20/04/2023
On the FAS awareness event there were various stakeholders such as social workers from the Department of Health, nurses from Mdantsane nu8 & nu17 clinic, nurses from Gunubie clinic, students who are part of the BOB programme, ladies from the pregnant and lactating mom programme, FASfacts workers such as our social workers and mentors, and community members.
Our publics showed a lot of interest in the information that was provided about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Most people were not aware that there is a disorder that is caused by the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. They were asking a lot of questions during question-and-answer period.
One speaker from the pregnant mom programme even said that they are grateful as beneficiaries of the programme that there are events like this, which bring awareness to the society because a child is not the responsibility of the mother only but of the community at large.
The school children from the BOB programme were excited to perform their FAS awareness plays in front of the community. Their plays brought a lot of emotions to the audience, some if the people were even crying.
Some of the community members wanted to know the requirements of being the mentor. They are interested to be part of the programme. They said they want to spread the word too about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
The nurses from the clinic that do not have mentors who educate pregnant ladies about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome were busy giving our general manager their conduct numbers, so that the programme also go to their clinics and educate pregnant women about the dangers of substance abuse during pregnancy.
