Helping Hands | Masithandane | Charities, NGO's and NPO's in Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and George

Masithandane - Means 'let us love one another' in Xhosa.
It is a help organisation that wants to make a difference in the community of Smutsville and Sizamele, which is part of Sedgefield, a seaside resort between George and Knysna. The main focus is on helping people infected and affected by AIDS. It has been in existence for about two years but due to a lack of funds it has not been able to be very effective. Since the second half of 2006 Masithandane employs a part-time home based carer. This is being made possible with funds received from private donors in the UK. In the past week Masithandane has also officially become an NPO (registration nr 052-253), this allows it to undertake much needed fundraising. A board with a constitution governs Masithandane.

Masithandane envisages three main areas of activities:

3. Rendering of practical and financial assistance. This will consist of home -based care for helpless or destitute people dying of AIDS-related diseases. Also: food security for the elderly or frail or people dying with AIDS; providing equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, bedpans, crutches to those in need of these. A food parcel scheme has been in operation with the support of a local church.

On 12 October 2006 the Masithandane Wellness Centre was formally opened and dedicated by representatives from Masithandane and the Knysna Aids Council at Graceland right next door to Smutsville. It will also be open on Thursdays from 12h00 - 14h00 as a non-medical testing site.

1. Providing support, assistance and counselling.
This is done in the context of a recently established wellness centre. With the help of the Knysna Aids Council pre- and post test counselling will be organised at least once a week. This will increase hopefully to 3 times a week by the end of 2007.

Nurses, home-carers administer DOTS, render primary health care, palliative care or medical support to chronic cases. Counsellors will also give emotional support. Care for orphans are also on the programme. A school clinic staffed by retired nurses has already been in operation for the last 2 years on Thursday mornings at the Sedgefield Primary School. A daily feeding scheme at this school has been in operation for some years now.

2. Giving of information, education and training. The main focus is on prevention and information about teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, Cancer, TB etc. This will be done through pamphlets, posters, video's and personal or group counselling in schools, the community hall, churches, youth groups, etc. Further educational or training projects will be on nutrition, sexuality, family planning, foetal alcohol syndrome, domestic violence, child abuse, drug and alcohol abuse.