Top #WearBlueforDiabetes events in South Africa

As part of #WearBlueforDiabetes & Change a Life, we ran a competition: hold your own diabetes event, share it online, and stand a chance to win big!

The results are in… After a very tough selection process, we’ve chosen our winners… Take a look at their events to get inspired for next year!

Winner: Filia School wins a R2000 PnP voucher

Carol Zill from Filia School says, “The event was a great success. The staff all got involved: our physiotherapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist used the event box materials to plan the assembly lessons and demonstrations. The school nurse used the materials in her office to explain diabetes to staff members who were tested. Educators did lessons in class with learners and one educator wrote and recorded a short video on healthy that everyone enjoyed watching. This made our learners understand diabetes much better. “

Filia School created a display in the school foyer for staff, learners and all visitors read as they enter the school.

“It was also wonderful to see how this project got the staff working so well as the great team that they are to make the day a success.”

Carol Zill, Filia School

Have a look at Filia School’s Facebook album for their event here.

Runner-up: Aubrey Sibanyoni at Kanyamazane Community Health Centre

Aubrey shared that they gave short talks on healthy eating, physical activity, and early signs of diabetes, and shared information sheets with clear steps people can follow at home, encouraging people to ask questions about their lifestyle and their current health.

“We saw strong participation from staff and community members. People engaged with the screening stations. They asked direct questions about diet, medication, and routine checks. Many showed interest in improving their daily habits.”

Aubrey Sibanyoni, Kanyamazane Community Health Centre

Runner-up: Vani Chetty at Dalpark Independent School

Vani shares a bit about her experience hosting a diabetes awareness drive at the school she teaches at using the Sweet Life DIY Event Box: She started with decorating Dalpark’s notice board with various bits of diabetes information. On World Diabetes Day, everyone in the school, as well as the parents, dressed in blue clothes and ribbons – even family members and staff on sick leave!

Staff and students kicked it up a notch with a diabetes fact sharing session in their classes and also shared changes they would like to make to lead a healthier life. Vani hosted a diabetes quiz with her colleagues and the winner received a Sweet Life buff!

I was absolutely thrilled by the feedback from the children and parents. Some revealed that they are diabetic and thanked me for organising the awareness. Children have become more conscious of what they eat and my class watches me as well, so we keep each other accountable for a healthier lifestyle.

Vani Chetty , Dalpark Independent School

Well done Dalpark! Have a look at their Facebook post here.

Runner-up: Eksoda Thando at Hluvukani Clinic and Isilington Clinic

Eksoda ran a Diabetes Awareness Campaign called #TogetherforDiabetes for 90 people! The group did an 11km fun walk between two clinics: Isilington Clinic and Hluvukani Clinic.

The group could stop on the way to get water or snacks, read out the 5 symptoms of diabetes or grab an informational pamphlet. Eksoda’s event was supported by different members of his community in Mpumalanga such as Tshemba Foundation Doctors, healthcare workers for the clinics, Acornhoek Traffic Department officers, Social Development staff and members from other communities as well. Jacaranda FM sponsored the purchase of 50 glucometers for 50 members of Eksoda’s support group!

What an amazing event! Have a look at a snippets of the day here.

Runner-up: Pauline Pain from Kimberley

Pauline began making blue ribbons for diabetes awareness in early November. She managed to make 302, sharing batches with friends and family, a hospital, a local company, and more. The rest were for her diabetes event: an awareness drive at a local Pick n Pay, sharing useful resources and information with passersby.

Pauline says, “A lot of people didn’t know it is World Diabetes Day or that the whole November is Diabetes month. People took pamphlets, asking for more about advice on how to manage better..”

With self-made blue ribbons and balloon arch ready, Pauline set up a table in front of PnP Rhodesdene, sharing ribbons for awareness, pamphlets for education and her experience with her son’s diabetes diagnosis.

I think this was a huge success! But I wont stop with just November. I am so inspired to give people and children hope, my son is my inspiration everyday because I know how scary it feels to hear such diagnosis and not knowing what the future holds.

Pauline Pain, Kimberley

Share your event

What do you think of these top #WearBlueforDiabetes events in South Africa? We have so many more incredible stories to share! We’ll be posting them in the new year.