Covering Children's Rights

Did you know that you personally made a difference in the life of a child in rural Limpopo during August?  Your donation to the 'Covering Children's Rights' project, enabled CHoiCe Trust to purchase and distribute 160 blankets to children in Mavele and Nkambako villages.  This project was designed to achieve 2 objectives: (a) to provide children with something warm and something that is theirs; and (b) to raise awareness of the rights of children.  This was achieved through the design and distribution of beautiful blankets to children, with a focus on reaching children who were infected or affected by HIV and AIDS as these children are most vulnerable and in need of care and support.  (The photograph of the children attached here was taken to hide their identities due to this fact that there must be confidentiality with regards to health status of the children and their family members.)

The messages on our blankets, which were designed by children themselves during dialogues with the children, were: "Children have the right to an education, to clothes, to healthy food and water, and a clean house".  These rights were most important to the children as these are things which affect them each day.  The blankets were amazing - they were very large (which meant that the children could use them for many things), and they were very soft and comforting.  

The CHoiCe Trust social worker and auxiliary social worker took them out and handed them out to children through schools in the 2 rural villages.  The children were so excited about receiving these gifts.  This project even touched the hearts of the teachers at the school who were motivated by the reactions of the children.  The gift reminded the children that they were special and that they deserve something beautiful, just for themselves.  CHoiCe Trust staff continue to work with these children in Support Groups and in raising awareness of health issues amongst the children and their families.  This allows us to make sure that the messages on the blankets are respected by everyone who comes into contact with the child.

Thank you to all our donors who made this project possible.  The laughter and happiness that accompanied the distribution of these blankets to the children were so special and should continue to motivate us all to support the children of today for a brighter tomorrow.