Alhoewel die laaste geval van polio in Suid-Afrika in 1989 aangemeld is, is die land nog nie as poliovry gesertifiseer nie.

Hierdie verskerpte pogings vorm deel van die Wêreldgesondheidsorganisasie (WGO) se globale uitwissingsveldtogte wat reeds in 1985 geïnisieer is.

Om dit teen die jaar 2005 te kan vermag, is hierdie veldtogte van kardinale belang. Oorgerustheid kan nie vir een oomblik bekostig word nie, want selfs een nuwe geval kan die begin wees van 'n epidemie.

Vir 'n land of provinsie om polio-vry gesertifiseer te kan word, moet ten minste 90% van alle kinders onder die ouderdom van vyf jaar ten volle geïmmuniseer wees.

Polio-inentings bied lewenslange beskerming mits dosisse toegedien word direk na geboorte, op ses weke, op 10 weke, op 14 weke, op 18 maande en dan weer vir oulaas wanneer die ouderdom van vyf jaar bereik word.

Alle gesondheidsdienste in die Wes-Kaap bied toegang tot polio-immunisering en dit word gratis verskaf in hospitale en klinieke.

* Polio vaccine is administered free of charge to all children under five at local clinics this week.

DIE Sentrum vir Spelterapie en Opleiding by Hugenote Kollege, Wellington, het 'n Kinder- en Adolessente Hulpsentrum in die lewe geroep met die doel om hulp te verleen aan kinders met emosionele beserings.

'n Opedag vind vandag en môre plaas by Hugenote Kollege waartydens noodsaaklike inligting deurgegee sal word van dienste wat beskikbaar is. Alle belangstellendes is welkom.

Dié Sentrum is in die lewe geroep nadat die behoefte aan spesialis terapeutiese dienste aan kinders en gesinne geïdentifiseer is. Hierdie spesialis-opleidingskomponent funksioneer onder die vaandel van die Hugenote Kollege.

Hierdie professionele diens aan die gemeenskap bied 'n broodnodige geleentheid waar persone vir alle hulp rakende kinders tussen die ouderdom van drie tot agttien jaar kan aanklop.

Die Sentrum beskik oor 'n uiters professionele span terapeute en beraders wat dienste vanaf skoolgereedheid tot ernstige terapeutiese intervensie, statutêre ingryping en forensiese werk hanteer.

Arbeidsterapeute, sielkundiges, maatskaplikewerkers, teoloë en jeugwerkers maak deel van hierdie span uit.

Dienste word ook deur senior nagraadse studente gelewer wat reeds gekwalifiseer en in 'n primêre beroep staan en besig is met spesialisering in Spelterapie.

Gekwalifiseerde spelterapeute maak ook deel uit van die span wat veral fokus op spesifieke probleme soos onder meer trauma, verlies, egskeiding en chroniese siekte.

Elke kind word binne spanverband geassesseer en kan verseker wees van die beste hulpverlening wat beskikbaar is.

Die Sentrum is ten volle toegerus met 'n speelkamer, beradingsgeriewe, hantering van trauma, 'n tweerigting-spieël en opleidingsgeriewe.

Opleiding wat aangebied word by die Hugenote Kollege is volgens SAQA riglyne ontwikkel en geniet vlak 8 erkenning op die Nasionale Kwalifikasie Raamwerk.

Indien u meer inligting verlang oor die Opedag, kan u die Sentrum kontak by 864-1470/2/5.

IN a letter published in the Paarl Post recently, Paarlite Niki Louw asked for any old carpets which she could collect to cover the icy cold school floors for Nondzame Primary.

"Thank you, Paarlites, for an overwhelming response to this request," says Louw.

"Not only have we been able to 'wall-to-wall' the particular school I was concerned about, but also supply various sizes of carpeting to eight other schools/centres as well."

The schools are Orleansvale Primary, Langabuya Primary, Dal Josaphat Primary, Ronwe Primary, Noah's Ark Playschool, Jonkershoek Playschool, Thembinkosi Daycare Centre and Siazama Daycare Centre."

Transport and manpower was kindly supplied for "Operation Flying Carpet" by Mungawanga Nursery, while Christ Church Paarl acted as the distribution venue for the carpeting.

"Thank you to all the folk who responded to this call, and to the Paarl Post for being there for our community," Louw said.

THE third FAB exhibition, Cape Town's biggest fashion and bridal exhibition, will once again be hosted at the 300 year old Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.

This exhibition, which takes place from 21 to 23 June, offers visitors an extravaganza of bridal wear, fashion wear for a special occasion, accessories, beauty products and make-overs, as well as a host of products and services needed by the bridal couple on their wedding day.

A host of Cape Town's well-known, as well as exciting new designers, will be showcasing their unique designs throughout the three day period and visitors can look forward to interaction with a host of exhibitors in this field.

Anyone in need of a garment for a special occasion such as the matric farewell or a wedding, can feel free to discuss their needs with participating designers.

In addition to the static displays, colour analysis by professionals, live music and demonstrations will form part of the happenings.

Those who are getting married should not miss this marvellous opportunity to meet up with a host of exhibitors who can assist in making the wedding day a huge success.

The Wine Connoisseur Exhibition will also be an added attraction this year.

This exhibition is also happening on the Estate during the same period and gives Dad and husband-to-be the perfect opportunity to choose a great wine for the wedding reception - obviously after tasting it.

For more information, phone 981-4737.