From the Desk of Michelle Daly, General Manager, St Francis Outreach Trust

It seems like it has been forever since we received the news from our President, Cyril Ramaphosa, of the national lockdown in South Africa. It has been a busy and productive period, as we navigate our way through these uncertain times. So many new demands have been placed upon us, as we find ourselves having to embark on this new journey, including the unexpected “rollout” of on-line and remote learning at our two foster homes. We are floundering, as no one could have prepared us sufficiently for lock down, restriction of movement and now the extension.

While we did our best to prepare practically, preparing psychologically and emotionally for something that is a first is difficult! The reality is that it will not be business as usual either way; therefore we are embracing our challenges and celebrating each success! The positive is, that even though floundering, we are ALL sharing this experience, and not alone!

Prior to lockdown, we put together plans to educate our foster mothers and children about the COVID-19 virus and provided each home with sanitisers, surface cleaners, vitamin C, gloves and masks. All children and staff had flu vaccinations. We implemented precautionary behavioural measures and ensured that both houses were stocked up with groceries, electricity, data, toiletries and medical supplies to promote social distancing and ensure minimal exposure.

The next challenge was the “roll-out” and setting up of on-line learning during lockdown restrictions. As schools were sending work to the children via email, Whatsapp and Google Classroom, we needed to ensure that both houses had access to computers, Internet and Whatsapp. The team sprang into action, and within a short space of time, both houses were set up with Internet of one device each. We provided our Moms with basic smart phones and access to Whatsapp to enable team communication and support from our tutors. The mothers and children gained new computer skills and soon the children were set up on various digital platforms.

While we are incredibly proud of our achievements during this time, we still have challenges to overcome with regards to on-line learning. Our children are expected to work an average of 3 hours each per day, and therefore sharing one laptop per house is not ideal. Teachers are holding sessions on Google Meet, and it is becoming quite a juggle for the children to have access to a laptop when required. Other challenges include:

Moms have limited computer literacy and require coaching and IT support to empower them to facilitate the learning of the children (provided by Driver, Sphelo)

Lack of devices, therefore children’s productivity is slow
No printer (time delay, as lessons handwritten from Google classroom)
Two tutors provide telephonic daily support, as per schedule and time slots
·Work to be submitted on-line to various schools
Schools expected to return 1 June. Phased-in per grade, until end July.

Despite lockdown, the children and mothers remain in a positive frame of mind. They have implemented a daily routine: 7:00am exercises; breakfast; school work; break times; games; activities; relaxation and cooking chores. Uzu is improvising and practicing her golf swing, by hitting balls into Mama Emily’s blanket on the wash line! Children are attempting their hand at baking and cooking, creatively using the stocks that they have. The mothers are proud and motivated by their personal growth and empowerment.

We are most grateful for your generosity and on-going support. It is wonderful to be able to partner with the LQP Team and St Peter’s Episcopal Church who go the extra mile to make a difference in our children’s lives. Thank you!

Keep safe! Prayers and love,

Michelle

A note on the effects of COVID-19 on foster homes in South Africa