2021 05 Update on Crisis Centre, SA

RAPE CRISIS CENTRE, SCOTTBURGH, SOUTH AFRICA

                                                           Via Zoom Monday 10 May 2021

This meeting was a follow up to our January presentation from South Africa covering Rotary’s support for the Crisis Centre in Scottburgh Natal, South Africa.

Thorough preparation from the M&PRC team (incorporating Rangesh, Nigel and Andrew) enabled a well- structured Q&A session designed to expand our knowledge about the newly constructed crisis centre playground at GJ Crookes Hospital funded jointly by M&P plus Godalming Woolsack clubs topped up by the addition of a District Grant.

From alarming statistics about rape, Laetitia presented the need for a Crisis Centre where the incidence (and particularly child rape) was all too common. From small beginnings the” Teddy Bear Brigade” – a group of local women who had linked up  with Scottburgh Rotary Club have created a playground which is safe  for children brought to the centre to relax, free from any interference. In many cases the perpetrators are family members.

The centre can further develop and build on its existing achievements to date through the training of its own medical staff.

Laetitia demonstrated that she is a most able project champion committed to a cause that she firmly believes in. She hoped for a better life and that everyone is free from violence and fear. It was largely due to her considerable abilities that the project has been completed during in exceptionally difficult circumstances created by the current pandemic.