Development Talk

Bret Jackelow (right) spoke at the breakfast and was thanked by Dani Janks (left)

“The question is how you can make a positive difference in the situation that you are in and not why you are in it.” Inspiring words by speaker Bret Jackelow, who recently completed the New York City Marathon and won a gold medal, despite being disabled after a severe car crash.

Jackelow spoke at the Mamelani Projects Women’s Fundraising Breakfast in honor of World Aids Day. He hoped to inspire those attending to make a difference in the lives of others, as he would not be where he is today, if it had not been for the support of ordinary people, helping where they can.

Mamelani Projects is a non-profit organisation that facilitates community development projects with the aim to improve the lives of people living in marginalised communities. They manage to reach 1000 women in a year, informing them about HIV/AIDS and access to services.

In a video shown at the breakfast, community members expressed their belief that Mamelani is a starting step to reducing the spread of the disease.

Valuing World Aids Day, the organisation saw it as an opportunity to promote universal access and human rights.

The Mamelani Projects Fundraising Breakfast was held at Coffee Time in Cape Town

They believe that every human being has the right and responsibility to have a basic understanding of how their own body works and what steps can be taken to stay healthy.

Through their programmes they aim to empower women, so that they can better their lives. You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.

Developments Works attended the fundraising breakfast and recognises the need to support those who have taken initiative in helping build healthier communities.

For more information visit the Mamelani Projects website.