Development Talk

 

July 13, 2011

Masande Drama Group entetained at the celebration: Photo: Development Works

Catholic Welfare and Development (CDW) has re-launched its Bonne Esperance Refugee Shelter for Woman and Children. They recently celebrated this momentous occasion with a special post –Refugee Day gathering.

The celebration kicked off with CDW Director, Lungisa Huna giving a brief history of Bonne Esperance and linked the work they have done to the Cape Townbased development organization’s mission of unleashing the ability of individuals and supporting community independence.  Representatives Vanessa Coulson and Chae Li Diong from United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) grabbed the audience’s attention as they spoke of the international lawful situation, relating to refugee and why the role of amenities like Bonne Esperance are vital to the local refugee response.

There was an especially memorable moment when a Home Affairs representative addressed the serious challenges asylum seekers face during the application process and how Bonne Esperance has assisted with addressing backlogs.  It was mentioned that Bonne Esperance made sure that “no stones are left unturned” when it comes to helping foreigners in need.  Survivors of conflict, trauma and dislocation from their home countries and former Bonne Esperance residents, also made appearances at the launch to testify to the Shelter staff’s commitment.

According to a press release for the event, through Bonne Esperance, vulnerable women are supported and the cycle of violence is breached and young people are guided towards heartwarming lives. The Shelter also encourages local integration that includes getting South Africans to understand reasons behind refugee migration intoSouth Africaby facilitating educational training in response to the racism, xenophobic attacks that surfaced in May 2008. To date Bonne Esperance has assisted approximately 20 000 people; opened its doors to the defenseless and helped them transition into a reconstruction and healing phase ; as well as assisted over 60 families with rehabilitation and reintegration  into communities around Cape Town.

 

To learn more about the Bonne Esperance Shelter please visit their website by clicking here.

 

 

 

Filed under: arts,children,civil society,community,CREATIVE CONSULTING & DEVELOPMENT WORKS,development,DEVELOPMENT WORKS,education,Environment,History,Hope,identity,initiative,inspire,men,NGOs,power,Refugees,rights,Safety and Security,South Africa,spatial poverty,violence,women,xenophobia,youth — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 5:19 pm

If husband of murdered tourist can be positive, why not we?

 

November 19, 2010

A British millionaire, who's wife was killed in a South African township on their honeymoon, has come out in defence of the country. But South Africans themselves keep on criticising the country. Photo: MarijK via Flickr

A British millionaire, whose wife was killed in a South African township on their honeymoon, has come out in defense of the country. But South Africans themselves keep on criticising the country. Photo: MarijK via Flickr

The one small shred of positivity that can be garnered from the slew of negative reporting in the international press following the murder of a British tourist in Gugulethu, is her husband’s plea that the international community do not shun South Africa because of his hellish experience.

Shrien Dewani is maintaining that, despite the tragedy, South Africa is an “amazing country”, and it would be “irrational” for people to dismiss it as a tourist destination.  “What happened to us is tragic,” he said, “but you cannot punish the whole country for the actions of two individuals…I wouldn’t say ‘don’t come to South Africa’.”  He went on to say that, overall, the people had been “overwhelmingly friendly and caring.” (more…)

Filed under: CREATIVE CONSULTING & DEVELOPMENT WORKS,crime,DEVELOPMENT WORKS,Hope,poverty,South Africa,spatial poverty,violence — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 3:35 pm

Why are our children violent?

 

November 17, 2010

Children need to be loved and protected from violence to stop them from becoming perpetrators of violence themselves. Photo: Thetravellinged via Flickr

Children need to be loved and protected from violence to stop them from becoming perpetrators of violence themselves. Photo: Thetravellinged via Flickr

South Africa was recently shocked by the gang-rape of a school girl by three of her fellow pupils. The girl was drugged and raped while other pupils watched and filmed it on their cellphones. Why are some children in South Africa so violent and what can be done about it?

Some people have spoken about a “culture of violence” in South Africa, but implying that violence is inherently South African is not helpful. The cause of the problem needs to be found and addressed.

South Africa is not the only country that struggles with violent and dysfunctional youth. Safe Families Safe Children, an international group of renowned child rights organisations, including ACER Brasil, The International Children’s Trust, JUCONI Ecuador, JUCONI Mexico, New Life (South Africa) and Railway Children (UK, India and East Africa) “promote access for highly excluded children from violent homes around the world to the support and services they require to recover from their traumatic life experiences and gain sustainable access to their rights”.

In this organisation’s “Manifesto of Change” they site the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study which “found a clear link between the adverse experiences in childhood (including physical, emotional or sexual abuse and living in households with domestic violence) and a range of physical, emotional and social problems, including: heart disease, obesity, depression, alcoholism, sexual promiscuity, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, rape and poor job performance”. (more…)

Filed under: access to health care,children,community,CREATIVE CONSULTING & DEVELOPMENT WORKS,crime,development,DEVELOPMENT WORKS,education,Family,healthcare,HIV/AIDS,Homeless,poverty,rights,violence,youth — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 9:16 am

Awareness Workshop held on Xenophobia

 

August 4, 2010

Two foreign nationals at the refugee camp during the xenophobic attacks in South Africa in 2008.

Two foreign nationals at the refugee camp during the xenophobic attacks in South Africa in 2008.

An awareness workshop on xenophobia held by the City of Cape Town at the Cape Town Civic Centre on 24 July 2010 is  proof that there are people in this city who are prepared to stand up for their brother and sisters from other countries.

The workshop aimed at reigniting the spirit of ubuntu in people’s minds. Many hands are better than one and if South Africans work together and make peace, the word “xenophobia” will remain only in our history books.

The City looked at factors that might contribute to these attacks. They felt that there is a need for community leaders to step out of their comfort zone and open the minds of communities.

The City found that communities might be lacking in political education about refugee rights. For this reason the workshop was held.

The organisers hoped to use this work to resolve issues that lead to these attacks. It set out the steps that needs to be taken to end the criminal violence.

The City feels that if Ward Development Forums, Ward and Street Committees, the Department of Social Development (both city and province) and church leaders could engage themselves in the communities they serve, they will be able to implement possible solutions.

THE WAY FORWARD

A refugee camp for victims of xenophobia in South Africa in 2008.

A refugee camp for victims of xenophobia in South Africa in 2008.

Ongoing, educational workshops can be conducted for local residents to be made aware of the Bill of Rights and refugees rights. Civil Society and Community leaders can also discuss these rights in their community and at sectoral meetings.

The power of advertising can be very useful to resolve these issues.  Posters, pamphlets, and word-of-mouth can lead people in the right direction.

As a social science research and communications consultancy working in the development sector, Creative Consulting & Development Works has seen the impact that communications can have on development issues and changing people’s perspectives.

Awareness programmes, targeting both high schools and primary schools would be very beneficial, as youth were also involved in these attacks.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?

A mother and baby in a refugee camp.

A mother and baby in a refugee camp.

Rallies are meant to mobilise communities, not only during the elections but also when issues like these crop up.  In this way the broader communities can be reached.

Community Based Organisations (CBO’S), Faith Based Organisations (FBO’S), and government departments can devise a mass awareness plan to reach out to those who are unaware of refugees rights. They have the power to facilitate and build cooperation between local and foreign nationals involved in businesses.

Humanitarian Agencies, Coordinating Committees and Government have to keep record of active organisations that deal with refugees. They have to support them to enhance their power to implement education and awareness programmes.

It is everyone’s responsibility to protect our rights and freedom. We can all live in love and peace with our brothers and sisters.

What is your opinion about the xenophobic incidences that are flaring up in South Africa again?

Filed under: Africa,Asylum seekers,Awareness,basic human right,campaign,CBOs,civil society,Communications,community,CREATIVE CONSULTING & DEVELOPMENT WORKS,development,DEVELOPMENT WORKS,education,Government,Hope,NGOs,peace,power,Refugees,rights,South Africa,spirit,ubuntu,violence,xenophobia,youth — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 10:43 am

Gugulethu youth benefit from Sports Development Programmes

 

July 14, 2010

With their boot on a soccer ball, Gugulethu youth feel on top of the world. Photo: 1happysnapper via Flickr

With their boot on a soccer ball, Gugulethu youth feel on top of the world. Photo: 1happysnapper via Flickr

Every child has a dream of becoming something in life, but an impoverished background or lack of resources in their community could make it impossible to fulfill those dreams. Faced with these challenges, they sometimes lose hope to an extent that they believe drugs and alcohol abuse, crime and violence are the only things left for them.

How do they face these challenges?

Youth staying in Gugulethu experience these challenges, but they can see light at the end of the tunnel, because of sports development programmes in the area.

What were they doing during the Soccer World Cup?

The youth were very active during this 2010 FIFA World Cup. They played against youth from other areas that face similar problems, such as Mitchell’s Plain and Manenberg. The medal a player receives after a match is one of the reasons that they keep on going to soccer fields every day.

How do they benefit from sport development?

These youths believe there are many opportunities to improve their lot through football, and make their dreams a reality. Anam Mxokozeli, one of the Gugulethu soccer stars went to Ajax Cape Town for trials. He was delighted to have that opportunity and he believes that one day he will play for big soccer teams.

Role of their coaches

The coaches are not only training these young boys, they are also guiding and supporting with them with social problems. They teach them how to react to difficult circumstances and also help them with their school work.

Even thought the FIFA World Cup has come to an end, Creative Consulting & Development Works hopes that the youth now has an even greater interest in soccer and that it will continue to have a positive effect on their lives.

Filed under: 2010 World Cup,children,civil society,community,CREATIVE CONSULTING & DEVELOPMENT WORKS,development,DEVELOPMENT WORKS,education,Hope,Inequality,inspiration,poverty,South Africa,sport,violence,youth — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 9:16 am
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