By beth duncan | Program Manager
Mobile Addictions Treatment Program for the Khomani San Bushmen
Summer 2017 Project Update
Dear Donors,
As always, we are very grateful for the ongoing and generous support we receive from you, which makes our work with the Khomani San Bushmen of the Kalahari possible.
The situation is dire. If more isn’t done soon, we stand to lose the oldest humans on earth as well as their significant knowledge of the earth and the stars, making this work all the more critical.
Last month, we brought two Bushmen healers to two sacred sites in South Africa so that they could make offerings and prayers for their people and for the work ahead. These two sites included the largest natural fountain in the Southern Hemisphere and the Wonderwerk (“Miracle”) Cave, a 150-million year old cave filled with ancient petroglphys. These areas are about a 6-hour drive from the area in which the Bushmen now live, but the lands are considered sacred to the Bushmen; the prayers were very powerful. While we don’t know yet what the outcome will be from these prayers and offerings, we are hopeful that these steps will help open the way for the work ahead.
South African government funding for assistance programs for Bushmen recovery and healing has dwindled or disappeared. As a result, we have used some of our funding to help support an auxiliary social worker, who will travel to and meet with community members in the Kalahari twice a month. It’s not much, but it is a start.
Additionally, we have begun interviewing potential addictions counselors for Phase III of the Mobile Addictions Treatment program, which will include a 40-day on-the-ground treatment program for up to 20 Bushmen. This is the crux of our work ahead and it’s the piece for which we most desperately need your support. We hope to launch this Phase in Spring 2018, and with your help, we believe it's possible. Please help us create a miracle.
Thank you again, Donors, for opening your hearts to support Bushmen in reclaiming their health and identity.
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