The cholera outbreak has claimed 31 lives to date with numbers still being admitted to hospital due to the outbreak. According to the Department of Health, Gauteng accounted for 29 deaths, while the Free State and Mpumalanga had one death each.
Department of Health spokesperson Mr Foster Mohale stated that the country has recorded 166 laboratory confirmed and 202 suspected cases of cholera in five provinces between 1 February and 6 June.
Hammanskraal is currently one of the hotspots of the bacterial disease, the source for the outbreak is still unknown leaving residents without access to reliable clean water.
Cholera is defined as a bacterial disease that is spread through contaminated water, which causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration.
Access to clean water is a fundamental necessity for human life, yet many communities around the world continue to face challenges in securing this basic resource. Hammanskraal, a township located in the Gauteng province of South Africa, has been grappling with a water crisis for years, leaving its residents, including early childhood development centres, in a dire situation.
In response to this pressing issue NGOConnect SA partnered with AVBOB and a remarkable water relief outreach initiative emerged, aiming to provide clean water to these crucial centres. This article sheds light on the inspiring efforts of the Hammanskraal Water Relief Outreach and its impact on early childhood development centres.
The Water Crisis in Hammanskraal:
Hammanskraal, with a population of approximately 500,000 people, has been plagued by chronic water shortages and unreliable access to clean water. The lack of an adequate water supply poses severe health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children attending early childhood development centres. These centres play a crucial role in nurturing and educating young children, but without access to clean water, their ability to provide a safe and hygienic environment is compromised.
The Birth of Hammanskraal Water Relief Outreach:
Recognizing the urgent need for action, a group of concerned individuals in Hammanskraal came together and established the Hammanskraal Water Relief Outreach. Comprising volunteers, community leaders, and NGOs, this initiative aimed to provide clean water to early childhood development centres, ensuring the health and well-being of the young children in their care.
The Outreach Process:
The Hammanskraal Water Relief Outreach devised a multi-faceted approach to address the water crisis in early childhood development centres. Their process involved several key steps:
Assessing the Needs: The outreach team conducted comprehensive assessments of each early childhood development centre to identify their specific water requirements and understand the challenges they faced.
Mobilizing Resources: With the support of local businesses, community members, and generous donors, the outreach initiative secured the necessary resources to provide clean water to the centres. This included daily allocated water which was 1.25L per child, 2L per adult ,cooking water, and water for washing hands.
Water Delivery: The outreach team coordinated water deliveries to the early childhood development centres. Clean water was transported to the centres using a truck.
Hygiene: The outreach team delivered hand washing liquid to these centres. This was aimed to promote good hygiene practices, raising awareness and putting emphasis on the significance of proper hand hygiene as a fundamental measure in preventing the spread of diseases. By providing these essential resources, the outreach team is empowering the centre and its staff to take proactive steps in maintaining their personal hygiene, ultimately contributing to a healthier and safer environment for all.
Water bottles for the children: Recognizing the importance of access to clean drinking water for the children in early childhood development centres, the outreach team delivered water bottles to these centres. Each child had been allocated their own water bottle, ensuring they have a personal supply of clean drinking water throughout the day, promoting better overall hydration and well-being
Positive Impact and Future Goals:
The Hammanskraal Water Relief Outreach has made a significant impact on early childhood development centres in the area. By providing clean water, we have helped create a safer and healthier environment for the young children.
The initiative has also raised awareness about the water crisis and the importance of community collaboration in addressing such challenges.
Looking ahead, the outreach team aims to expand its reach to more early childhood development centres in Hammanskraal and neighbouring communities.
They are actively seeking partnerships with local government bodies and organizations to secure sustainable funding and resources for their ongoing efforts. Additionally, they plan to engage in advocacy work to address the root causes of the water crisis and promote long-term solutions.
The Hammanskraal Water Relief Outreach serves as an inspiring example of a community-driven initiative that recognizes the critical role early childhood development centres play in nurturing young children. By ensuring access to clean water, this outreach has made a tangible difference in the lives of children and their caregivers. Their work serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that collective action and compassion can have on the most vulnerable members of society.
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