Making a Difference, One Conversation at a Time
At the heart of the Tshemba Foundation lies a simple yet powerful mission: "Changing lives...including your own." For Dr. Joan Louwrens, a South African Family Physician and seasoned volunteer, this journey has been both challenging and transformative.
Over the past three years, Joan has volunteered her time with Tshemba, which is set in a region in South Africa where deeply rooted traditions often hinder progress. Her mission? Tackling the complex issue of teenage pregnancy through education and empowerment. This isn’t just a medical endeavour—it’s a cultural shift, encouraging young girls to take control of their futures and boys to reconsider long-standing attitudes toward relationships and consent.
Despite the difficulties, Joan finds profound meaning in her work. From navigating bumpy dirt roads to reaching distant schools, each experience adds depth to her role.
Joan writes, “Changing my own life has come as a surprise. I have always felt the need to give back into communities in which I work, but here it is giving back into a land I love and where my spirit soars. It has been easy.My first visit came at a time when I needed physical and mental recovery.Medical volunteering ticked every box of what I needed. Living amongst the wild animals in the magnificent Moditlo Game Lodge was a huge bonus. A yearly visit is now part of my life.”
Joan’s unique approach sets her a part. While many volunteers focus on hospital and clinic work, her efforts lie in educational conversations in community schools—direct, candid, and often uncomfortable—about contraception and gender-based violence. She connects with students in ways traditional healthcare can’t, using humor and honesty to breakdown barriers. "I never thought I’d be waving condoms around or discussing intrauterine devices," Joan admits. But her presence, rooted in shared cultural experiences, resonates with the youth she aims to empower.
A recent generous donation from a supporting partner, The Timbavati Foundation, brought new momentum to Joan’s project. With the funds, a young nurse has been employed to ensure continuity, supporting pregnant teens and guiding them back to education after giving birth. "All small steps," Joan emphasizes, "but exhausting ones." Yet, she remains committed to returning every year, making the same jokes, planting the same seeds of change, and hoping they take root.
“We are excited by this new partnership with Tshemba Foundation and boosting our women empowerment program.Having Dr Joan’s experience and expertise is sure to steer the ship into greater waters for positive social change!” describes Candice Pierce, the Timbavati Foundation General Manager.
Through her continuous work in half a dozen schools, Joan also builds lasting connections, maintaining contact via WhatsApp with students for ongoing support. Her hope is that each conversation, each smile, and each shared challenge will inspire young South Africans to believe in a brighter, more empowered future. To further assist youth to make informed and healthy choices, she also connects with local clinics to ensure that contraception options are available.
Joan’s story exemplifies the spirit of Tshemba—one where small actions ripple outward, creating waves of change.And as she prepares for yet another return, Joan reminds us all that meaningful impact is not always grand; sometimes, it begins with a single conversation.
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Based on contributions by Dr Joan Louwrens
Family Physician, South Africa