary of Holiday Workshops:

We hosted two, three-day Holiday Workshops to provide a secure edutainment environment to reiterate lessons/values and principals learned in the first and last 6 months of the year as follows:

Dates Grade Attendance Theme Outcome

24 – 26 July 2015 5 & 6 750 The hero in me Reminding learners that they are valuable, unique and can excel despite adversity

24 – 26 July 2015 7 891 The story behind the story “Udaba Odabesi” Teaching learners the importance of reasoning before making decisions

9 – 11 Dec 2015 5 & 6 447 I have a destiny

Reiterated values of learners through dance, drama and discussion, that the change starts with them “Be the change where you are”

9 – 11 Dec 2015 7 495 Reflections Recap of values learned in years 1 – 3 (Grade 5 – 7) to guide/inspire and prepare them for high school

Summary of the Annual Peer to Peer Leadership Development Camp:

35 learners from each grade were selected to participate in our Leadership Development Initiative. They were

selected for their positive/negative influence over their peers and form a significant control measure in the community when iThemba Lethu is not present i.e. evenings, weekends, school holidays and past grade 9.

Dates Grade Attendance Theme Outcome

25 – 27 Sept 2015 5 & 6 103 Educating & changing young minds

The leaders learned they have the power, strength and knowledge to liberate themselves from negative thoughts

25 – 27 Sept 2015 7 138 I know who I am

The learners were empowered to understand that their “rights” which does not give them permission to do anything that they want

How do we know we are making a difference? #onelifeatatime

Feedback from past & present learners on our schools HIV Prevention Programme: This is Senzo and his team leader Sibo He started our programme in 2009 (grade 5) and exited in 2013 (grade 9). Sibo, his Youth Worker met him in his first year at high school (2011) where he was experiencing peer pressure from older boys, who were his friends. He had neglected what he had learned in his first three years with iThemba Lethu and had started smoking, bunked classes from time to time, lost respect for others at school and at home, and was performing poorly in his school work. Sbo had several one on one meeting’s with him, discussing various issues in an attempt to help him end his bad habits. He finally opened up and shared all his struggles which was a big step towards making progress for him. He admitted that he needed help, and wanted to be accountable to walk out of this situation They had regular meetings and set some practical steps for him to avoid getting into bad company which corrupted his character, and to ensure his academic progress. He slowly recovered and seemed to focus on his school work again. He consistently expressed his gratitude to us (iThemba Lethu) and was given the opportunity to speak at our 2014 Annual General Meeting. He is now doing grade 11. He is doing very well at home too. He never went back to his old bad habits, but instead is helping other boys who are through the same struggles.

Meet Ndabezinhle

He is a 15 year old boy from Wiggins Secondary School. He didn't believe in going to school or getting an education because of his family background. Every time he was sent to school he would hide under the trees until school was out. His iThemba Lethu Youth Worker, Nkanyiso noticed his school attendance was inconsistent and so reported the matter to the iThemba Lethu Parent Worker Team.

They visited his home, only to find out that his parents were not aware of his behavior. Nkanyiso, spoke to the boy, encouraged, mentored and convinced him that his background does not have to determine his future.

Ndabe is now optimistic about his future and believes that he can influence his family. He is so

thankful to iThemba Lethu for investing in him.

My name is Khulekani

I was a student in Cato Crest Primary School and Zukile was my Youth Worker. I was in the iThemba Lethu programme since 2013. I had many challenges in my life and I didn't understand why most of things that I do not like were happening to me. That led me to being rebellious and disrespectful to teachers at school. But having iThemba Lethu Youth Workers at school was a good thing in my life. They were always advising and guiding me to make better choices. I have learnt a lot from iThemba Lethu and I hope they will carry on and help others like me. Thank you!

This is Kholeka,

She was in grade 5 at Nsimbini Primary in 2015.

She had a very sickly mother who was bed ridden. She was very stressed about the situation, isolated herself from her peers, and didn’t play with other kids during break.

She was constantly depressed. We are happy to report that her mother is getter better now.

“Kholeka is much happier now and she plays with her friends Neliswa and Nosipho. She is very helpful and her teachers say she is reliable” said Samkelisiwe, her Youth Worker

Meet Thabiso He is grade 6 C at Nsimbini Primary School. He is a good student (and entertainer). Thabiso say’s the iThemba Lethu has impacted his life a lot making him a better student then he was in grade 5 when he first entered the programme. He acknowledged he was troublesome at times but now teachers don’t shout at him as often and he is a changing young man. The programme has taught Thabiso to be confident and respectful. His mentor/Youth Worker Ntsika, also had an impact on him. He says knowing that had had someone he could turn to for guidance was very helpful, and the conversations they had made him feel he was accountable to himself and others to make sure he became the best person he can be! Thabiso attended youth clubs and was always eager to assist where needed. He was selected as one of the Peer to Peer leaders in the programme. We trust that he will also impact his family/community and be an example of values, love, honor, trust, confidentiality, God, respect, unity and a little bit iThemba Lethu “crazeeee” fun and creativity! He extends his warm appreciation to sponsors at Kindernothilfe and the iThemba Lethu team.

Report from Khetiwe It is essential for a child to have VALUES and understand they have a DESTINY and to LIVE in a safe environment. iThemba Lethu believes in hope and that every child should understand their self worth. In a senior primary school called CHRISTOPHER NXUMALO in Chesterville, were I attended my grade 5 -7 grade. I just came from a junior primary school were things were very different from this new school. I felt very vulnerable and scared of accepting myself as a child with unique qualities. iThemba Lethu was introduced to us as a Life Orientation Program. In the first year I also attended youth clubs once a week after school, where different life skills were taught to us through games and activities

This program made me who I am today, it was a strong foundation that was built to teach young pre-adolescent children to be aware of the HIV and AIDS risks we have in our society and also provided support for those who were infected and affected by the virus. The Youth Workers would facilitate session to us, which they really did excellently One of the sessions that really stood out for me was a session which taught us how special we are. I had to look at myself in the mirror and tell myself that am beautiful and special, that session changed the way I viewed myself both internally and externally. In my second year which was my grade 6, I was selected as an iThemba Lethu Peer Leader. I attended the Youth Leadership Development Programme and went on the camp held once a year as training for better leadership skills. After that we had to go back to our schools to practice what we have learnt at the camp. In the school holidays we could attend holiday clubs which were hosted in our local community hall. We gathered with other schools which the program worked with. In 2015, I could give back by volunteering at the three day Holiday Clubs because I saw an importance of giving my time to these amazing young people because they deserve the best and the best is a loving heart which cares about them this was a great experience and I was really touched by the smiles and joy shared by everyone. I am now a young woman who never stopped leading and believing that she is special, because of that now I can now say I am proud of what I have achieved and am also involved in other local 4 NGO’s. Special thanks to my Youth Worker, Lineo, she always encouraged me to work hard. And to the other facilitators that played a role in changing the lives of the young people in Cato Manor. Everywhere I go I always tell them that I am the product of iThemba Lethu and I will travel provincial, nation and globally to touch lives in need.

For more stories of change, hope, destiny & inspiration …

Learner testimonials

June and December 2015 Holiday Clubs Report and Photo’s

September 2015 Leadership Camp report and photo’s

UNISA Intern Social Workers Assessment of the programme

Please go to www.ithembalethu.org.za HIV Prevention

Programme

Meet Zama Gumede, our Youth Team Leader in 2015

“I joined iThemba Lethu in January 2015, as a Youth Team Leader for the HIV Prevention Programme.

It’s been a privilege to work with different stake holders in this community and to lead such an amazing team of people that dedicate

themselves to make a difference in the lives of children living in Cato Manor.

I have been inspired by the feedback from the teachers in the schools that we work with, because they have seen transformation in behavior

in the learners that are on the iThemba Lethu Programme.

In fact some of the schools have requested for that we start the

programme earlier like in grade 4 and extend past grade 9 to grade 12.

It is encouraging to see the great relationship the learners have with the Youth Workers. It creates a safe space for them to speak, heal, restore

hope and to see them developing in self-worth and confidence during class and activities is priceless!”

Empowering parents/caregivers in community

Maintaining behavioural change becomes less daunting for the learners if they have support from their

parents, caregivers or adult siblings at home. We endeavour to strengthen the existing family structures by

equipping the parents/caregivers for their role of acknowledging and encouraging their children’s positive

behaviour.

Home Visits

The parent team aim to visit the homes of every child on our programme each year and are often called on to

give advice, counsel and share their personal experience of marriage and parenting children to provide a model

of what can be achieved.

Statistics of monthly Home Visits/Cases done in 2015:

Details/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total

First time visits 2 23 41 40 16 44 37 28 46 20 10 0 307

Follow up visits 6 22 45 23 13 14 15 13 9 14 1 0 175

Unsuccessful 1 14 24 18 20 25 14 11 24 8 4 0 163

Office visits 7 5 4 15 13 8 8 9 7 32 7 0 115

Cases, follow up & referral 7 18 17 10 19 14 8 16 17 20 8 0 154

Total interactions in the month 23 82 131 106 81 105 82 77 103 94 30

914

Parent/Caregiver Workshops

10 Parent/Caregiver Workshops were conducted during the year. Each workshop included the following

elements: an ice-breaker, a re-cap of the previous workshop, a welcome to first time participants, main

content, group discussions, games, activities and a ‘question and answer’ session. Pre and post questionnaires

were completed at the beginning and end of each workshop to gauge the understanding/impact of the topic

presented. Light lunch and refreshments were served.

Summary of attendance at monthly Parent/Caregiver Workshops:

A total of 652 parents/caregivers attended the 10 x Workshops held throughout the year

Parent Workshops 2015 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Topic Introduction of iThemba Lethu

Economic Sustainability

Destiny House of

Life Parenting

Dates 21/02 28/02 14/03 18/04 16/05 23/05 01/08 22/08 12/09 24/10

Venues/Schools:

Nsimbini Primary 80

70

37

35

37

Mayville Library 46

45

25

34

36

HP Ngwenya Primary

32

33

60

43

39

Total Interactions Per Workshop 126 32 115 33 62 60 69 43 73 39

Feedback from a father on our Parent Programme:

*

I, Lindani Felix Welcome aged 40, resides at 4123 Makiriba Close, Ridgeview in Cato Manor. I am

the father of Sinqobile Sinegugu Welcome who is 12 years old doing grade 7 at HP Ngwenya Public Primary School and is in the iThemba Lethu HIV Prevention Programme since she was doing grade 5 in the above-mentioned school. The iThemba Lethu team played a vital role in my family since they started to visit our home, by that time I was in critical condition; unable to walk with my feet due to that I was diagnosed with skin cancer that affected my both lower limbs. This kind of cancer is associated with HIV infection as I am an HIV activist for more than 12 years. The iThemba Lethu Parent Worker team supported me through the difficult times and by that time I was unemployed due to my health condition. They used to come and motivate, encourage and also prayed with me and at times they even transported us to the hospital when my wife was also sick. They also partnered with a food security NGO when we had nothing to put on the table to eat. I would love to thank iThemba Lethu for their job that there are doing in the community changing people’s life, since I met with this wonderful amazing people my life has been completely changed. Thank you guys Sifiso, Andile, Zukile, Fikile and their team leader Ndondo and also Karen, Zama, Jenny, for coming to my home and prayed for my wife Thulisile who was very sick. May the gracious Lord richly bless you. Regards Lindani F. Welcome

Meet Ndondo Ngcobo, our Parent Worker Team Leader 2015

“I am employed to lead, oversee, monitor and evaluate the Parent Worker Team

who invest in and empower the families of the learners on our schools HIV Prevention Programme. We managed to do 914 Home Visits last year including numerous cases that we referred to the SA Police Services (SAPS), SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the local social welfare departments. We also engaged with many different stakeholders through the year, and on 28 August 2015 we did a collaborative event at Mayville clinic with THINK and Doctors without Borders, whereby the community of Cato Manor could come and test for HIV, TB, high blood pressure etc. We had different stations for different testing and it was a huge success! The parents in our programme came in numbers. We hosted 10 Parent Workshops to educate, encourage and empower the parents and caregivers of the learners on our programme. Challenges - One of our major hurdles in 2015 was that a team member, who was a driver, resigned in August 2015 and this affected the performance of the team

Outcomes and future plans for 2016;

We are getting more and more parents/caregivers opening up to us about their HIV/TB status;

Most households we visit live on social grants and are unemployed; We are exploring new enterprise/job creation projects and partnerships so that we can empower the community

to help and sustain themselves – not relying on iThemba Lethu or the government grants; The Parent Team needs to be equipped with regular and in-depth Trauma Debriefing/Counseling Training Courses

as they deal with trauma cases on a daily basis” For progress and photos on our work in 2015 please go to www.ithembalethu.org.za HIV Prevention Programme

Model of Transition Homes:

12 orphaned and/or vulnerable (OVC)

babies & children are placed into our 2 Transition Homes

And are cared for by our full time

housemother/parents, staff & volunteers

We employ a dedicated Social Worker to

Facilitate their reunification/adoptions into

permanent #foreverfamilies To share our operating model with freely

with other organizations that want to set up

transition homes

Investing in Orphan, Vulnerable,

Children (OVC)

The aim of this programme is to facilitate the transition

of babies/children (aged newborn up to 3 years old), who

have been orphaned, abandoned or left vulnerable as a

result of HIV/AIDS, and to facilitate their

reunifications/adoptions into loving family homes. A

capacity of up to 12 babies/children are cared for, nurtured and loved in the two transition homes until suitable

families have been screened and matched for their reunification/adoption. Babies/children are placed in our

care by various welfare offices in and around Durban, KZN. The entire process of screening potential families is

carried out by our social worker at no charge to the prospective adoptive families. Many volunteers assist our

staff to provide additional childcare, individual attention and other development skills for the babies/children.

Why transition homes? The number of babies orphaned or abandoned as a result of HIV/AIDS in KwaZulu-Natal is a well-documented

and is potentially an explosive health and social problem. Whilst the most appropriate strategy to deal with

orphans is a community based approach, in reality these communities are often the most affected by

HIV/AIDS. They are socio-economically disadvantaged and have limited resources to cope with the growing

number of orphans. Our intervention is an ancillary strategy to secure a more hopeful future for these

children.

iThemba Lethu cares for these children by:

providing a secure and loving family home environment;

preparing well balanced nutritious meals and providing optimal health care of local hospitals and

volunteer doctors;

supply of donated breast milk to nourish the OVC babies/infants in the homes;

implementation of our Child Development & Home School Programme to develop their full mental and

emotional capacity

encouraging volunteers to help with childcare and development;

providing pre-school and extra mural activities for the older children;

providing an outdoor area with toys, jungle gyms, swings and a kiddies herb garden to help develop

their fine and gross motor skills and

empowering caregivers in Childcare, ECD and First Aid/Primary Health Care

Integrating children into families During 2015, we welcomed seven new babies/children into our care and facilitated the placement of five

babies/children into permanent homes. These included:

One international adoption to Denmark

Three local adoptions

One re-unification with mother and grandmother

In total, 17 babies/children were cared for by iThemba Lethu in 2015

Beneficiary facts & figures Since the arrival of the first baby in May 2001 – December 2015, iThemba Lethu has cared for:

59 girls + 69 boys

= 128 babies/children have been loved, nurtured & adored here!

Details of babies/children transitioned from iThemba Lethu:

Family details of babies Adopted:

Countries of Adoption:

Babies adopted

54 boys

34 girls

Babies re-united with biological family

10 boys 14 girls

Babies deceased as a result of HIV/AIDS related complications

4 girls

8 boys 3 girls

79 adoptions

49 boys

3 girls

Denmark 6 adoptions 4 boys 2 girls

USA 3 adoptions 1 boy 2 girls

45 boys 28 girls

73

15

9 boys 6 girls

46 boys 30 girls

76

12

8

Cross cultural adoption Single Family

Same race adoption Married couples

8 boys 4 girls

88 Adoptions

24

Re-united

5 4

*

Summary of baby/child adoptions or reunifications in 2015: LM

She arrived at iThemba Lethu on 15.04.2014 Baby LM was given up for adoption by her mother. She was at Shepherd’s Keep and then transferred to Edith Benson Homes. She had very low muscle tone and was therefore behind with her milestones. Baby LM made huge progress with the help of a volunteer physiotherapist who then also trained the staff to assist with her development. She enjoyed doing all her exercises and had the most beautiful smile. She was generally a happy baby and had a good appetite. She is HIV negative. She was adopted on 05.05.2015 by a married couple from Denmark. Time spent with us 13 months. MM He arrived at iThemba Lethu on 17.09.2014 Baby MM was abandoned in the street in Durban where he had been living for some time. He was hospitalised at Addington due to his poor condition and then released to iThemba Lethu. He was put onto breast milk immediately. He contracted a bad case of chicken pox and was hospitalised again. He is now a very healthy little boy with a beautiful smile and has met all his milestones. He is HIV negative. He was adopted by a local married couple on the 26.05.2015. Time spent with us was 10 months.

GC She arrived at iThemba Lethu on 14.08.2014 Baby GC was born to a teenager who signed consent for her adoption. She was fed breast milk from her arrival at iThemba Lethu. She was petite and made great progress during the time she was with us. She is HIV negative. She was adopted on 03.06.2015 by a local married couple, who had also adopted a little boy from iThemba Lethu previously. Time spent with us was 11 months. LN She arrived at iThemba Lethu on 26.03.2014 Baby LN was abandoned in the care of her mother’s boyfriend who was not the biological father. She was at Blessed Beginnings Transition Home before being transferred to iThemba Lethu. Baby LN was a bright little girl. She was friendly and had a soft heart but stood her ground when needed! She is HIV negative. She was adopted by a local married couple on 24.07.2015. Time spent with us was 16 months. LS She arrived at iThemba Lethu on 13.11.2014 Baby LS was abandoned by her mother in Durban city centre. She was very tiny when she arrived and was placed onto breast milk. She did very well and had no health problems. She is HIV negative. She was reunited with her maternal grandmother on the 11.08.2015. Time spent with us was 10 months.

Summary of babies/children still in the care of iThemba Lethu as at end of December 2015:

Name Date of Arrival Child Details

NN 16.07.2013

NN is currently 4 years 8 months old and has been at iThemba Lethu for 2 years 5 months, having been abandoned by her mother. She has some health problems which are regularly monitored. She is a dear little girl who has struggled to understand her world, but with therapy has been encouraged to express herself and manage strong feelings. NN loves her preschool, swimming and helping with the smaller children. We are hoping that the long delays in her case will be resolved in 2016 and that she and her sister will then be released by the court for adoption.

AN 27.11.2013

AN is 3 years 2 months old and has been at iThemba Lethu for 2 years 1 month, having been abandoned by her mother into the care of relatives who were not able to look after her. She is an independent and assertive little girl showing leadership qualities at this tender age. AN is physically healthy, with a good appetite. She loves her preschool and outside play. AN is the sister of NN and we trust that when these little girls become available for adoption we will have a suitable family to match them with.

AD 21.05.2014

AD is currently 2 years 3 months old. He was abandoned by his mother and has been at iThemba Lethu for 1 year 7months. He has some health problems which are regularly monitored. His social worker has recently completed her investigations and AD has been matched with his prospective adoptive family. The adoption will take place in January 2016

MG 29.07.2014

MG is currently 1 year 5 months. He was abandoned at birth by his mother and has been at iThemba Lethu since he was 2 weeks old. His case has been complicated and he is not likely to be available for adoption. The circumstances of his maternal grandparents are being investigated as they have expressed their wish to raise him. MG is a healthy little boy who is achieving all his developmental milestones.

SS 20.01.2015

SS is currently 1 year 10 months. He was abandoned by his mother and has been at iThemba Lethu for 11 months. His social worker is in the process of completing her investigations and we hope to match him with a prospective adoptive family within the next few months. SS is a delightful, happy and healthy little boy who is achieving all his developmental milestones.

AM 17.06.2015

AM is currently 1 year 2 months. Her mother had difficulty caring for her and decided to place her for adoption. She has been at iThemba Lethu for 6 months. There have been many administrative delays due to lack of documents and investigations into other family are ongoing. She is not yet available for adoption. Baby AM is a quiet but delightful little girl who is healthy with a very good appetite. She appears to be achieving all developmental milestones.

KS 04.08.2015

KS is currently 3 years 2 months. He and his sister (who reportedly had the same father but different mothers) were abandoned in Durban and have been at iThemba Lethu for nearly 5 months. Investigations by police and their social worker are ongoing. Whilst initially traumatized KS has settled well with us and with love and care we believe his little heart is healing. He is a delightful, very active, sociable and clearly intelligent little fellow.

IS 04.08.2015

IS is currently 2 years 5 months. She was abandoned with her brother KS. IS was very withdrawn and traumatized on arrival and very “protected” by her brother. We feel she is healing and is becoming more secure and trusting, knowing that she is loved and cared for. Her personality is quite different to her brother’s and she is far more reserved and cautious.

ZZ 12.08.2015

ZZ is currently 4 ½ months old. His mother made a decision to consent to his adoption and he arrived at iThemba Lethu when he was only one day old. His father has not been traced. His social worker is in the process of completing her investigations and we hope he will be available for adoption in the New Year. Baby ZZ is a happy healthy and alert little boy who is always smiling.

EM 31.08.2015

EM is currently 4 ½ months old. Her mother made a decision to consent to her adoption and she arrived at iThemba Lethu when she was 2 weeks old. Her father has not been traced. Her social worker is in the process of completing her investigations and we hope she will be available for adoption in the New Year. Baby EM is a happy and healthy little girl, alert, strong and smiley.

MG 02.11.2015

MG is currently 3 ½ months old and arrived at iThemba Lethu when she was 6 weeks old. Her mother had approached a social worker and stated that she wished to give consent for her baby to be adopted. The social worker is still busy with investigations and baby MG is not yet adoptable. She is a healthy little baby who feeds and sleeps well

ON 05.11.2015

ON is currently 1year 2 months old and arrived at iThemba Lethu at the age of 1 year, having been abandoned by her mother. Police and social work investigations are ongoing. Baby ON is a delightful, happy and curious little girl who shows no signs of the trauma she must have experienced. She took her first steps soon after arriving at iThemba Lethu and appears to be achieving all developmental milestones.

Complied by our Social Worker - Brenda Cooper #herbestjobever

Donor Milk Received in 2015

L I

T

R

E

S

27

26

25

24

23

22

21

20

19

18

17

16

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

J F M A M J J

A S O N D

M O N T H S

Report submitted by Joelle Gibson Breastmilk Bank Administrator

In 1980 the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF jointly declared:

“Where it is not possible for the biological mother to breastfeed, the first alternative, if available, should be the use of human milk from other sources. Human milk banks should be made available in appropriate situations.”

Furthermore and more recently, WHO have stated that:

“If every child was breastfed within an hour of birth, given only breast milk for their first six months of life, and continued breastfeeding up to the age of two years, about 800 000 child lives would be saved every year. Globally, less than 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed.”

62

Local donor moms

212

litres breast milk

51

litres from Ibmp, USA

7

iThemba Lethu babies

Addington Hospital Westville Hospital Chatsmed Hospital

La Lucia Baby House

Breast milk facts: Breast milk has the perfect

combination of proteins, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates.

Leukocytes are living cells that are only found in breast milk. They help fight infection.

It is the antibodies, living cells, enzymes, and hormones that make breast milk ideal. These cannot be added to formula.

Breast milk contains more than 200 known beneficial elements, with more being discovered all the time. For example, researchers believe that a recently discovered fatty acid in breast milk promotes the growth of a baby's brain and retina and may even enhance cognitive development. Many of these elements, including infection-fighting white cells, can't be manufactured.

We are most pleased that for the past 15 years, iThemba Lethu Breastmilk Bank has been able to fulfill this need and play a vital part in the lives of the orphaned and abandoned babies placed in the iThemba Lethu transition homes as well as babies in public and private hospitals in emergency cases.

Donor Moms “Thank you Tea’ held at the Transition Homes on 16 April 2016

Donor Mom Nicole:

In October 2014 my husband and I were blessed with our miracle, a beautiful, healthy baby girl. I never knew how beautiful the breastfeeding journey could be until I experienced it with Aleksandra. I was petrified I wouldn't produce enough milk, and so a few days after arriving home I began to express to ensure I would have enough milk. When Aleksandra turned 6 weeks, our midwife suggested we introduce a bottle in the evening.

Aleksandra would not take the bottle for love nor money. This was the start of my freezer stash. After many more attempts it became clear Lexi preferred to get milk straight from the source so I began to research Breastmilk Banks.

IThemba Lethu checked all my boxes and they happily received my application to be a donor mom. At first I thought it would be a once off donation, but my milk

production was such that I needed to express and feed in order to remain comfortable and then when I realized the benefit the expressed milk was providing, I couldn't give up. I was heartbroken when my journey came to an end after 11 months of breastfeeding Lexi and being a donor mom of some 19 litres! I have been humbled by the experience and so grateful for the opportunity to give liquid gold to the infants of IThemba Lethu

Donor Mom Leilani:

When I had my baby there was no question about it, I would definitely breastfeed!

When I returned to work after maternity leave I started expressing for my baby, and realised I was expressing more than he needed. I saw on Facebook that I could donate, and so decided to donate what my baby couldn’t use. I wanted to do this, so other babies could also have the benefits that breast milk gives.

As at December I managed to donate approximately 8 litres which I know have helped towards feeding the babies in need. My thinking is that even a little bit is better than nothing! I love being a donor mom!

A big THANK YOU and much appreciation to:

Westville and Hillcrest Hospitals for recruiting donor

moms;

Ibmp for donation of breast milk from USA;

Quick International for transport from overseas;

QI Logistics for clearing and forwarding;

Etlin International Trading for cold storage;

Sterifeed for donation of bottles and accessories;

Zeenat Jhaveri for the donation of a milk pump;

Katie Shozi Kelly Dippenaar Kerri Rademeyer Kerry Heathcote Kerry Brown Kerry-Ann Ten Hoorn Boer Khadija Richards Kim Saayman Kirsten Smith Kirsten Coutsoudis Laura Grant Leetha Hemrajh Leigh Clark Berry Leilani Jones Liesel Marnitz Lindell Hitzeroth Louise Groenewald Mahlasoa Matoba Mandy Von Berg Meighan Krows Melanie McGarry

Monique Davies Nadia Nair Melory-May Strydom Michelle Herr Nicky Human Nicole Lubasinski Noxolo Dlamini Patricia Herman Presha Bipath Ramanya Cooper Samantha Spaull Sharlene Bharuth Simone Lambie Sinenhlanhla Tembe Stacy Caroll Sue Ellen Johnson Taryn Green Tshana Watkins Wendy-Lee Olivier Zarah Boombaard

The success of the Breast Milk Bank in 2015 would not have been possible without the donations from our donor moms. Special thanks and much gratitude to the following amazing moms:

Aarti Vallabh Alana Baranov Amanda Le Roux Bianca Hardman Blanche Collins Bronwyn Holden Chanelle Bosch Cherise van der Steeg Christina Msomi Chuma Chinzila Dawn Nunes Elzaan Strachan Gabi Burnett Greta Leite de Abrey Henriette Roberts Ilze Muller Ingrid Basset Jessica Mardon Joanne Csedrik Joelle Graham-Jolly Kate Du Randt

Thank you to Hillcrest Hospital for inviting iThemba Lethu Breastmilk Bank to be represented at their Prem Baby Day on 17 April 2015

Summary of Income & Expenditure

These figures below are extracts from the Management Accounts and are not the Audited Financial Statements.

The Audited Annual Financial Statement are available on request. Please email karen@ithembalethu.org.za

HIV Prevention Programme

Detailed statement of financial performance for year ended 31 December 2015

2015

2014

R

R

Donor Income

1,929,054

1,864,846

Adventure Automotive Products 4 (Pty) Ltd

84,000 84,000

Big Eye Branding

5,000

27,500

Kindernothilfe (KNH) e.V – Germany

1,043,781

1,053,385

Kindernothilfe (KNH) e.V – Austria

521,706

498,482

National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund donation 44,170

99,330

Other donations

194,521

61,650

Employment Tax Incentive Grant

35,876

40,500

Expenses

Direct work with children/parents/caregivers

(1,575,607)

(1,440,191)

Salaries

(1,137,971) (1,136,950)

Programme costs

(437,636) (303,241)

General Administration

(467,324)

(462,982)

Salaries

(316,160) (336,460)

Other costs

(151,164) (126,522)

Total project expenses

(2,042,931)

(1,903,174)

Net (deficit)/surplus funds

(113,877)

(38,327)

Depreciation

(40,260)

(31,852)

(Deficit)/Surplus funds before finance charges

(154,137)

(70,179)

Net finance income

37,374

33,905

(Deficit)/Surplus funds for the year

(116,763)

(36,274)

Accumulated funds at the beginning of the year

-

-

Net transfer from HIV Sustainability Fund Reserve 76,503

4,422

Net transfer from the Equipment Reserve

40,260

31,852

Accumulated funds at the end of the year

-

-

Family Integration Programmme

Detailed statement of financial performance for year ended 31 December 2015

2015

2014

R

R

Donor Income

832,880 1,159,547

Adventure Automotive Products 4 (Pty) Ltd

36,000

36,000

Compass Medical Waste Services (Pty) Ltd

10,000

22,344

Foster Grants

57,760

98,710

National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund donation 49,000

301,500

Other donations

342,145

474,128

Sibaya Community Trust

142,500

-

The 8 Mile Club

33,658

-

The Robin Hamilton Charitable Trust

135,000

120,000

The Victor Daitz Foundation

26,817

106,866

Programme Expenses

(989,229)

(892,316)

Salaries and Social Work Fees

(579,306) (559,963)

Operating Costs

(409,923) (332,354)

Net surplus(deficit) funds

(156,348)

267,230

Profit on vehicle disposed/stolen

-

122,434

Depreciation

(33,658)

(25,250)

Surplus/(Deficit) funds before finance charges

(190,006)

364,414

Net finance costs

-

-

Surplus/(Deficit) funds for the year

(190,006)

364,414

Net transfer from (to) FIP Sustainability Fund Reserve 156,348

(208,765)

Transfer donations to the Vehicle Reserve Fund -

(58,465)

Transfer proceeds on disposal to the Vehicle Reserve Fund -

(153,435)

Net transfer from the Equipment Reserve

33,658

56,251

Accumulated funds at the end of the year

-

-

The Breastmilk Bank

Detailed statement of financial performance for year ended 31 December 2015

2015

2014

R

R

Donor Income

5,000 161,044

Other donations

5,000 161,044

Breast milk Administration Services

170,672

141,070

Programme Expenses

(260,780)

(131,983)

Net surplus/(deficit) funds

(85,108)

170,131

Net finance income

-

-

Surplus/(Deficit) funds for the year

(85,108)

170,131

Accumulated funds at the beginning of the year

253,537

116,406

Net transfer to BMB Sustainability Fund

(168,429)

-

Transfer to the Vehicle Reserve Fund

-

(33,000)

Accumulated funds at the end of the year

-

253,537

Goals & Plans for 2016 HIV Prevention Programme

Schools/Youth

Update the Grade 9 (year 5) HIV Prevention Curriculum by end of October 2016

Investigate a school Principal Programme in collaboration with “Partnerships for Possibility”

Explore options of an Entrepreneurial Development/Artisan Skills Development Programme for 2017

Investigate costs of expanding the 5 year programme into every class from grade 5 – 9 in the 7 schools of

Cato Manor that we work with for 2018

Parent/Caregivers in Community

Develop 1 Enterprise Project, in order to create jobs,

for 10 unemployed parents/caregivers in Cato Manor

Implement 2 – 5 Self Help Groups for female

parents/caregivers to financially empower 40 – 100

women in the community

Host 1 Fatherhood Conference in Cato Manor in

November 2016

Family Integration Programme

Build a classroom to home school the 4 – 6 OVC

toddlers in the transition homes

Empower the two Day Caregivers by implementing an

ECD programme into the new home school Investigate costs and plans to build two self catering

bachelor units, above the Administration Offices, in

Manor Gardens. for international volunteers to rent in

order to generate additional income for the homes

Breastmilk Bank

Recruit 20 - 30 new donor mothers in 2016

Host a quarterly Donor Mothers Awareness Tea

Build breast milk bank awareness in 10 local hospitals and clinics

Marketing, Operations and Administration

Secure resources to employ a full time Operations Co-ordinator, and an Human Resource Expert

Equip the Marketing team to share our model/s, curriculum and stories locally and abroad

Develop a Cohesive Communication Strategy to showcase what we have achieved in the past 15 years

Research the outcomes and changes made in the community to measure the efficacy of what we do

Provide monthly mentorship and enhance organizational staff development, in partnership with our home

church congregations, corporate sponsors and local volunteers

On behalf of the Board Members, staff, children and communities we serve, thank you for believing in the work we do! The #powerisinpartnerships, because #peoplematter and change can only happen when we put our courage, gifts and skills together, as one body, to do the will of God on earth, as it is in heaven!

Kind regards, Karen Brokensha

Diversify the Parent/Caregiver Programme

Home Visits to 1,328 Households

Host 10 Parent Workshops

* Start 2 - 10 Self Help Group's

* Start 1 Enterprise Project

* Host a Fatherhood Conference