Youth-friendly Services at Vanguard Community Health Centre Interview

Vanguard Community Health Centre has recently launched its Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services (AYFS) for the young residents of Bonteheuwel and Langa.  Today we are focusing on how these services can benefit your family, especially young people.

Adolescence is the phase of life between childhood and adulthood (ages 10 to 19) where young people may face challenges that can affect their development, such as peer pressure, teenage pregnancy, mental illness, or substance abuse. During this time, young people may require dedicated healthcare support to protect their healthcare status and their future health.

Vanguard Community Health Centre Operational Manager, Dr. Levona Johnson, AYFS champion, Sr Vathiswa Maqajana, and health promoter Vuyo Botile joined us in studio to share more about the youth-friendly services and what this means to the young people of Bonteheuwel and Langa.

We made sure to discuss what adolescent and youth-friendly services mean and how they work, why it's important to focus on our youth in particular, the importance of mental health services and the safe space that it provides.

In this group interview Vanguard's representatives made sure to discuss their involvement in the healthcare sector and the launching of many clinics around Cape Town. They have various services including offering of contraceptives, the morning after pill, TB screenings, refferals, provide a dedicated space for youth on select days and more. The youth and their health, including their mental health, is important because these are the future leaders of tomorrow. Everyone should keep in mind statistics such as the fact that for ages 1-19, 1 in 7 suffer from mental health challenges which is 14% of the global population.

Find out more and stay connected with the Vanguard Community Health Centre which you can find information for here https://www.westerncape.gov.za/facility/vanguard-community-health-clinic.

Vanguard CHC is also doing free breast checks Tuesday 30 July from 9:00 to 14:30. Take advantage!

Why Should We Study Chemistry? Interview with Professor Ngece-Ajayi

Chemistry, as many of us know, is the scientific study of the properties and behavior of matter dealing with the composition and structure of substances. Chemistry is a difficult field of study but Professor Fanelwa Ngece-Ajayi is an advocate. Fanelway is an associate professor of physical chemistry at the chemistry department. She is also the deputy dean for Research at the Science Faculty at the University of the Western Cape. She is passionate about community upliftment and inspires young people to study science. She believes that it is an aspiring goal that will help grow people’s careers and remain competent.

In our interview with Professor Ngece-Ajayi we wanted to make sure to ask about all the work that she does at UWC, her belief around why students should study chemistry and the natural sciences, as well as what research she does to keep her passion for community relevant. 

She took the time to tell us about the government's attempts to provide equipment but that there is still a need for equipment. Institutions need access to funding that will bring about momentum in the study. Professor Ngece-Ajayi explains that there's a need for students to be able to study science and actually see the dissections or the color change in chemistry in person, things they can't imagine without equipment.  There's a hesistancy or fear to study mathematics or natural sciences that she wants to remedy and part of that is having better subject advisers to guide students. 

Connect with Professor Fanelwa Ngece-Ajayi on linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fanelwangeceajayi/?originalSubdomain=za

What is Sextortion? Interview with Carla de Beer from The Digital Law Company

Sextortion is an issue that needs to be discussed about more and more out in the open as opposed to in the shadows and as a vague or non-prevalent idea. Sextortion or sexual extortion involves pursuading a person to send explicit photos online and then threatening to make the images public unless the victim pays money or engages in other sexual favors. 

We got the chance to talk to Carla de Beer a social media law expert from Digital Law Company. She works to educate individuals about social media and the laws surrounding them. The Digital Law Company provides advice, guidance, and education in the field of digital media. Founded in 2013, it specializes in educating and advising corporates, employees, schools, parents, teachers, and universities on the legal, disciplinary, and reputational risks of social media. We took the time to discuss with Carla what sextortion is, what type is on social media, what are common tactics that there are, how can we identify perpetrators, what proactive steps can individuals take the protect themselves and what legal actions are available to victims as well. 

She made several points to emphasize. Carla mentioned that the age groups is starting to get younger and younger and they will offer video, photo, or simply just a conversation. Carla advises not to chat to someone you don't know, don't send photos to people you don't know. Carla and those that she works with are trying to get behind who is behind this extortion ring and advise parents to be on the alert and educate each other. 

Look and protect each out learn more about Digital Law Company at the digitallawco.com.

Horizon Child Youth Centre Interview: Advocating for Awaiting-Trial Youth

There are many youth that are awaiting trial and are placed in less than appropriate and safe environments. They are often forgotten about and not given the proper services that they need.  This is a demographic that is not always focused. According to IOL, between 2019 and 2020 there were 2,058 sentences juveniles and 3,724 remand juveniles. Horizon Child Youth Centre strives to help this community. 

Horizon Child Youth Centre is one of 7 secure care centres for trial-awaiting children and for youth in conflict with the law and those that pose behavioral challenges. They are meant to provide an appropriate space for these youth. Recently using a R138 million refurbishment project they’ve been able to provide refurbished living units, additional classrooms, a visitation hall, a multi-purpose hall, storage rooms and much more. They are trying to help residents of secure care centres go from vulnerability to resilience. These centres are owned by the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD). We spoke to Mornay Johnson, the manager of the Horizon Child and Youth Care Centre.

We made sure to ask Mornay what specific services do they provide, what the main approach to their care, education, and rehabilitation services are, the nuances of this vulnerable youth, and how do you ensure the wellbeing of these children. 

There were several points that he emphasized. He mentioned that these youth need these centres, that for the ones that are in school they make an effort to link up with those schools to coordinate. They offer group counselling services and group management. Aside from that, Mornay discussed the relevance of teaching entrepenurial development skills and introduces hobbies so that they know there's more out there. Mornay mentioned that the people at the centre care about this youth and that society as a whole needs to take part in caring for them. 

Find out more about Horizon Child Youth centre including contact information on the website https://www.westerncape.gov.za/facility/horizon-child-youth-care-centre. 

Interview with Director of MOSAIC: Training Service and Healing Centre Combating Abuse

In South Africa, and many places around the world there are high gender-based and domestic violence issues that need to be addressed. This issue strives from many underlying factors that relate to each other from socioeconomic to parental guidance in the home. Psychosocial support services are not always enough sometimes more services are necessary. Many organizations started with grassroots methods such as MOSAIC Training Services and Healing Centre for Women.

MOSAIC is an organization that is committed to providing quality, holistic, and integrated support services to survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. They do this while activating resources, communities, and systems to stop domestic violence and advance gender equality and safety within your communities, your home, and your relationships. They envision a more gender-equal society where women and children are safe from abuse and violence. Their work can be categorized into response services and prevention education. Advocate Tarisai Mchuchu-MacMillan the Executive Director at MOSAIC Women’s Training Service and Healing Centre. Tarisai is a lawyer and feminist who is passionate about preventing violence against women and violence against children. She is here to talk to us today.

We asked Tarisai about the status of MOSAIC today, what makes women and children vulnerable to abuse, their socio-ecological approach, and the services they provide. Tarisai made sure to mention the link to the ideas of patriarchy and ideas of power that are engrained into society. Those ideas affect the way victims of violence see themselves and the way they move around the world but MOSAIC tries to give that choice back to you. They look at family-strengthening techniques and hope to have a bigger reach. They also have a project "pieces to peace" that teachers their clients how to sew and create a safe space for them to sell what they made and earn something from MOSAIC.

Find out more on their website mosaic.org.za and don't hesistate to call for assistance at 021-761-7585 or email at admin@mosaic.org.za

Fix School Infrastructure Regulations with Katherine Sutherland from Equal Education Law Centre

                                                   
One of the important rights that there are to discuss in South Africa is school infrastructure and regulations that need to be upheld. There are steps backwards that regard development in basic infrastructure such as water, electricity, classrooms toilets, and fencing. On the 28th of May, a day before the elections, the Department of Basic Education published revised School Infrastructure Regulations that removed many deadlines and shifted to having Provincial Education Departments submit detailed plans on the implementation of their programs 90 days after beginning the financial year. This represents a clear diluting of responsibility amongst the department. 

                                            

Civil society calls on new Minister of Basic Education to fix the School Infrastructure Regulations to ensure children’s safety in schools. Organizations have joined together to put together a joint statement such as Equal Education Law Centre, Equal Education, +Section 27 (Catalysts for social justice) and Legal Resources centre. They have expressed their concern in this dilution of the obligation to make urgent and adequate provision for infrastructure at public schools. They believe that this is retrogressive and will only worsen backlogs that already exist. They want these regulations to be prioritized. The EELC provides many services. They provide support for campaigns led by their collaborating organizations. They provide a walk-in clinic that gives legal support to individuals and communities were learners' rights are at stake. They also are registered as a law clinic with the Cape Law Society and its staff of social justice lawyers specialize in education policy and more.

We got the chance to speak to Katherine Sutherland, the legal researcher, from Equal Education Law Centre. We engaged in conversation with her about what exactly are the amendments that the DBE made, how the EELC came to fight against it, what do they hope to get out of it and why the timing of these regulations are long overdue. Katherine made sure to mention that the organizations involved have been advocates for these issues for a long time coming and how important collaboration is. She explains that if the DBE don't reach their deadlines then they'll simply change that so that they don't have to. She says that a lot of issues are related to allocation and spending often differing province to province. All in all there is an array of issues in schools from having enough desks and chairs to pit toilets to quality of physical classrooms.

You can read more of their statement at https://eelawcentre.org.za/joint-statement-civil-society-calls-on-new-minister-of-basic-education-to-fix-the-school-infrastructure-regulations-to-ensure-childrens-safety-in-public-schools/

You can learn more about the Equal Education Law Centre at https://eelawcentre.org.za/

Stay connected and up to date.

Interview with Kim Ballantine author of "Hot Tea and Apricots: A Memoir of Loss and Hope"

Going through any kind of disorder or disease can be taxing and traumatic to anybody who has gone through such. It is not easy going through medical conditions especially when it comes unexpectedly. The way in which people react to you and the support that you receive is important and it’s important to talk about the psychological impact of such. What mental strain does that have on someone? How does it affect one’s career and the way that they are perceived? These themes are explored in Kim Ballantine’s memoir regarding Spasmodic Dysphonia. Spasmodic Dysphonia is a disorder in which the muscles that generate a person’s voice go into periods of spasms. Hence, there are breaks or interruptions in the voice every few sentences. This disorder is explained in Kim Ballantine’s memoir.

“Hot Tea and Apricots: A Memoir of Loss and Hope” by Kim Ballantine tells the story of a woman at the age of 40 who loses the ability to speak rather suddenly. It causes traumatic experiences as she struggles to breathe while dealing with what is identified as Spasmodic Dysphonia. The memoir goes through her relationship with her children and her husband, learning sign language, the symbolism of hot tea and apricots, the psychological impact of it all, and how she eventually (spoiler alert) found her way back to her voice. 

                                                                 

In her interview, we asked her about the mental toll of this journey, her coping mechanisms, the inspiration behind her book and it’s title, as well as what support should look like. Kim explained to us the aspects of her cough and how it felt like she lost her career overnight. At times it felt like her and her family were being pushed further apart and how she surpassed that. Kim taught us how she had to take control, make intentions for her attitude, and the importance of articulation.  

This is a powerful story. You can get the book from Amazon or Takealot and Kim Ballantine will be at “Exclusive Books” on Tuesday, 23 July at 6pm where her books will be sold. You can reach out and learn more at www.kimballantine.com. 

Interview with ChildSafe's Sindisiwe and Ntombi: Keeping our Children Protected

Children are often left vulnerable and can be very susceptible to injury in their everyday lives. It often is the duty of others to protect a child and ensure that they are living safely. Every child has a right to grow and flourish in a safe environment without getting hurt. That is what ChildSafe strives for. 

In our interview, we spoke to Sindisiwe Zungu and Ntombi from ChildSafe. ChildSafe is a campaign of the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Southern Africa (CAPFSA) and Safe Kids Worldwide. They are dedicated to promoting optimal health and development of children in South Africa. They want to prevent both intentional and unintentional injuries through the use of research, education, environmental changes, and legislative recommendations. They work in partnership with government, industry, non-governmental, and community-based organizations. They are based at the Red Cross War Memorial often sending referrals there. 

In our interview we asked for an overview of what ChildSafe's mission and vision is, what are some of these unintentional injuries, what the relationship with the hospital looks like, and how to keep our children safe amongst natural resources. Sindisiwe and Ntombi shared valuable information regarding keeping children away from fires, the teachable programs that they offer, and the natural falls and drowning incidents that can come about. They also emphasized their future goals of expansion. 

Follow and keep up with the work that ChildSafe does on their social medias @childsafesa (Instagram, Facebook, and X) Stay connected and keep our children protected.

Flood Management with City of Cape Town's Disaster Risk Management Centre: Sonica Lategan

The weather has not been kind to us and of late there has been a lot of rain leaving some communities vulnerable. This rain often causes flooding and other conditions that leave houses and neighborhoods weakened. We know that severe storms produce a lot of rain that can damage property. They mainly occur during these winter months and can get up to 100 kph per hour or higher cause roofs or trees to be misplaced. It's imiportant to know your flood zone risk and to know what you need to do to keep safe. 

We got the opportunity to speak to Sonica Lategan with the City of Cape Town's Disaster Risk Management. The DRMC facilitates coordination, integration and efficiency of multiple emergency services and other services that ensure how well necessary organisations work together. She spoke to us in order to share insights on how communities can assess their vulnerabilities. The Disaster Risk Management tries to implement effective preparedness strategies, share response systems during crises, community involvement in planning and recovery efforts. 

In our interview we asked Sonica about the specificc areas that are vulnerable to flooding, the review of flood management plans, emergency services protocols, and the training an resources that are provided for emergency responders. Sonica emphasized the floodings occuring in townships, the levels of risk assessment that they indulge in including clearing drains and relocations. She also explains some ways that they educate others such as door to door campaigning and urges preparedness in regards to flooding. 

Remember disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility. Stay informed, stay engaged, and don't hesistate to reach out to local resources for support. Learn more at capetown.gov.za.

Child+Teen Pregnancy Crisis with Cassandra Dorasamy from Amnesty International

South Africa is facing high amounts of child and teenage pregnancies where over 105,000 girls between 10 and 19 have given birth between April 2022 and March 2023, within a year. The number over the years continues to rise. This can often lead to young girls dropping out of school and being affected by factors such as gender inequality and insufficient access to comprehensive sexual education.

Amnesty International wants the government to take action. They have begun a #ScanTheScar campaign that brings these stories to life. They have partnered with Joe Public, with the support of Children of Success and Women and Men Against Child Abuse, to present a Spotify playlist featuring poems from people sharing their experiences with child and teenage pregnancy. They want to bring awareness and work towards every girl/child having a chance at a brighter future. We will be speaking to Cassandra Dorasamy, spokesperson from Amnesty International South Africa. 

We asked them about what is the severity of this crisis, what is the government being asked to do exactly, how do factors such as gender-based violence affect this issue, and what do the solutions look like. Cassandra explained that Amnesty has previously campaigned this issue in 2021. She shared that the age of consent in SA is 12 and therefore children birthing between ages 10-12 should be prosecuted. Amnesty wants the government to stop creating an enabling environment. They want accountability to be taken on and an improved criminal justice system.

You can listen to the Spotify clips and learn more about Amnesty International South Africa's campaign here. https://amnesty.org.za/campaigns-page/child-and-teenage-pregnancy-page/.

Stay Connected.

Employee Wellness Week with Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa: Interview with Nurse Silvia Craucamp

Heart Disease is a prevalent issue in South Africa. 80% of heart diseases and strokes can be prevented. 225 South Africans are killed by heart diseases every day. 13% of deaths caused globally are from high blood pressure. 10 people suffer a stroke in South Africa every hour. It's important for people to learn how to adopt healthy lifestyles and seek appropriate care early in the manifestation of the disease. Looking at these statistics, organizations such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa are relevant to our communities.

They want to promote keeping your staff healthy and benefiting your business. This wellness programme can benefit by keeping a proactive workforce, lowering the risk of disability, lowering the risk of occupational conditions, and leading to more holistic employers. They are having an Employee Wellness Week where they are trying to show their care for their employees and remind them that they are being taken care of. Today we will be speaking with Nurse Silvia Craucamp who is one of Heart and Stroke’s health promotion officers.

We made sure to ask them about how will employee wellness leave a lasting impact, what their nutrition diet programming looks like, how this helps the fight against heart diseases, and how can people learn more about this program. Nurse Silvia talked extensively about providing health screening, their various locations of centers in Johannesburg and Durban. She makes points about choosing to eat healthier, learning what is lower in sugar and fat from the foundation, and staying away from constant unhealthy snacking. She wants everyone to take care of themselves, to know their own health numbers, and to learn about risk factors.

You can find out more or seek services by calling 021 422 1586 or visiting www.heartfoundation.co.za. Stay connected.

Pebbles Project Trust: Protecting and Educating Agricultural Children Interview

When discussing human rights, a group that often gets forgotten about are farmers and farmers' children. It's important to remember that all children require support and proper educational resources no matter what kind of environment that they're in. Agricultural communities require more effort for them to access the same resources as everyone else. These adolescents are looking for programs that want you to succeed and provide a strong support network. They need programs that are going to help them get licenses, certifications, and technology that may be hard to get. Pebbles Project Trust has helped with all of these needs, as testimonials explained.

Pebbles Project Trust, established in Stellenbosch, is a fund to provide children from farming communities with access to quality education programmes, health, nutrition as well as social work services. They partner with local forms to establish early childhood development. They offer school clubs for these children whether they live on a farm or have parents that work on one, in order to reach the wider community. The areas that they operate in include Stellenbosch, Somerset West, Wellington, Citrusdal, Clanwilliam, Grabouw, and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in Hermanus. Some of their sustainable development goals include reduced inequalities, decent work and economic growth, and good health. Erika Venter, a fundraiser at Pebbles Project, is here to tell us more.

In our interview we discussed, how the fund was started, the largest challenges when it comes to fundraising for projects, and how their education, early adulthood programmes, and nutritional programs all impact children's lives. Erika made sure to touch on how they provide resources for these farm workers and their families, they bring educational opportunities, and they understand the importance of having a mobile clinic because established clinics are not always accessible. She shouts out their Mandela Day fundraising opportunities that includes sponsoring and donations.

If you want to stay connected, donate, or find out more you can...

email info@pebblesproject.co.za

call 021 865 1003

check out their website at https://www.pebblesproject.org/.

Stay Connected!

Nonceba Family Counseling: Child Abuse Services Interview

Child abuse is prevalent especially in certain townships such as Khayelitsha. Khayelitsha is a township that is fastly-growing and has undergone great migration. Statistically, approximately 1 in 3 children living in Khayelitsha (boys and girls) undergo sexual abuse by the age of 18. Factors such as over-burdened police forces and under-resource state welfare systems affects delays in the response to child abuse and domestic violence cases. Nzuko

Nonceba Family Counseling Centre is an oasis of hope in the centre of Khayelitsha. They aim to help children who have been sexually abused and provide counselings as well as support their families. Any child or mother can turn to Nonceba for help. They provide child victim support services, sexuality and abuse prevention education for children, counseling for abused women, as well as safe houses. Nozuko Conjwa, social worker supervisor, took the time to speak to us about their work. 

In our interview Nozuko discussed Nonceba's services, how they were founded, and how they keep children safe. They work with children as young as under and they try to create a safe place for these children teaching them how to work through their emotions. We spoke about empowering children to understand their fight in the court system, providing necessary tools, and how they mentally take care of their employees.

Be courageous and explore Nonceba Family Counseling. Find out more here. https://nonceba.org/ Feel free to call at 021 364 0135 or email admin@nonceba.org

Protecting and Providing for our Mothers: Interview with St Anne's Home (Martin Gumbo)

When discussing human rights, it's important for us to discuss the women's rights that go hand in hand with that. There are many shelter-related stories that promote what St Anne's is trying to do such as the fact that 60% of SA's families are fatherless leaving mothers to struggle and raise their kids. It needs to be known that more equitable costing is needed for operations of Women's Shelters. Gender-based violence shelters are severely underfunded and abused women and pregnant women struggle to find funds for their pre-natal needs. These are the issues that St. Anne's Home tries to solve.

St. Anne's is an organization dedicated to providing shelter and support for pregnant, abused, and homeless women with young children. Through holistic self-empowerment programs, they help women develop social, personal, creative, and vocational skills within a framework of Christian values. They have been able to support more than 14000 women and children with generous support from private companies, government, donors, and individuals from around the world. They want to provide the necessary stories, facilities, and support that let mothers and children live their fullest potential. We talked to Martin Gumbo about this.

In our interview we asked Martin about the services that St Anne's provides, how they ensure this holistic, mutual learning culture, and challenges that face women in these communities. Martin expanded abundantly about how they provide daily meals, clothing, and counseling for 4-6 months for these women. Afterward, they're moved to second homes and there are several different forms of abuse that they help these mothers will as well as empowerment programs. It's important to identify the trauma and lack of support that these women go through and you can learn more about the work that they do at  https://www.stanneshomes.org.za/.

St. Anne's does accept volunteers, if interested or if you want to learn more about planning workshops, email info@stanneshomes.org.za.

Everything to Know About Flu Vaccinations: Interview with nurse Sr Valerie Kruger

The influenza virus is spreading across the country and it is important to protect ourselves against it. We are in peak circulating season. As long as the flu is still circulating it isn’t too late to get the vaccine. Those who are at risk of influenza are highly encouraged to get the vaccine. Those at risk can include young children, older individuals, and people with other underlying medical conditions (i.e. heart diseases). Most people should recover from influenza within a week. You may think you know the basics of the flu and its vaccine but hear more from a nurse at Mitchells Plain Community Health Centre, Sr Valerie Kruger, to learn more.

Sr Valerie Kruger was helpful in helping us understand the implications of the flu and its vaccine and why we need to keep each other safe. In our conversation we talked about how exactly does the flu vaccine effect people in high risk groups, what the most common side effects are of the vaccine and how does it effect a person, as well as how it effects those with underlying medical conditions.

Sr Valerie Kruger explains that flu vaccine side effects can include fever, headaches, and vomiting. The vaccine isn't a sort of heal all solution once you get it once. You can still get the flu considering the fact that there are multiple strains of the flu. The vaccine is available at public facilities that you can walk into and Sr Valerie emphasizes for everyone to do as much as they can do to protect themselves. 

Keep yourself safe and informed. 

Diabetes with UCT Medical Students

Diabetes is a condition that happens when the glucose same thing as sugar in the body is too high because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body doesn't use the insulin that it does make. Insulin is important because it is the hormone that carries glucose from your bloodstream into the cells and, hence used for energy. Being in university and having diabetes can serve as a challenge at times because of balancing responsibilities and health needs that might not be easily accessible at a university. We have several fourth-year UCT students hear to talk to us more about diabetes.

In our interview we made sure to discuss the foundations and statistics of diabetes, how do individual's lifestyles look on the daily, what are challenges specific to South Africa regarding accessing healthcare, what common signs and symptoms people should be aware of, and what advice they have as university students. 

As four-year university students, they shared knowledge with us and tips including how to keep ourselves protected and how diabetes is an extended process that doesn't just heal over time. They shared unpopular information about how diabetes can lead to amputation and the psychological effects of such. They made sure to emphasize the importance of visiting the doctors in order to get checked and not to ignore your health. 

Keep yourself protected and stay connected with us for more health tips.

Listen to the interview on YouTube.

Interview with TB HIV CARE: What misconceptions are there about TB and HIV?

TB and HIV are two conditions that are often misunderstood amongst the public and they are two conditions that are widespread in South Africa and many other parts of the world. TB and HIV are diseases that can affect anyone of any background, although some conditions make you more vulnerable than others, despite popular belief. Additionally, many people have misconceptions about how you catch TB, that you can catch it from a toilet seat for example, when it is in fact an airbourne disease. TB and HIV are not deadly and there are steps you can take to be treated if you suspect that you might've caught either or. 

TB HIV Care is a non-profit organization that utilizes an integrated care model to respond to mainly TB and HIV. They work to prevent, find, and treat TB and HIV in South Africa. They focus on populations at risk such as sex workers, inmates, and individuals who inject drugs. They focus on meeting people where they are whether that is coming to their homes, workplaces, or public spaces. Centers are located all around the coast of western and eastern cape and so on. Today we will be hearing from Igshaan de Vries, one of TB HIV Care’s nurse counsellors. 

In our interview we spoke about why the focus is on those underrepresented groups, how can people become more informed about TB and HIV, and what resources the public should seek. Igshaan made sure to emphasize getting yourself checked, not believing everything that you hear from the public, and how TB HIV Care is trying to provide for the community in accessible ways.