Lifeskills for 2,587 Children in South Africa

Dear Friends and supporters of KTD196.

Usually I send out uplifting photo's and storys by the youth and tell of their situations and how they have overcome. This time around its a bit different. The story is unfortunately a harsh reality that many of our kids face.

I will call her Jennifer. Jennifer is 17yrs and in grade 10 this year, she is happy for me to share her story because she wants people to understand about life here in South Africa for children. Last year in March Jennifer was raped by her next door neighbour. She reported it to her mother who was to scared to report it further because of fear of reprisal. With the exposure to children’s rights Jennifer received through KTD196, Jennifer reported the case to the police. Her mother didn’t want KTD196 told. The police arrested the perpetrator. He has since been released on bail and is living next door.

Jennifer became pregnant through the rape and courageously decided not to have an abortion but to put the baby up for adoption. Jennifer had to contend with teachers and students ridiculing her and being nasty to her for being a pregnant teenager. This was further compounded by clinic nurses who treated her very badly by judging her. Her mother still did not want anyone told about the circumstances. Jennifer agreed to this out of respect for her mother.

Jennifer was asked to leave school because she was obviously pregnant. Jennifer went alone to the magistrates court and requested a letter stating that she was raped and there for was allowed to remain is school even though being pregnant.

Jennifer gave birth to her baby on Christmas day 2015 and fell madly in love with the child and has decided to keep the baby. KTD196, since finding out about the pregnancy once it was obvious Jennifer was pregnant, has provided support and aid to both mother and child. We have also advocated for her with the school, clinic and Scout group who were unaware of the circumstances of the pregnancy. (It was also a good opportunity to speak about the danger of making judgments but also to support teenagers who are pregnant and not just dismiss them).

Jennifer is now in Grade 11. She starts school at 0630 till 1900. She is not allowed to breast feed her child on school grounds. Her mother walks the 4kms to school 3 times a day with the baby so Jennifer can feed the child to give her daughter the right nutritional start to life.

Jennifer says it’s because of Scouts and KTD196 that she is able to stand up for herself and overcome horrific circumstances. Since the community has found out about the circumstances of the pregnancy Jennifer has been recognised as a strong young person who has overcome. Jennifer hopes one day to become a social worker.

Because of your support we have been able to build the resilience needed to overcome such terrible circumstances for Jennifer and her beautiful baby. Not just over come but Jennifer wants to contribute back to support other girls in particular through becoming a social worker. Most of the reports I have written have been the lighter side of life, however this is the impact that our work has with teenagers regarding real life.

This is just one story of many to encourage you about the value we are achieving with your donation.

Thank you to you our donors. I understand this is not a pretty neat, nicely wrapped story, many of our stories aren't but it is the truth. If you have not donated to us for a while please consider a small monthly donation, every little amount helps. If you want to donate a large amount we will accept that as well! We need your help to continue making an impact in the world in which these children survive.

Thank you in anticipation.

Louise

Links:

• Our Website
• YouTube video of KTD196 in action