Nkosinathi FoundationNkosinathi Foundationof and for blind and par tially sighted people

Breaking Barriers of BlindnessNkosinathi Foundation

1 April 2015 - 31 March 2016Annual Report1 April 2015 - 31 March 20161 April 2015 - 31 March 2016

Breaking Barriers of Blindness

(Front cover images, starting from the top row from the left: A male NF client is busy working on a computer and he is wearing assistive glasses. The second image is of a male junior client being taught how to eat with a spoon, by NF ECD Assistant, Vhedetta Rockman. The third image is of a male ER trainee typing Braille. The fourth image is of a female ER trainee being taught cane skills by NF Orientation and Mobility Practioner, Queen Molefe, during a group training session. The first image from the left in the bottom row: is a close up shot of a male client being taught cane skills by NF Orientation and Mobility Practioner, Queen Molefe, the second image is of a female client using a MERLIN Electronic Magnifier to assist with reading a magazine. The third image is of two male NF clients celebrating after completing the 2015 annual MFT White Cane Fun Run. The last image is of a male junior client posing for a picture whilst playing on a jungle gym, during one of our weekly Thursday Pre-School groups.)

(Images on this page, from the left: ECD assistant Vhedetta Rockman handing out a food parcel for 2016’s Random Act of Kindness Day, the second image is of three junior clients(one female on the left side, one male in the middle, and one female on the end) posing with their tactile art work they created for Valentines Day 2016. The final image is of a female ER 1 graduate learning the keys on a computer keyboard during training.)

1. Words from the Director2. Narrative Report2.1. Basic details of the Foundation2.2. Governance2.3. Services2.3.1. Urban Rehabilitation for Adults2.3.2. Rural Rehabilitation for Adults & Children2.3.3. Blind Children's Rehabilitation & Development2.3.4. Preparation for Employment/Tertiary Education for Blind & Partially Sighted People2.3.4. Statistics2.4. Activities2.5. Financials2.6. Conclusion

Contents

During the year under review – 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016 – the Nkosinathi Foundation once again provided Rehabilitation and Related Support Services to a record number of people. Statistics are recorded later in this report.

The Foundation remained the only organization of its kind in the Eastern Cape Province – providing comprehensive rehabilitation services to blind and partially sighted children and adults, as well as providing services to their significant others.

The Foundation has over many years pioneered various projects both in the Eastern Cape and in South Africa. During the year under review, the Foundation introduced another two “firsts” for blind people, offering the First Employment Readiness Training Course and establishing the First Internet Café for Blind and Partially Sighted People in the Eastern Cape! More about this is recorded later in this report.

I thank everyone, the Nkosinathi Foundation Board Members, Members, Staff Members, Friends, Funders and Donors who have worked together during 2015/2016, to ensure existing services and indeed new services have been provided — all of which have worked towards the goal of assisting blind and partially sighted people to overcome the challenges of loss of sight.

Warmly,

Debby WakefordDirector

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From the Director, Debby Wakeford

1.1 Name and Status:

Nkosinathi Foundation of and for Blind and Partially Sighted People. The Foundation is a registered, independent Nonprofit Organization, which is also registered as a Public Benefit Organization.

• Nonprofit Organization registration number 000-610.

• Public Benefit Organization reference number 130002446.

• BBBEE Certificate – Level 4 : Number EXM 9516

1.2 Reporting Period:

1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016.

1.3 Contact Persons: Mr. Xolisa Yekani – Chairman Telephone : 083 4023 969Email: yekanix@sabc.co.za

Mrs Debby Wakeford – DirectorTelephone : 041 487 1150Email: director@nkosinathifoundation.org

1.4 Foundation’s Physical Address:

58 (b) Kirkwood StreetNorth End6001 Port ElizabethProvince of the Eastern Cape

Narrative Report

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1. BASIC DETAILS OF THE FOUNDATION:

1.5 Foundation’s Postal Address:

P.O. Box 2126North End6056 Port ElizabethProvince of the Eastern Cape

1.6 Other means of Communication:

Tel. 041 587 1150Fax. 041 484 3430Email: socialwork@nkosinathifoundation.orgWebsite: www.nkosinathifoundation.orgFacebook : Nkosinathi Foundation – Breaking Barriers of Blindness

1.7 Members of the Board:

• Mr. Xolisa Yekani – Chairman 7 Stent Street Kensington. 6001. Port Elizabeth Telephone : 083 4023 969

• Mr. Mark Rockman – Vice Chairman 20 Stream Road Malabar. 6020. Port Elizabeth Telephone : 083 4003 606

• Mrs. Hazel Marshall – Secretary Unit B1, Summer Dunes Retirement Village 11 Richardson Road, Summerstrand. 6001. Port Elizabeth Telephone : 082 8633 236

• Mrs. Glenise Jonas – Treasurer 7 Bunting Crescent

Cotswold Extension. 6045. Port Elizabeth Telephone : 083 9449 359

• Mr. Loyiso Seyise – Board Member97 Chief Poto Street

NU 2 Motherwell 6214. Port Elizabeth Telephone : 082 4278 577

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• Mrs. Jenny Henderson – Board Member24 Duncan Ferguson Park, 7th Avenue

Summerstrand. 6001. Port Elizabeth Telephone : 041 583 2439

• Mrs. Rene Naidoo – Board Member17 Virgilia Street

Malabar. 6020. Port Elizabeth. Telephone : 041 457 3338

• MR. Elliot Takayi135 Stemele StreetKWAMAGXAKI; PE 6201Cell: 082 315 3538

• MS. Simbongile Njokwana3B Fort StreetCENTRAL; PE 6001Cell: 083 991 3507

• Mrs Debby Wakeford (Ex Officio – Director)P.O. Box 2126

North End. 6056. Port Elizabeth Telephone : 041 487 1150

1.8 Foundation’s Membership Total: 2 171

1.9 Foundation’s Staff Members

• Director – Mrs Debby WakefordPeriod of service – 29 years

• Services Manager / Social Worker – Mrs Michelle McLeanPeriod of service – 12 years

• General Office Assistant – Ms Nonzwakazi BobPeriod of service – 12 years

• Financial Administrator and Rehab Consultant – Mrs Lydia Marques Period of service – 6 years

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• Orientation and Mobility Practitioner – Ms Queen MolefePeriod of service – 5 years

• Early Childhood Development Assistant – Mrs Vhedetta RockmanPeriod of Service – 3 years

• Rehab/Early Childhood Development Consultant – Ms Chantelle Hulme (Jonker) Period of Service – 2 years

•• Rehabilitation Consultant and Administration – Mrs Samantha Oerson

Period of Service – 2 years (resigned – left end February 2016)

• General Office and ECD Assistant – Mrs. Ethel NonjakaziPeriod of service – 3 months (New post as from January 2016)

• Public Relations and Awareness Co-ordinator – Ms. Cashelle McLeanPeriod of Service – 3 months (New post as from January 2016)

• Rehabilitation Consultant and Adminstration – Ms. Karley WhiteboyPeriod of Service – 2 months (replaced Mrs. Oerson).

• Area 1 Rehabilitation Field Worker – Mrs Amanda BrooksPeriod of service – 13 years

• Area 2 Rehabilitation Field Worker – Mrs Esme MoosPeriod of service – 7 years

• Area 3 Rehabilitation Field Worker – Mr Riet PeniPeriod of service – 3 years

• Area 3 Rehabilitation Field Worker – Ms Nomhle NkonePeriod of service – 2 years

• Area 3 Rehabilitation Field Worker – Ms Thandeka BusakwePeriod of service – 1 year 5 months

• Area 4 Rehabilitation Field Worker – Ms Noluvuyo SgwandaPeriod of service – 1 year 5 months

• Area 4 Rehabilitation Field Worker – Ms Zukiswa MangePeriod of service – 1 year 5 months

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1.10 Bankers: Standard Bank, North End, Port Elizabeth

1.11 Auditors: PKF Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors, Port Elizabeth

Most meetings of the Foundation’s Board were well attended and took place on the following dates:11 April 2015; 23 May 2015; 11 July 2015; 22 August 2015; 3 October 2015; 4 November 2015; 21 November 2015; 23 January 2016 and 27 February 2016.

The Annual General Meeting, which was well attended, took place on 3 June 2015.

All documentation, i.e. Agendas, Minutes, Monthly Financial Statements and Director’s reports, were well prepared and distributed in good time ahead of meetings.

The Board reviewed the Director’s reports, which comprise narrative and statistical elements reflecting the work of all staff members and gives a clear picture of the activities carried out in the periods between each Board Meeting. The Board Secretary also reviewed the individual monthly staff reports.

Once again, the Board acknowledges, with appreciation, that the Department of Social Development remains the only Government Department providing any funding in support of services rendered by the Foundation. However, it remains of concern, that after receiving a subsidy from this department, for ONE post only, since 1975, the Department of Social Development – despite numerous applications by the Nkosinathi Foundation – has not recognized or acknowledged the necessity for more subsidized posts for the Foundation. Again, it is relevant to note here that the Foundation continues to experience an ever increasing call for services – including increasing numbers of referrals from the Department of Social Development, being for services the Department of Social Development itself does not provide.

Looking back on the year under review, the Foundation is deeply grateful to other partners, such as ApexHi Charitable Trust, AVI Limited, Children’s Feeding Trust, Coopervision, Christmas Cheer, Export Credit Insurance Corporation, e’Zethu

2. GOVERNANCE:

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Development Trust, Grassridge Wind Power RF Pty Ltd, John and Esther Ellerman Memorial Trust, Lewis Group, Medical Form Theatre, D. G. Murray Trust, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Port Elizabeth Community Chest, Union of Jewish Women, as well as others – whom are acknowledged later in this report, and who made it possible to provide Rehabilitation and Related Support Services to blind and partially sighted children, adults and their families.

The Board also noted with concern that despite the fact that the Foundation is constantly providing Educational and Health services in the form of Early Childhood Development, Adult Employment Readiness Training, Braille literacy training in the first instance and Rehabilitation, Eye Care and Low Vision Training in the second, we have never succeeded in attracting financial support from these relevant Departments. The Board also noted that the Department of Health still does not provide Rehabilitation Services to Blind and Partially Sighted People.

The following is an excerpt from the 2014 / 2015 Annual Report.

“The Director has formulated a plan for future services, which summarized is :All Services will be delivered in four distinct projects – namely

• Urban Rehabilitation Project• Rural Rehabilitation Project• Children’s Project – including Early Childhood Development• Preparation for Tertiary Education / Employment Project

This plan will be presented to the Board during 2015 / 2016 for approval, so that this change of focus can begin during the same year”.

During the year under review, the above plan was presented to and approved by the Foundation’s Board for implementation in 2015/2016.

Therefore, during the year under review, the comprehensive services which the Foundation offered may be summarized into four programmes, namely :

1. Urban Rehabilitation for Adults2. Rural Rehabilitation for Adults and Children3. Blind Children’s Rehabilitation and Development4. Preparation for Employment/Tertiary Education for Blind/Partially Sighted People

3. SERVICES:

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Urban Rehabilitation for Adults

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In this programme, blind / partially sighted adults and their families are offered :

Emotional Support

- Individual counselling- Family counselling- Training and Support Group- Social / Activities Group

Living Skills Training

- Orientation and mobility training- Provision of Long mobility canes- Adapted Skills of daily living training- Access to Special Equipment- Braille Literacy training- Referrals for Audio equipment and materials - Residual vision assessment- Residual vision (Low Vision) training- Prescription of Low Vision Aids- Access to Low Vision Aids- Training in the use of Low Vision Aids

This comprehensive rehabilitation service is provided by a team of professionals either :

a) At the Nkosinathi Foundation premises for the required number of sessions.And / Or (Depending on the type of service)

b) At the Client’s home or work place for the required number of sessions

1. URBAN REHABILITATION FOR ADULTS

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Rural Rehabilitation forAdults and Children

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In this programme, blind / partially sighted adults and children who lose their sight and their families are offered :

Emotional Support

- Individual counseling- Family counseling- Training and Support Groups- Social Groups

Living Skills Training

- Orientation and mobility training- Provision of Long mobility canes- Adapted Skills of daily living training- Access to Special Equipment- Braille Literacy training- Referrals for Audio equipment and materials - ALL Blind Children living in Rural Areas are also immediately referred to the

Foundation’s Professionals in order to provide relevant services and ensure the blind child accesses formal education.

This comprehensive rehabilitation service is provided by a team of Rural Rehabilitation Community Field Workers employed by the Foundation and working under the supervision of professionals of the Foundation. The services are provided in client’s homes in Rural Areas in the Eastern Cape Province.

The areas reached thus far in this programme include :

• “Area 1” • Clarkson, Kareedouw and surrounding areas

• “Area 2”• Hankey, Patensie, Loerie and surrounding areas

• “Area 3”• Addo, Paterson and surrounding areas

• “Area 4”• Kirkwood and surrounding areas

The Foundation is grateful to be able to say – there is no blind or partially sighted person living in Areas above, known to the Foundation, who has not received services or been offered services.

The Foundation plans to move into another unserved area as soon as funds allow.

1. RURAL REHABILITATION FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN

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Early Childhood DevelopmentProgramme

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The Foundation places special importance on delivery of rehabilitation and support services for children who lose their vision.

This programme offers blind children, aged 0 – 3 years and their parents :

• Hospital / home visits to the parents and child by professional staff• Counselling and support for the parents• Guidance for the parents on stimulation & development of the baby• Provision of food parcels when needed• Introduction to the Foundation’s Pre School Group facilitator

This programme offers blind children, aged 4 – 7 years, and their parents

In this programme offers blind children, aged 8 – 18 years, and their parents

This comprehensive rehabilitation and related support service is provided by a team of professionals either :

a) At the Nkosinathi Foundation premises And / Or (Depending on the type of service)

b) At the Child’s home

3. BLIND CHILDREN’S REHABILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT

•Prescription of Low Vision Aids•Access to Low Vision Aids•Training in the use of Low Vision Aids•Counselling for the parents•Guidance for parents on development of the child•Guidance and assistance with applications to relevant schools

• Orientation and mobility training• Provision of Long canes• Adapted Skills of daily living training• Access to Special Equipment• Braille Literacy training• Referrals for Audio equipment and materials• Residual vision assessment• Residual vision training• Counselling for the child• School Holiday Recreational / Educational

activities

• Pre School Group at Nkosinathi Foundation for Pre School learning and activities

• Provision of breakfast and lunch for the pre school group children

• Introduction to Orientation and Mobility Training for the child

• Continued guidance for parents on development of the child

• Guidance and assistance with applications to Primary schools

• School Holiday Recreational / Educational activities

• Introduction to Adapted Daily Skills Training for the child

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Employment and Tertiary Readiness Training

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In this programme, blind / partially sighted people are offered :

• Computer Training using adapted computer software

• Braille Literacy Training

• Electronic Low Vision Equipment (for Reading) Training for Partially Sighted People

• Orientation and Mobility Training for Blind People

• Relevant Adapted Daily Living Skills Training

• Personal Development Training

• C.V. Writing Skills Training

• Job Interview Skills Training

• Communication relating to Work Relationships Training

• Introduction to Tertiary Education and Assistance with Applications.

• Introduction to the Open Labour Market and Job shadowing Training

This comprehensive rehabilitation related service is provided by a team of professionals at the Foundation’s premises.

INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAMME IS :

THE NKOSINATHI FOUNDATION INTERNET CAFÉ FOR BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED PEOPLE.

• This is the First Internet Café for Blind People in the Eastern Cape Province and was established in 2015.

• Blind and Partially Sighted Members of the Foundation have access to this Internet Café (by appointment) Free of Charge.

4. PREPARATION FOR EMPLOYMENT / TERTIARY EDUCATION FOR BLIND / PARTIALLY SIGHTED PEOPLE.

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In some cases, especially during the initial stages of loss of sight and while disability grants are being awaited or in cases of extreme poverty, practical support such as food parcels and clothing is given to people in need. As the Foundation is not generally in a position to provide this service on its own, this support is made possible by donations received directly from individual and / or philanthropic group donors.

The following are statistics for the past year.

Total Membership of the Foundation : 2 171

Total Number Staff (P.E.) & Rural Field Workers : 17

Total Number of people served during the year : 915

Total Number of One to One Client Sessions Conducted during the year : 1 620

Breakdown

Served by P.E. Based Staff (Blind people + Fam. Members) : 579Served by Area 1(Kareedouw & Surrounds)Field Worker : 16 Served by Area 2 (Hankey, Patensie, Loerie)Field Worker : 22Served by Area 3 (Addo & Paterson) Field Workers : 48Served by Area 4 (Kirkwood & Surrounds)Field Workers : 26Family Members/ Significant others of Rural Areas Clients : 22

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Additional Services: Social and Practical Support

Statistics

{915 Blind and Partially Sighted Persons in and around the Eastern Cape recieved services from Nkosinathi Foundation in 2016. }Blind and Partially Sighted Persons in and around the Eastern Cape recieved services from Nkosinathi Foundation in 2016.

Total Number of Group Sessions Conductedduring the year : 244

Breakdown

Employment Readiness Training : 188Rehabilitation Training : 10Children’s Development & Training : 35Social Group : 11

Number of Training Workshops facilitated for Clients : 4

Breakdown (Full Day Workshops)

7th & 8th Dec. 2015 : Personal Growth and Communication Skills 10th – 12th Dec. 2015 : Rights, Responsibilities and Communication Skills19th Jan. 2016 : C.V. Writing Skills29th Feb. & 1 March 2016 : Job Interview Skills

Number of people trained in residential programme : 2 Note : While accommodation was not provided on the Nkosinathi Foundation premises, the residential intensive training programme was facilitated for these 2 people.

Number of “other” people trained (received services) : 101

Breakdown

April 2015 : Khanyisa House Parents & support staff – attendance : 11August 2015 : N.M.U. Student Nurses – attendance : 90

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As can be seen in “Services” and “Statistics” above, the work carried out by the staff of the Foundation is extensive, that is feasible in an annual report, is to highlight only a few of the activities that may be of particular interest to certain members, donors and funders.

Counseling formed the basis of the Rehabilitation process for many of the service recipients during the year, making it possible for those who took up this offer, to move through the stages of loss after loss of sight and find their way forward.

During the year under review, all Blind and Partially Sighted children and adults had the opportunity of Full Mobility Training and many took up this offer.

Some clients made use of this service to learn orientation and mobility in their own homes only, while others made use of this service to be able to travel independently from their homes to other places — using public transport!

All children and adults undergoing Orientation & Mobility and who were in need of canes were provided with canes, whether or not they could pay for them.

It has been a pleasure for staff members to be able to provide some answers and much training in daily living tasks, which assisted many blind people to live more independently than they had thought possible.

ACTIVITIES

‘Nkosinathi Foundation wishes to acknowledge here the John & Esther Ellerman Memorial Trust for being our supporter of Rehabilitation / Training Services for more than 27 years! ’

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Individual counselling and Family members counselling

Orientation and Mobility Training

Braille Reading and Writing Training

This service was offered to all blind and partially sighted people, presenting for services during the year under review. The offer was taken up by some people.

Introduction to Braille also continued in the Pre School Group, where the focus was on playing games which lead the children into an understanding of Braille reading – without them knowing they are not just playing!

Again, this service remained the service which brought smiles to service recipients, the fastest!

So many people who lose some of their vision believe they will never be able to read or perform tasks which require fine vision.

Partially sighted adults and children had their residual vision assessed, were trained in the use of their residual vision, had low vision aids prescribed and sourced for them and trained in the use of these aids.

During the year under review, many of the service recipients opted for the additional service of training in Orientation & Mobility and Adapted Daily Living Skills within a group setting. This training has the added benefit of peer support for all who are in the process of rehabilitation training, post loss of sight.

As can be noted in the statistics above, Nkosinathi Foundation facilitates a very lively Social Group once per month. This group is attended by an average of 17 – 20 blind and partially sighted people and not only provides an opportunity for social activities, but also acts as another vehicle for peer support to take place.

Low Vision Assessment and Training

Rehabilitation Group Training

Social Group

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Adapted Daily Living Skills Training

As previously reported, this project started as a pilot project in 2001 and during the year under review has continued to go from strength to strength. More importantly, this project, continued to bring blind and partially sighted children and adults, their family members and community members, rehabilitation and support services. These services are delivered in the rural areas in which the people live. These recipients of services, would probably otherwise not have been able to access services and would have probably remained dependent on others and not integrated into their communities.

Due to this Rural Outreach project, blind and partially sighted people living in a significantly large part of the Eastern Cape are now able to access rehabilitation services in their own home areas.

During the year under review, and as is policy for Nkosinathi Foundation, all children requiring services were prioritized.

Relevant staff members visited children aged birth to 3 years, in their homes, while children aged 4 to 8 years have been visited as well as enjoyed being part of a very successful pre school group – at which they are taught basic skills, which they need to overcome the difficulties associated with loss of sight. The Early Childhood Development services included support to the parents.

In addition to the above, all children up to the age of 18 were prioritized to receive training in Orientation & Mobility, Skills of Daily Living, Braille Training, Low Vision Training and Counseling.

Rural Outreach Programme

Children’s Projects

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The following is another excerpt from the 2014 / 2015 Annual Report.

“……. Because computer literacy has to be viewed as part a basic rehabilitation, the Foundation is determined to find a way to make this service available during next year 2015 / 2016”.

The Foundation is grateful to report that during the year under review – the way was indeed found!

Computer Literacy was offered in a full Training Project i.e. the Foundation’s Employment / Tertiary Readiness Training Project.

The training comprised of computer, braille, advanced orientation & mobility, skills of daily living daily training, as well as personal development training, cv writing skills, communication and job interview training.

During the year under review 18 people registered to undergo this 10 month training.

While much of the Nkosinathi Foundation service, is delivered in the blind / partially sighted person’s own home, other services and in particular the group training is presented at the Nkosinathi Foundation premises.

Almost all of the recipients of all services are not able to pay for their own transport to access services which take place at the Foundation.

Many people are also not in a position to pay for meals while at the Foundation’s training and indeed some are from such deprived homes, that they need assistance for other meals when at home.

It is not uncommon for staff to find Blind Children or Adults who they visited, had little or no food in their homes. Some people who arrived at Nkosinathi Foundation’s premises, to receive rehabilitation training were very hungry.

However, during the year under review, again Nkosinathi Foundation can say, no blind or partially sighted child or adult who received rehabilitation services went hungry or was denied access to services because of an inability to pay for transport.

Transport, Meals and Food Parcels were provided all year round to all blind and partially sighted adults and children recipients of all services.

Employment / Tertiary Readiness Training

Meals, Transport and Social Relief

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This year Nkosinathi Foundation took another step forward in its own development. For the first time, a Public Relations / Awareness / Fund Raising Events Coordinator was employed in a full time position at the Foundation.

This has already proved to be a very good decision with awareness having been raised in new ways and in particular using social media.

The Public Relations Coordinator also took over the coordinating duties relating to the Foundation’s regular Awareness Raising which are referred to later in this report.

The first internet café for blind and partially sighted people in the Eastern Cape Province was opened in 2015.This café was used on a regular basis by the trainees in the Employment / Tertiary Readiness Training program, as well as by other Nkosinathi Foundation members and parents of blind children.

The dream of having an Internet Café specifically for blind and partially sighted people was made possible through purchasing 5 computers and the relevant software which makes computers accessible to blind and partially sighted people.

Awareness Raising

Nkosinathi Foundation Internet Café for Blind and Partially Sighted People

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As always, Blind and Partially Sighted People reaching their Independence Related Goals remained the biggest highlight during the course of the year, at the Foundation.

However, some other highlights are recorded below.

In April 2015, Toc H Port Elizabeth and the Humewood Golf Club hosted a Golf Day for Professional Golfs and part of the proceeds was donated to Nkosinathi Foundation. Toc H Cape Town also donated funds to Nkosinathi Foundation. These collective funds were used to buy 1 computer and software for the Internet Café.

In May 2015, Nkosinathi Foundation’s family was added to! A little boy – Bokomoso – was born to Queen Molefe, the Foundation’s Orientation & Mobility Practitioner.

In June 2015, the e’Zethu Development Trust Fund and the Grass Roots Youth Development Fund donated funds to buy another 4 computers and relevant software for the Employment Readiness Training Project.

In July 2015, the Nkosinathi Foundation Internet Café for Blind and Partially Sighted People was fully equipped and opened to blind and partially sighted people.

In July 2015, Mandela Day was observed at Nkosinathi Foundation with staff members of the Medical Forum Theatre and the Eye and Laser Clinic spending time at the Foundation, carrying out maintenance work. They also presented a number of “goody bags” to blind and partially sighted members.

In August 2015, all staff was trained in the use of JAWS and MAgic. This training was presented by Sensory Solutions in Port Elizabeth.

In August 2015, the Trainees of the First Employment Readiness Training Group began their 10 month training course.

Summary of a few highlights during 2015 / 2016

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In September 2015, Nkosinathi Foundation participated in Casual Day proceedings for the first time. From this participation, much awareness and funds were raised.

In September 2015, the Mayor of the Sarah Baartman Municipality (previously the Cacadu Municipality) visited the Rural Outreach Rehabilitation Project in the Addo/Paterson/Kirkwood areas and met with Nkosinathi Foundation members from all three areas. The blind and partially sighted members enjoyed a special lunch function which was sponsored by the Sarah Baartman Municipality. At this function, all members present received beautiful blankets donated by Old Mutual.

In October 2015, a most successful White Cane Day event was held. For the first time, 3 separate events were facilitated – a 10 klm Race, a 5 klm Fun Walk and a White Cane Challenge. There was a record number of entries for these events.

In October 2015, an extremely successful Open Day was held at Nkosinathi Foundation. This Open Day also incorporated an Art Exhibition of paintings by the late Pat McGaffin. The exhibition drew much interest with many of her paintings being sold.Here is another excerpt from the 2014 / 2015 Annual Report.

“A meeting was held with a group of Private Ophthalmologists who are looking at ways of partnering with Nkosinathi Foundation in 2015, in an attempt to assist people without medical aids and private means and who need cataract removal operations”.In October 2015, the Medical Forum Theatre staff worked their magic! They carried out successful cataract removal operations for 10 people identified by Nkosinathi Foundation.

In October 2015, the Foundation’s E.C.D. / Rehabilitation Consultation – Chantelle Hulme – became Mrs. Chantelle Jonker!

In November 2015, the Director of the Foundation – Debby Wakeford – decided that after 30 years of service to the Foundation, that as she was approaching her 60th birthday early in 2016, she would begin the process of retirement. She believed it to be in the best interest of the Nkosinathi Foundation, that younger people with fresh ideas take over the reins. She met with the Foundation’s Board members and together they formulated a plan to ensure a smooth as possible transition to the next Director. The transition phase is set for taking place as from 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017, after which Debby Wakeford will retire.In December 2015, a number of Year End Group functions were held for the Nkosinathi Foundation adult and children members. None were more excited than the children who also received gifts which were donated by various donors.

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In January 2016, the application process for the second Employment Readiness Training group closed and applicants were selected to take part in the training.

In February 2016, the second group of trainees began their Employment Readiness 10 month training course.

In February 2016, the Foundation’s first Public Relations / Awareness Coordinator – Cashelle McLean, was appointed.

In February 2016, Nkosinathi Foundation joined the ranks of the “Face Bookers”!The Public Relations and Awareness Coordinator set up and began managing a dynamic Face Book page for the Foundation. A renewal of the Foundation’s website began and once completed will hold another surprise – with a change of Logo for the Foundation!

In March 2016, one of the Nkosinathi Foundation children received a cornea in the first cornea transplant to be performed at a Port Elizabeth Hospital. This operation was performed by Dr. Jacoby.

In March 2016, an exciting opportunity presented itself for two staff members of Nkosinathi Foundation to visit various organizations working with blind and partially sighted people in New York! However, as this will only take place during the next reporting year – this exciting item will be left here.

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On March 21st 2016, Asanda Ndarala passed away suddenly. Asanda was one of the Trainees in the first Employment Readiness Training Group. The loss of Asanda came as a shock to the other trainees in his group and to the staff.

It has been very disappointing that despite efforts to involve business people in the Employment Readiness Project – little headway has been made. However, this matter will continue to receive attention in the hope that business people will be willing to give Employment Readiness Trainees opportunities of job shadowing at their companies and ultimately with a view to finding employment for the trainees.

Nkosinathi Foundation has experienced a marked increase of calls for services from outside of its operating area. According to the callers, they are not able to access rehabilitation services anywhere else – including at organisations for blind and partially sighted people which are situated close to some of the callers. This causes Nkosinathi Foundation’s limited resources to be much more stretched! It is difficult to understand this situation as other organisations also receive funding for services to blind and partially sighted people and yet requests for services from people “out of the area” are being made to Nkosinathi Foundation.

Nkosinathi Foundation has also experienced an increase of calls for services for blind and partially sighted children. Added to this, the Early Childhood Development Services Coordinator has indicated that a change in the way the Pre School Group is facilitated is needed in order to address the children’s needs in a more effective way. Thought and planning is being put into this and a change is envisaged in 2016/2017.

Once again, there were many concerns about the children’s education at schools for blind and partially sighted children and about children’s home situations.

The Nkosinathi Foundation staff continued to do everything in their power to address these situations, carrying out practical assistance, as well as trying to engage with the relevant authorities.

Poverty with many of Nkosinathi Foundation members remained a very hard challenge. While Nkosinathi Foundation and its partners do manage to alleviate some of this poverty, the real solution to poverty is education and employment!

Summary of some of the challenges experienced during 2015 / 2016

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Once again, the year under review has been a challenging year. The need for services continues to grow and it has been difficult to find sufficient financial resources to cope.

However, the Recipients of Services, the Board Members and the Staff Members are extremely grateful to the funders and donors of Nkosinathi Foundation.

It is because of their generous support that the Foundation has been able to continue to provide services throughout 2015 / 2016 and indeed to establish and provide new services according to the changing needs of blind and partially sighted people.

Every one of the funders and donors is thanked very sincerely.

It is because of the generosity of those listed below that blind and partially sighted children and adults received services which assisted them to enjoy life to the fullest.

• ApexHi Charitable Trust

• AVI Limited

• Children’s Feeding Trust

• Christmas Cheer

• Community Chest of Port Elizabeth

• Cooper Vision SA (Pty) Ltd

• Department of Social Development

• D.G. Murray Trust

• Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa SOC Ltd

• e’Zethu Development Trust

• Frank and Flo Baker Trust

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FINANCIALS

“ ”lone we can do so little; together we can do so much.A lone we can do so little; together we can do so much.A- Helen Keller

• Grassridge Wind Power RF Pty Ltd

• John and Esther Ellerman Memorial Trust

• Lewis Group

• Medical Forum Theatre

• Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole Municipality

• P. J. Davitz Trust

• Richardson Will Trust

• Rosser Charity Trust

• Toc H Cape Town

• Toc H Port Elizabeth

• Union of Jewish Women

• Varsity College

• WE & SM Berry Will Trust

• And many Companies and Private Individuals who supported Nkosinathi Foundation’s once off Fund Raising initiatives

• As well as many other private individual ongoing donors With special thanks to

Mr. and Mrs. David and Tracy HarringtonMrs. Margaret Bilsbury

• We also thank all the many donors who generously donated goods in kind with special thanks to

Children’s Feeding TrustDamon InternationalMedical Forum TheatreOld MutualUnion of Jewish Women

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While thanking everyone, Board members, staff members, donors and funders and members of the Foundation for their very special contributions, we acknowledge our Lord who has graciously provided the Foundation’s daily needs.

We have truly been blessed and can honestly say, we are the Nkosinathi Foundation – translated – “God with us Foundation”! Praise to the Lord.

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Thank You to Our Contributors

CONCLUSION