Success Story: 46 Aprons for our Go-Go's

On Feb. 19th, a group of South African Go-Go's received 46 aprons which were specially hand made by volunteers in the U.S. in support of South African Grandmothers (Go-Go's). It was a day of celebration, love and gratitude for this strong group of women who stand as the backbone of our society.

The atmosphere was festive and jovial at the little house in Langa where Siyaphambili Orphan Village, Ndileka Xameni's initiative, resides. As we entered the crowded patio, we were greeted by more than 40 South African grandmothers (Go-Go's) with a plate of food. "You arrived just on time!" One of them said. "The Celebration is about to begin."

As we sat down to eat a delicious plate of home made food, Mary Stuart, a U.S. volunteer from the The Light Center of Kansas, accompanied by a group of several volunteers from the United States, proceeded to gift each Go-Go with a beautifully hand-crafted apron, as a symbol of recognition and gratitude for the labor these courageous women undergo each day. These aprons were the result of many hours of labor by volunteers in the United States who wanted South African Go-Go's to know that they feel for them, and that they are also standing beside them.

In case you are not aware, South African Go-Go's have been one of the most affected population groups after losing their daughters to HIV/AIDS and having to become heads of households again, some of them having to act as mothers and fathers of their own and others' grandchildren.

During the ceremony the Go-Go's shared their successes, their failures, their feelings and support for each other. They sang, danced, and continued to honor each others' efforts to uplift their families, ensuring their grandchildren stay in schools and are properly cared for. "These women need each other, they need the support of their community to do the work they do in helping their families. That is why I created a weekly support group. I don't want them to feel that they are all alone. We have each other." Said Ndeleka Xameni who leads the weekly support group in Langa as part of the Institute's OVC Programme.

On behalf of the Novalis Ubuntu Institute, we would like to thank all the volunteers in the United States including Robin Goff and Mary Frost, as well as other individuals who through The Light Center in Kansas made this event possible. Thank you for your love and compassion, and most important for showing your support to this wonderful group of grandmothers. Thank you Ndileka for continuing to hold these support groups. We at Novalis Ubuntu are very proud of you.

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OVC News: Thank you Claire! We'll miss you!

After nearly three years pioneering the development and successful implementation of our Orphan and Vulnerable Children's Programme (OVC) our beloved Claire Barry (center), will step down from her post as Program Manager in order to continue her exciting journey of life. We are very sad to see her go, and wish her all the best in the world, knowing that she's already riding high on the wings of creativity, joy and success!

We are very grateful to Claire for all those years she dedicated to the successful implementation of her vision, by patiently and organically crafting a very powerful transformational programme. Since its inception, the programme has positively affected the lives of more than 2,000 South African children, their caretakers, their communities and their homes. Without her instrumental guidance and enthusiasm, this programme would have never been possible.

Claire will be replaced by the wonderful Mrs. Bea Juries (top left). We have no doubt that Mrs. Bea will continue to help expand the vision of our Orphan and Vulnerable Children's Programme (OVC) and we would like to publicly welcome her, knowing that we believe she's the most qualified person to lead this wonderful programme, and wish her much success! Welcome to the Novalis Ubuntu Institute Mrs. Bea!

The Orphan and Vulnerable Children's Programme (OVC), which brings a creative intervention into the lives of orphan and vulnerable children and their caretakers has been made possible thanks to the generous donation of the Swedish Government (Forum Syd) through the SOFIA Foundation.

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Concert Review: Releasing the artist inside

The following is an excerpt from an article published on the Feb. 19th issue of the Constantia Bulletin. It was written by Inga Strydom. Thank you Inga for covering our Beautiful Schools for Africa Concert and School Tour, for all your support in helping us spread our message.

It was a beautiful benefit indeed. So beautiful in fact, that it moved the audience to hold hands, sing and dance together. Two days of intense artistic interaction with 4,000 pupils from six schools culminated in the Beautiful Schools for Africa Benefit Concert held at the Novalis Ubuntu Institute of Holistic Education in Wynberg on Sunday.

Before the actual concert, "spontaneous cellist" and musician Francois le Roux (also known as the Ha! Man) spent two days performing at Ottery Road Methodist, Kannemeyer, Sid G Rule, Bongolethu, Mzamomble and Entshona primary schools where art and music do not play an integral role in the schools' curricula.

Mr. le Roux said the performances were very interactive and focused on the students' innate musicality. "They could just express themselves. What I try to release or reveal is in that in each of us there is an artist that expresses beautifully. As an artist, you need to experience all sides of the spectrum. It's between these polarities that you can truly create music that brings us together from all spheres of life."

The concert also featured a silent auction which was held in the foyer where holistic books and CDs mainly by Natalia Baker were on sale as well as paintings. To support, join or donate to the Novalis Ubuntu Institute visit www.novalis.org.za

Want to see pictures of the concert and schools tour? View the Photo Gallery.

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