The ARA-Perdeberg pilot project launched last year in August to focus on addressing alcohol abuse, foetal alcohol syndrome and other social problems amongst the farm worker communities of the South African wine industry. A need analysis amongst farm workers within the Perdeberg district identified 440 potential beneficiaries that could benefit from this community programme.
During 2011, the ARA project presented responsible parenthood intervention sessions, First Aid level one, Occupational Health and Safety accredited training, as well as HIV/AIDS, TB, diabetes and hypertension testing of individual farm workers. An independent social worker, counsellors and Xhosa translators were available to the workers during training and information sessions. The ARA Wine project leader, Santi Basson says, "Our strategy is to assist Perdeberg Winery in creating a healthy and positive environment for the community farm workers, and also to improve the communication between workers and management."
At the beginning of this year, a crèche project was launched to assist producers with upgrading of crèches. Early development training sessions was provided to the crèche's staff. Various sessions on health, empowerment and development of the farm community will also take place throughout this year.
The ARA is registered as a non-profit organisation (NPO) with the Department of Social Development and is focused on the prevention of the negative consequences of alcohol abuse. The association's mission is to reduce alcohol-related harm through combating the misuse and abuse of alcohol beverages.
