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HOME / Our Projects / A Re Itireleng

A Re Itireleng

“A Re Itireleng” means “let’s do it ourselves” in Setswana. Communities in and around Groot Marico, in the North West Province of South Africa, chose this project name to reflect that they take ownership of the interrelated health, economic, social, and climate issues that they face.

Project Date: 2017 - present
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In Groot Marico lies the pristine mouth of the Marico River—a source of water for communities from South Africa to Botswana and Mozambique

Due to an extended drought, over-use, and climate change, the Marico River’s agricultural dam is at record low & is now closed to users

Communities in & around Groot Marico have limited options to cope with the changing environment: poor access to quality health care and sanitation & few sustainable livelihood opportunities

The population of Groot Marico are highly underserved by health services, contributing to low contraceptive use, high maternal mortality, & high teenage pregnancy

What We Do

  • Improve community knowledge of the links between human and ecosystem health and the relevance of rights-based family planning as contributing to environmental sustainability
  • Build the capacity of health service providers in the project site’s clinics at Groot Marico, Pella, Koffiekraal, and Pachtsdraai through training programs
  • Create systems strengthening plans for individual clinics—a proven method in ensuring the immediate family planning service gaps of particular clinics are met and all gaps are addressed over time
  • Initiate a peer education program to include community members in the health and prosperity of their peers and neighbors
  • Empower local farmers, targeting especially vulnerable women and youth, with skills to help them adapt to the rapidly changing local environment, such as training on conservation agriculture and improved household health practices

Project Staff Members

Cheryl Margoluis

Senior Technical Advisor for Population, Health, & Environment

Cheryl has 20 years of experience working in international development, 15 of those living in Latin America....

Cara Honzak

Senior Technical Advisor for Population, Health, & Environment

Cara has more than 15 years of experience focused on cross-sectoral international development...

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