THE end of year marks a time for celebration, relaxation and reflection, however the South African and international calendars highlight a more serious cause for action before the festivities begin.
Mother of Peace (MOP) in Illovo has embraced the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, from 25 November to 10 December.
The purpose of the campaign is to create awareness of the negative impact of violence on women and children. This year’s theme is ‘Count me in, together moving a non-violent South Africa forward” with the emphasis that the solution lies within us all.
MOP, a cluster foster care community, was initially founded to assist orphaned children by recreating and restoring the family structure, but soon realised the greater ramifications of HIV/Aids on society. Poverty, humiliation, unemployment and degradation are conditions where violence and abuse escalate. MOP provides homes and family to children while supporting their psychological, educational, emotional, spiritual and social needs.
“At MOP, we focus on developing a child’s true potential by helping them peel back the layers of their wounds in order for them to come to know their authentic selves and their true purpose in life. With this challenges arise; as violence and abuse during early childhood has shown to have a negative effect on child development including cognitive development. This can have enduring physical, intellectual, emotional and psychological repercussions into adolescence and adulthood. It is important that we place an advocacy role in the campaign that children understand to act against abuse from a young age. Violence exists in many forms, from bullying to abuse. It cannot be condoned,” said general manager, Iris Canham.
They will be hold a lunch time drumming session to drum for peace on Saturday, 6 December at The Youth Centre, 2 Saunders Road, Winkelspruit from 1pm to 2pm. Wear a white ribbon for peace and join them in creating peace symbols. Tickets sold at the door will cost R30. This will be followed by a music concert ‘The Event’ presented by Double Beat Drum Studio. For more information on the drumming workshop email iris@motherofpeace.org.za.
