Message from Kulungile Campaign Manager
World AIDS Orphans Day – May 7th
A few years ago UNAIDS reported that South Africa has one of the highest incidence of AIDS in the world. At the end of the day it is women, and particularly children, who have borne the brunt of the pandemic. Anyone who has access to rural South Africa knows it is women who weave social and family cohesion together and who are primary care givers of children.
I have witnessed the death of many young people and seen the struggle of communities left without the proper resources to cope. A typical situation is a Gogo (granny) I visited with orphaned children to feed, clothe and school while living in a small hut with no electricity. On that day there was only an old sack of potatoes for lunch. Often children go to sleep on tummies filled with sugar water as no food is available.
The endless stories are laced with heartache and struggle. However, there is also a profound shift of attitude accompanied by increased awareness, resources, courage and mutual support. A quantum learning curve has unfolded within deep rural communities where information, HIV/Aids support groups and access to medicines and governmental aid are more available. Much of this has come about through the hard work of countless people involved in Non Profit work.
Today – May 7th -- is World AIDS Orphans Day and I wanted to take a moment to write these reflections in honor of all who have been impacted by HIV/Aids. The example of Sister Abegail is having an impact. We just received an order for 1,000 copies of her book Empty Hands from the Faculty of Health Sciences of Johannesburg’s Wits University for their students. Everyone who meets Sister Abe comes away feeling inspired to do better and encouraged by the faith to overcome adversity. We believe examples like Sister Abe's life are important to highlight.
On this day we remember those on the front line who are responding to the Pandemic, and particularly the children who have been left orphaned and vulnerable. Tomorrow I am meeting with Sister Abegail and her children to talk over how things are going. We will also meet with our local Real Estate Agent to look at properties which can also host volunteers from overseas to support the children as they go about their daily lives.
Kulungile means “All Is Well” and it is this core attitude of Sister Abe that I leave you with today.
Thank you so much for your support.
Thanissara Mary Weinberg
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