| Human Rights Day Celebration Free State, Kroonstad |
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 Background and IntroductionThe National Welfare Forum together with its partners Fair Play for Africa (FPFA), the AIDS Consortium and HIV911 held a Human Rights Day Celebration in Kroonstad, Free State on Friday 19 March 2010, at the NG Kerk in Phomolong location. The celebration invited various NGOs, CBOs, FBOs and individuals, focusing on HIV/AIDS non profit service delivery in Free State. The high prevalence of HIV, poor access to schooling and dismal local government service delivery contributes to an environment of little hope and even less chances for poor people accessing and enjoying their human rights. The celebration took the form of song, dance and play from local pre-schools and elderly groups, a workshop on Human Rights and HIV/AIDS entitled “HIV/AIDS, Accessing your Human Rights”, presentations from local organisations, interaction and resources toolkits sharing.
PRESENTATIONS:
Fair Play for AfricaFair Play for Africa elaborated the need for consolidation and cooperation in the operations of NGOs in the same sector and beyond. The campaign’s focus and deliverables were highlighted for South Africa and the participating countries in Africa. Fair Play for Africa re-iterated the need for taking governments to task for the achievement of the MDGs and the local and international commitments they have made towards HIV/AIDS, especially during the 2010 World Cup. The campaign will run in the country and bring together various NGOs to support a single call towards accountability and responsibility for HIV/AIDS commitments. Participants were keen to support Fair Play for Africa. HIV/AIDS Workshop “Accessing Your Human Rights” The AIDS Consortium took the audience through the human rights of individuals and explained that no disconnection exists because one is infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. The presentation made intense reference to the constitutional rights that each South African has. Social services should be equally accessed by those infected with HIV/AIDS in the same way as the uninfected members of the society. The AIDS Consortium called for more active community participation in ensuring that the rights of every citizen are upheld. Knowledge and Learning Local NPOs face various challenges in providing relevant services to the community. The community is dependant on these critical services and challenges arise in holding the state accountable for service delivery. There is stigma associated with HIV/AIDS that creates social exclusion in economic and social issues within the community. Participants felt enlightened by the presentation on the equality of those living with HIV/AIDS as well as the various services that are provided for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS from various organisations.  Public
awareness and InteractionOrganisations present shared information to develop public awareness to the work they are doing and where they are providing these relevant services. The event created an opportunity for organisation to link what they are doing to other NPOs and leverage their strengths thereof.  Cultural
Entertainment Zenzele Preschool presented two songs and dances for the audience marking Human Rights Day. They also presented a play which focused on the challenges of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The ECD (Early Childhood Development) teachers expressed their support for educating children at a young age about Human Rights and Equality.  Book
PresentationA book written by Phiroshaw Camay and Anne Gordon (2007) entitled Evolving Democratic Governance in South Africa was presented to Ms Mamza Monoto, Councillor and NPO support functionary in Kroonstad who also runs Ahanang Soup Kitchen which feeds orphans and elderly people. The presentation marked the appreciation for government functionaries who beyond their own duties carry out remarkable community work.  HIV911
Directories Presentation The 2009 HIV Directories were handed out to organisations that work in the HIV/AIDS sector as a toolkit for effective advocacy as well as a knowledge kit for service providers. Conclusion The day was welcomed and supported by the community. The celebration and its focus on Fair Play For Africa enlightened the community on the ability for stronger coordination in local community work which can culminate into a national method of working. Attendees were excited and showed much energy and enthusiasm. It was refreshing to see young children mindful of stigma and learning early that everyone is equal. Bookmark this article:          |
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