By Louise | Managing Director
Every time I think of the essential work we do, I realise how privileged I am to be a part of it all. I know that probably sounds very odd, since I am the founder and the managing director however it is such a honour and I receive such joy from the work we do. I love seeing the looks on children’s faces when they realise, they are loved and accepted. They have a home with us where they can thrive.
Recently, last week, I attended a Symposium hosted by Heartlines, a South African Based NGO who’s goal and vision are below.
Heartlines vision is to see a more equitable, caring, cohesive, healthy and just society.
Our mission is to help people live their better selves for the common good.
Our team's values are:
I was a part of the panel speaking to the research they had done regarding the role of fathers in today’s society.
If you have been with us for a while, you will know that we believe in educating men and women, shifting power structures between children and parents/adults in a way that is not combative but relational. What that means is we have taken the lessons from history of the past conflicts between men and women with feminism and learnt to bring both parties together so that what had been a traditional power base structure, is transitioned were by we empower both sides through education and addressing cultural biases to ensure that both parties share the power in an equitable manner. (Using a Rights Based Approach – Article 12 of the UNCRC of Child Participation).
Having said that, the CRSA (Children’s Rights Situational Analysis) we performed in 2022 under pinned that parents/adults are afraid to share power with the children, we have been working tirelessly to address the shift in an informed manner, and parents are now embracing the shift. The children are being empowered, and all parties are winning.
The research performed by Heartlines unpacks this effectively. It was an honour to be on a panel as the only practitioner amongst Doctors and Professors discussing the work we do and the impact we have achieved. I also had the privilege to meet and spend time with the 1st Lady of South Africa!!! What amazes me about the role I have is that 3 short weeks ago I was camping in the mud, and 150 plus children, then last week, hobnobbing with Academics and meeting the Presidents wife. This job is just so unpredictable.
None of this is possible without your belief in the work we do, the impact we have is directly related to the support we receive. You are pushing KTD196 to a national stage. We are being noticed. I was able to make contact with Department of Social Development as well Department of Basic Education and share my frustrations, experiences, fears and concerns on behalf of the children and women we serve.
Watch this space.
Thank you, none of this would be possible without you keeping the lights on fuel in the vehicle, so that we can continue to change lives. God Bless you
Louise
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