 |
|
|
His Holiness was officially invited by the Government of South Africa in December 2006 to be an honoured guest at the culmination of the official yearlong 'Satyagraha 100' celebrations. The celebrations commemorated the centenary of the launch of Mahatma Gandhi's satyagraha campaign (his non-violent resistance deployed in the civil rights movement of South Africa, and later used in the struggle for Indian independence).
His Holiness was officially invited by
the Government of South Africa in December 2006 to be an honoured guest at the
culmination of the official year-long ’Satyagraha 100’ celebrations. The
celebrations commemorated the centenary of the launch of Mahatma Gandhi’s
satyagraha campaign (his non-violent resistance deployed in the civil rights
movement of South Africa, and later used in the struggle for Indian
independence).
In a function held at Robben Island (the
place where Nelson Mandela was formerly imprisoned), His Holiness was honoured
by Deputy President of South Africa, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Deputy Speaker of
Parliament, Gwendoline Mahlangu-Nkabinde, and Nobel Peace Laureate and former
President of South Africa, Frederik Willem De Klerk.
Commenting
on South Africa’s reconciliation process, His Holiness noted that the peaceful
transformation in South Africa is a model for the rest of Africa. He stressed
the need for African youth to work towards creating a ’violence-free, crime-free
and stress-free world’. He urged that unless the problems of youth and women in
South Africa are addressed, the oppression will shift from governmental
oppression to domestic oppression. His Holiness said that spiritualising
politics, socialising business and secularising religion is essential to
eliminate corruption and oppression.
His
Holiness also said that Africa’s wisdom needs to be globalised and shared with
the rest of the world. He stressed the need to amalgamate the Gandhian trinity
of values (insistence for truth, non-violence and welfare for all), as well as
the indigenous South African philosophy of ubuntu (‘I am because you are,
you are because I am’), with modern progress.
Visit to
Constitutional hill, Seat of the Highest Court in South Africa
Earlier in
his visit, His Holiness was an honorary guest at the Constitutional Court.
Today, Constitutional Hill is home to the protector of basic rights and
freedoms, but in the apartheid era it was the site of Johannesburg’s Old Fort
Prison Complex, where many of South Africa’s leading political activists,
including Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, were imprisoned. His Holiness
visited the cell in which Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned for his satyagraha
activities, and viewed an exhibition of Gandhi on display.
His
Holiness was honoured at Gandhi’s first ashram in a ‘Satyagraha 100’ event
attended by Member of Parliament, Mewa Ramgobin, Princess of Oman, Her Highness
Susan Al-Said, Deputy Mayor of Durban, Logie Naidoo, and members of the KwaZulu-Natal
Legislature. His Holiness lit the ceremonial ‘Light of Hope’ for peace in
Africa.
His
Holiness emphasised the connection between spirituality and satyagraha
(non-violent insistence on truth), as spirituality can channel anger into
constructive action, which would otherwise lead to violence.
His
Holiness was honoured by Ebrahim Rasool, Premier of the Western Cape Province,
at the conclusion of his three-day visit to South Africa. The meeting was also
addressed by the Minister of Finance, Trevor Manuel and the Archbishop of Cape
Town, Njongonkulu Ndungane.
Nationally 100 youth were selected for a youth leadership-training program. The aim of the program was to train unemployed youth to become catalysts of change within communities. After passing the interview and selection process100 youth enrolled for the 10 days residential training program, where the values of self-motivation, self-discipline, service to the community, community empowerment and related issues and inculcated. The youth were trained in leadership skill, communication skills, confidence building, strengthening emotional development, personal development, social mobilization techniques, and music and celebration as part of daily living. The training also involved aspects of health, hygiene, human values, and harmony in diversity. The enthusiasm and confidence that the program develops is the key to transformation. A major component of the course included on how to build a community from within. Youth were monitored for a period for 8 weeks. Field training took places, where they utilize the skills learnt in the 1st phase. Phase 2 of the training was again a 10-day residential program where problem solving skills, interpersonal skills and various other management techniques were taught. Emphasis on the development of human resources as well as sustainable social and economic development. The phase also covered vocational training ranging from project management, recycling, AIDS awareness, organic gardens, UBUNTU and principles of citizenship. Once the training was completed 40 youth graduated as youth leaders, and many of the above projects have emerged from the training, through them.
Sibongile, one of the AOL youth leaders, has been commissioned to do the Mosaic Art at the new Nelson Mandela Museum in Qunu, birthplace of Nelson Mandela. The Nelson Mandela Museum project aims to empower the local community. All building materials are eco friendly and sourced locally. The project will span over 4 months and Sibongile aims to train all those working on the project in Breath Water Sound. The primary objective is to train the local community of Qunu in Breath Water Sound and Mosaic Art, creating a model for a sustainable, holistic working environment.
This project included a visual consultation and a full comprehensive visual examination. Spectacles were provided for the patients, which they paid for at budget prices. The spectacles purchased are cheaper then what would be expected at hospitals and eye clinics. The other activity included introduction talks of the Breath Water Sound Workshops conducted by the YLTP leaders and volunteers. A total number of 54 patients were examined, 6 patients were referred to eye specialists for further examinations, 42 patients needed distance or near vision spectacles, of which 26 have taken spectacles. A total number of only 6 patients had 20/20 vision .
The BWS courses are taught in the disadvantaged communities from 2000 onwards. The course is taught both by Art of Living teachers, volunteers and more recently by the YLTP youth leaders. The program is used to communities together, teach techniques to manage the mind and emotions better, improve health, and take responsibility for themselves as well as their communities. Community projects are often initiated from the BWS for the betterment of the community.
November 2005 Organic Farming training with the Department of Agriculture
AOL and the Gauteng department of Food security developed a partnership. Department trained 100 BWS participants in organic food gardens. Criteria for the training were that all recipients must have undergone the BWS program. The department provided the training; equipment, seedlings and a 6-month follow up training program. Training was conducted in Dobsonville Soweto.
During the Youth Leadership training program conducted by IAHV in 2004, a growing need for computer literacy training amongst the community was identified. Dobsonville, Soweto was identified as the need. The computer laboratories at local schools were either inadequate or non-existent. Forte High School in Dobsonville was identified as the venue where the classes would be conducted, and a memorandum of understanding is in place between the school and us. AOL volunteers have designed the courses as far as possible to meet the PC literacy requirements of the general business community. In addition life skills courses will also be offered with a view to ensuring a balanced and practical skills training programme.
The project team sourced a partnership with Internet Solutions to provide free connectivity for the project. Nedcor, Mutual & federal and the Art of Living volunteers donated, tables, chairs, PC's, monitors, keyboards for the classes. The opening of the literacy project happened in January 2006, after 1 year of work. Programs have begun, and trainers volunteer their time over weekends to do the training for those in need.
 Two full-scale medical camps were run in Soweto and Orange Farm respectively. The 1st was in association with Health Mates. Dentists, Doctors, and optometrist from the Art of Living volunteered their time to conduct medical and dental community screening, & health awareness for the children of Forte High School in Soweto. The results being 150 scholars and 270 local residents had free dental examinations, oral hygiene classes were taught, glucose testing cholesterol testing, eye screening, & blood pressure. Motivation talks & permaculture gardening workshops were given for youth to get involved in community and outreach work.120 volunteers of which 50 Health care workers held the second full-scale medical camp in Orange Farm. The Orange Farm community was taught about HIV/Aids, nutrition, organic farming, and all the free medical testing with referrals were given. The local Department of social service in Region 11 supported this project.
AOL volunteers started teaching BWS in Chatsworth at the Nelson Mandela youth centers over a year ago. BWS was targeted at school going children as well as youth. The centre runs an anti drug forum. BWS along with Sri Sri Yoga has subsequently become a component of the Anti Drug program. A course a week is being taught at the centre. Drug users as well as peddlers both undergo the BWS, and it has been a success story. One of participants shared that through the Art of Living course they have learnt that "you can say NO to drugs".
| |
| |
|
The main reasons for taking up this project was that it was winter and we felt that this would be a good idea. The total amount raised was R25 375 AND 745 blankets have been purchased and distributed as follows: |
|
|
|
|
Good Hope Home- We were taken there by For the Children Chubby Chums A centre that is a clinic, food distribution place mainly for Aids patients. |
60 |
|
Kathrada Informal Settlement- Faadil Moosa who is the councillor of region 4. The settlement has approximately 450 families. |
100 |
|
Operations Job Creation- Alet Rautenbach who is the head of social services for region 5. They deal with disasters in 26 informal settlements. |
85 |
|
Joe Slovo Informal settlement-Faadil Moosa This settlement has over 1000 families. |
220 |
|
Siyabonga Dorah's Ark Community-This is a soup kitchen that feeds approximately 100 |
60 |
|
Roodepoort Aids Clinic |
15 |
|
Mayfair Street children |
35 |
|
Amakaya Homeless Kids-Lenasia |
20 |
|
Orange Farm |
100 |
|
Impilo Childrens Home |
50 |
|
After taking a Breath Water Sound Course in her area and being given basic training in food gardens, Nyameka was inspired to continue the work to feed the hungry people in her community of Silver City, Cape Town. As an AIDS orphan, activist and caregiver, she was motivated to help those who were malnourished and having to take strong medication on empty stomachs. She got together a small group of volunteers and initiated a number of large food gardens in her area, where she skillfully manages giving to those that cannot afford to pay and selling her produce for a nominal amount, to those who are employed.Through Permacore, Department of Agriculture has donated some funds (Part of a R 300 000.00 allocation towards community gardens) towards materials for township Gardens, as part of the departments move towards urban agriculture. Nyameka' s Garden was selected and she received the materials e.g. a container, black piping for irrigation etc.
Nursery / Garden Centre – 2 containers have been organized by Nyameka & Raymond. Seedlings, plants, materials & resources are required.
Art of Living Programmes to deliver Breath Water Sound as an integral part of the centre's programmes – Breath Water Sound Teachers. Nyameka has successfully initiated 3 gardens that are all producing organic food to feed those that are hungry in her community
-
3 Gardens producing organic produce
-
Funding from Department of Agriculture for Materials
-
A container to initiate a centre around the Garden
-
First skills development programme initiated, together with Raymond Mcinga eg. Mosaic
In the city of Stara Zagora in an orphanage home a Non-aggression Program was carried out for children 4-12 years old. 25 children attended the course. In the city of Varna in a Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependence Among Youths a Non-aggression Program was performed with a positive feedback from the youth participants . 15 attended the course.
Kwa Dabeka is a place in the city popularly known as Durban, or the Kingdom of the Zulu Land. In 2001, The Art of Living Foundation started work in the Sub 5 South group of Kwa Dabeka when 14 Youth did the Basic course, and from this blossomed a beautiful working relationship. In 2002 food gardens were started. Major festivals were celebrated through food distribution, and our rich cultural diversity was celebrated through multi-cultural festivals. The Art of Living Foundation works closely with volunteers from the township, especially the youth and women. An important empowerment project initiated is the sewing lessons. Two dedicated devotees give of their time every week to teach the women this precious skill. Their most popular item is a wide range of bags; ranging from shopping bags, handbags, to bags for follow-up kriya gear. They have also learned to sew food cushions. These are specially made food bags, filled with polystyrene pellets. Parboiled food can be slow cooked in these bags. People in the townships are finding a significant benefit in these bags as it helps them to save on electricity and gas. Further bags have been created and are sold on Art of living courses and events. This is an income-generating program for the woman of Kwadebeka.
The IAHV's Programme for Rural Development (PRD) was initiated in India in 2001. It provides training to youth, with the purpose of enabling them to become economically self-reliant and more enthusiastic. The training includes elements of moral education tailored to give students a new vision of themselves and society.
As a result of their personal development and strength, these youth can then also take responsibility for their villages and encourage their communities to take up sustainable development initiatives, particularly in the form of the 5H Programme, a social transformation programme focusing on Health, Hygiene, Homes for the homeless, Human values, and Harmony in diversity.
The PRD also teaches specialised chemical-free farming techniques, which have increased production and significantly reduced costs for farmers in rural India. For example, using resources that are easily available, such as cow dung and urine mixed together to make liquid manure, a yield of 70 tons of sugar cane per acre has been achieved. Chemical-free farming gives the farmer the autonomy to make his own manure, cut down on production costs and produce a healthier variety of produce, fetching a higher price on the market.
The PRD therefore focuses on two core aspects:
Workshops and techniques to create strong and dynamic young leaders in rural communities; and Development projects designed to uplift and empower rural communities.
The youth trained through IAHV's workshops take responsibility for identifying and driving the development projects, thereby becoming agents for social transformation in their communities. This approach also creates a model for sustainable development, empowering the community members to own and drive the development projects, rather than creating long-term dependence on external intervention to keep the projects alive.
An international NGO operating in special consultative status with the United Nations in the areas of health, education, sustainable development and conflict resolution, IAHV is action-oriented, and the workshops teach practical self development tools that can easily be incorporated into everyday life.
Workshops include: |
 |
Breath Water Sound: This workshop, designed specifically for rural and impoverished communities, teaches simple yet powerful breathing and sound relaxation techniques that eliminate physical, mental and emotional stress, enabling individuals to solve problems and take responsibility within their community. The programme also includes games and sessions on diet, healthy living and discussing constructive solutions to issues facing the community. |
|
The Art of Living Course: A simple yet profound workshop that offers practical knowledge and wisdom, interactive sessions and processes and a breathing technique, the Sudarshan Kriyaâ. The Sudarshan Kriyaâ is a powerful energiser that releases deep-rooted stresses and brings the mind and body in synchronicity with natural rhythms. Independent medical research has found that the Sudarshan Kriyaâ brings many health benefits, including boosting the immune system through an increase in natural killer cells, effective treatment of depression, both mild and severe, and improved cholesterol. |
|
Youth Leadership Training Programme (YLTP): YLTP focuses on developing confident and dynamic youth leaders who become motivated leaders and effective change and development agents in their communities. This is achieved through in-depth, rigorous training spread over two phases of fifteen days each and encompassing physical, mental and emotional growth, along with the imparting of vocational skills and knowledge required for economic development. |
|
Educational programmes: These programmes (known as Art Excel and YES) teach learners between the ages of 8-18 techniques to improve memory and concentration, handle negative emotions, reduce feelings of alienation and boost confidence. |
|
Development projects
Rather than focusing only on the provision of basic services, the 5H programme focuses on Health, Hygiene, Homes for the homeless, Human Values and H armony in Diversity. The programme seeks to: |
|
Uplift individuals, families and communities |
|
Create a grassroots model for progressive social change |
|
Give every human being the chance to experience a disease-free body and a stress-free mind |
|
Foster a sense of community, as well as harmony and appreciation in cultural diversity |
|
While the development projects would fall into these broad categories, the youth leaders and community members determine and prioritize the projects in their communities, resulting in a varied and diverse array of projects. Some of the projects that could be considered include organic farming initiatives (food gardens for the community, as well as income producing agricultural activities), building/ upgrading community halls, medical/ health camps, etc.
On 23 May 2006, the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders hosted the inauguration ceremony for the PRD at Mngqesha Great Place near Bisho. The ceremony saw the official signing of the partnership.
King Sandile of the Rharhabe Kingdom, the Eastern Cape Premier, Mrs Balindlela, chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders, Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, and founder of IAHV, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, inaugurated the programme (see Appendix B for selected media coverage).
In 2003, IAHV conducted some workshops in Chief Mavuso's villages surrounding Alice in the Eastern Cape (see Appendix A for details). As a result of the impact of those workshops, Prince Langa Mavuso has requested the implementation of further programmes in other villages in the area. Implementation is two pronged: 1) roll-out of programmes within the villages to unlock potential and build a dynamic community and 2) roll-out of programmes with the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders to strengthen leadership.
|
|
Phase 1: Introduction and training (August 2006-August 2007)
This phase will launch with the implementation of Breath Water Sound courses for the Office of Traditional Leaders, Regional Coordinators and village communities. Thereafter, they will participate in the Art of Living Course. |
| Outcomes: |
|
Giving community scientifically proven tools to eliminate stress and depression |
|
Improved health through scientifically proven breathing techniques and improved diet |
|
Building capacity and willingness in community members to enable them to meaningfully contribute in |
| Development initiatives: |
|
Enabling community members to feel more energized and empowered |
|
Beginning of selection process for youth leaders for Phase 3 |
|
Fostering a deeper sense of community |
|
Creating a platform for harmony and non-violence |
|
Phase 2: Support for community development projects (October 2006-October 2007)
This phase will focus on support for existing projects of ECHOTL, particularly in the areas of food security, HIV/ AIDS and education. IAHV will train the communities in organic farming techniques, permaculture, co-operatives, as well as launch its educational programmes for learners between the ages of 8-18.
|
| Outcomes: |
|
Building capacity and capability for ECHOTL projects in the areas of food security, HIV/ AIDS and education |
|
Providing training to the community in organic farming techniques and permaculture to support food Security for the community |
|
Support for HIV/ AIDS programmes through fostering a deeper sense of community and improved health through regular practice of sound relaxation, breathing techniques and improved diet |
|
Identification of youth leaders who show willingness for service and individual strength for YTLP training |
|
Support for ECHOTL educational initiatives by giving learners the tools to improve memory and concentration, manage negative emotions, boost confidence and reduce feelings of alienation |
|
Phase 3: Youth leader training (1 month: February 2007)
In September 2006, the first phase of YLTP is planned to commence. This would be run by an international IAHV facilitator,and would take place at a suitable location within the community. The course is a residential programme in two phases, taking a total of 1 month to complete. |
| Outcomes : |
|
Intensive month-long training for 50 youth over two 15-day phases |
|
Giving youth the tools to feel morally uplifted and more energized |
|
Creating strong, dynamic leaders who inspire change and development in their communities |
|
Vocational training to empower youth leaders to become economically self reliant |
|
Trained Breath Water Sound teachers to increase reach of stress elimination and healthy lifestyle tools into the communities |
|
Phase 4: Youth leader initiation of development projects (March 2007 onwards)
On completion of the first phase of YLTP, the youth leaders would return to their communities, identify and initiate 5H development projects. The implementation of these projects would be monitored by the IAHV team, and support would be provided where necessary. IAHV would also work with the youth leaders to identify revenue generating activities, building on the vocational skills training received through YLTP. |
|
|
|
|
Giving community scientifically proven tools to eliminate stress and depression |
|
|
Improved health through scientifically proven breathing techniques and improved diet |
|
|
Building capacity and willingness in community members to enable them to meaningfully contribute in |
|
Phase 5: International training (2 months: May 2007)
IAHV's experience with its programmes and projects in South Africa, Cameroon and Morocco indicate that it is necessary for youth leaders to receive training at the Art of Living's international centre in Bangalore, India. Strong performers from Phase 3 and 4 of the programme would travel to India and undergo further training. They would also spend time visiting and training at the 5H projects in India to increase their knowledge and skills base. |
|
|
|
|
Ten youth leaders to participate in this training |
|
|
Deeper level of physical, moral, mental and emotional individual strengthening through breathing techniques |
|
|
Further training in the areas organic farming (for food security), income generating projects, teaching skills, etc |
|
|
Critical knowledge sharing with rural Indian communities who have been implementing this program since 2001 |
|
Phase 6: Implementation of development projects (October 2007-March 2008)
Development projects initiated in Phase 2 and 4 would continue. These would be monitored and supported by the team of IAHV facilitators on an ongoing basis.
Strengthening leadership:In October 2006, the traditional leaders will take part in the Art of Living Course and an introduction to the 5H programmes. Strengthening leadership by giving the traditional leaders tools to eliminate stress |
|
Equip the traditional leaders to champion the PRD and inspire the people in their communities to take part in the workshops and 5H projects |
|
Core to the success of this project is collaboration and cooperative efforts between the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders and IAHV, as well as the communities' involvement and willingness to implement the tools and techniques introduced. The objectives of this project are far-reaching and this project needs to be viewed as a long-term collaboration between IAHV and the Art of Living Foundation, the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders, the rural communities and the projects partners and funders.
Having heard of the success of the 5H Programme in India, the Traditional Leaders, in particular King Sandile of the Rharhabe Kingdom, expressed an interest in the implementation of the 5H programme in rural Eastern Cape. In 2003, Prince Langa Mavuso spearheaded the implementation of a training programme in the Mavuso villages near Alice.
Recognising the connection between the townships and Eastern Cape – many rural youth move to the big cities to find employment – and with the aim of having positive influence both in the townships and rural communities, 40 youth from Soweto and townships in the Western Cape traveled to the Eastern Cape to begin their training.
The project's objectives were to train Breath Water Sound teachers from the townships, who would in turn introduce the programme to the rural communities in the Eastern Cape and the township communities. The project also aimed to initiate 5H development projects in the Mavuso villages.
40 youth leaders were trained as Breath Water Sound Teachers, and over 300 people were taught Breath Water Sound in a two-week period in the Mavuso villages. A permaculture food garden was planted in each of the 13 villages, and three tribal halls were renovated and upgraded.
Based on the community's response to this project, Prince Mavuso and the Art of Living explored further partnership opportunities, and Africa's first Programme for Rural Development was born. | | | | |
|
|
|
|
|