International conference highlights adoption, abortion
AFRICA Cares for Life, a Toti-based NPO, held its 11th annual conference which drew some 90 delegates from several African countries and the USA congregate to Illovo Beach from 30 July to 1 August.
“The conference was a tremendous success. Some delegates were empowered with renewed vision and others committed to improve on what they are doing daily at their organisations,” said director Shanno Enoch.
“Keynote speakers were excellent. Justin Foxton who runs a baby home in Umhlanga spoke on adoption. Statistics show only 2,400 babies are adopted annually. Another speaker, a social worker and teacher, Indira Gilbert gave some startling statistics on abortion, which she has researched and continues to research.” Globally some 45-million legal abortions have taken place, which equates to one in five pregnancies.
The organisation wants to create a culture of awareness on adoption. “We want to encourage people to adopt, by talking about it and educating them. We want to get rid of the stigma of adoption.”
Overall, Shanno hailed the conference a blessing. “As an organisation, we have a vital role to play. Our goal is to better equip and empower the pregnancy centres represented to make a difference in their communities.”
Shanno believes without the support of individuals, business and other organisations, Africa Cares for Life would not be able to carry on with its work. “Furthermore my goal is to educate teenagers to make healthy and responsible choices.We can’t dismiss abortion as a modern day phenomenon, it is a national problem. We all have a role to play in saving one baby at a time.”
