Group of Hope

Brandvlei Maximum Prison

The Group of Hope originated in June 2002 after a number of prisoners did an HIV/Aids course.  After the course the Chief social worker, Mr Jacobus Pansegrow, identified a need for prisoners to share their knowledge with other prisoners.  It was heartening to think that a bunch of maximum prisoners wanted to do something for their fellowman without compensation.

All 15 prisoners are HIV negative and only wish to spread the message of prevention.

After a number of meetings the "Group of Hope" was born.  Mr Pansegrow aided them to learn specific skills and empowered them to make independant decisions and helped with the launching of the projects.

The following projects were decided upon:

1. To adopt an HIV Positive child in the community.
2. To cultivate a vegetable garden which would supply fresh vegetables to the adopted child and also to the poor people of the community.
3. To make blankets for an organization in Randburg for HIV babies.
4. A project for World Aids Day on 1 December 2002.
5. The making of cards for terminally ill prisoners in the Brandvlei hospital.
6. To generate finances.

7.

 To Spread the word on the dangers of HIV/Aids to other prisoners in the Maximum Prison.

The Group of Hope consists of 18 inmates.

Each project has its own project leader (a prisoner).  They manage the project and Mr Pansegrow coordinates and is the link between the group and the management of the prison. The Area Manager and management of the prison is very positive about these projects.
 
Adoption
On 4 October the Worcester Aids Action was phoned in order to "adopt" a child. A meeting was arranged to meet the child, Thabaang, who has been HIV positive since birth. Both parents have died and he is in foster care. He has no friends and the only toys he had were cooldrink tops. His clothes were also in a bad state. Thabaang visited the Group on 16 October for the first time, where he was given toys and cards. He was thrilled. An appeal had been made to members of the prison to donate toys. The Group washed and repair the toys before giving them to the little boy.

It was also discovered that it was his dream to fly in an aeroplane. The Group of Hope try to make dreams come true and to give hope. Mr Kachelhoffer of Worcester flying club offered to sponsor the group and on 21 December 2002 Thabaang was able to realize his dream.


Ms Mqela(social worker);Chris(pilot);Mr J Pansegrow(social worker); Thabaang and Mr Kachelhoffer


A big moment for Thabaang.

A first time in a plane. Thabaang seemed comfortable behide the controls.
A smile as big as this says a lot of a child's happiness.

They flew over the prison so that the Group of Hope could see their "child" flying. They enjoyed the scenery and mountains.
All good things come to an end and they approach the airfield at Worcester.

A patch of ground has been set aside for a vegetable garden. These vegetables will provide fresh produce for Thabaang and for other poor people in the community.

 

Needlework Project - Started off initially to repair Thabaang's clothes' but are now involved in a Blanket project with Ladies of the ATKV of Randburg, in the making of blankets for babies with Aids.

The group of Hope was well represented at the World Aids Day held on 29.11.2002 at Brandvlei.  The group entertained a few important guests, including:

* Mr Cameron Dugmore - Chair of Health Forum in Parliament who was also the guest speaker;
* Ms R Treurnicht - spoke about living with aids.
* Mr K Meulenbroek - Head of BRAM Care Center.
* Representatives of the PC Office, Area Managers, Heads of Prisons and Heads of organizations.
* HIV positive people also attended.

This was a wonderful group of 400 inmates who were entertained simultaneously from Maximum, Medium and Juvenile Prisons.
Performances of Prison Choirs, Rap Groups, Gumboot dances and a play entertained the prisoners.

A video was made of the event and the Group of Hope was responsible for the making of beautiful banners and posters.


Painting the banner
Name of the sponsor of the group: Protector Group also appeared on the banner.

Group of Hope and Aids ribbons for World Aids Day(Hemblems - Project manager)

Cards and Hospital Visits.
This project was initially started to visit and comfort HIV-terminally ill patients in the prison hospital. However, the Group now visits other patients in the prison hospital as well. Approximately 5 members of the group visit the hospital on a regular basis and send cards - made by themselves to patients and next of kin.

Finances
This was a big headache, as they did not have funds to run the projects. These projects could only be a success through prayer and the good hearts of the sponsors. A company from Pretoria (Protector Group) donated R1000 a month for a year. Money is also being generated by selling cooldrink.  Money will however still be a problem, as everything that is made is given away and not sold eg, the blankets, the vegetables and so on.

Information
This project is based on the origin of the Group and it is their aim to inform the rest of the prison population about the dangers of HIV/Aids, as well as the prevention thereof. A brochure in Afrikaans, English and Xhosa is being compiled and the group members will carry the message over in the prisons.

It should be stressed that this is a very special bunch of people. Especially in the light that they are maximum prisoners doing something without compensation. As far as it is known it is the only group of prisoners that have "adopted" a child and contribute towards his care. This group uses no money from the State.

For any further information, the Chief Social Worker, Mr Jacobus Pansegrow may be contacted at:
Tel: 023 3408056
Fax: 023 3404150
E-mail: jacobus.pansegrow@dcs.gov.za