• Education

Young diabetics get support from locals

Leandrea Louw



Local philanthropist Anastacia de Klerk, who is the founder of the Walvis Bay Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Fair for girls, has started an initiative to help raise funds for children suffering from diabetes.

“I was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic in 2016. It's an everyday challenge, as I have to check what I eat and drink. It's at times difficult to manage since it's a chronic disease. I decided to approach a few teachers from schools in Walvis Bay to help with the organisation of a fundraiser,” De Klerk said.

The first part of the fundraiser is Denim for Diabetes Civvies Day, where learners contribute N$5 and adults N$10 to wear denim to school. This took place on Friday at the various schools in Walvis Bay.

Next Friday, the team will be selling flowers for N$40 to those who want to support the cause. Orders can be placed made until today.

Jayden Kamure (10) is a grade 4 learner at Flamingo Primary School and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was one years old.

“I'm used to living with diabetes by now, it's been nine years. I often get sick at school, but luckily this doesn't affect my schoolwork,” he said.

Jayden uses Novarapid and Levermir (insulin), which he injects himself with. He also tests his own blood sugar.

Jayden's mother, Sumatie Kamure, says having a child with diabetes is challenging.

“To spend a new day with him is a blessing, yet a struggle. My main challenge is controlling his sugar levels, especially at his age. Our medical costs amount to thousands of dollars each month, and sometimes we deplete our medical aid fund for the year.

“Although at times it's quite stressful, we are trying our best to give him a normal childhood. We have learned over the years that diabetes can be controlled and one can live a normal life,” she said.

Adelicia de Plessis (11), a grade 5 learner at Flamingo Primary School, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year.

“It's a struggle each day, but it teaches you a lot. It doesn't usually affect my schoolwork, only sometimes when I get hospitalised. If I get sick, I know how to control my blood sugar, and if you know how to control it, then it won't affect your schoolwork.

“It's never a good thing to eat or drink sugary foods. I can still take part in sport and other activities, as long as I control my blood sugar levels so that it doesn't go below a reading of four,” she said.

Adelicia uses Actrapid, a short-acting insulin, and Protaphane, a long-acting insulin, which she injects herself with, and she also tests her own blood sugar levels.

For more information please contact De Klerk on 081 352 7954, email her at webstem.fair@gmail.com or contact Adelle du Plessis on 081 882 4664