by Dawne on August 26, 2010
In the lead up to this year’s World Cup 1GOAL asked the world to speak up for the right of every child to an education. Millions responded, pressuring world leaders to act. (If you are not familiar with the campaign you may want to read the post I wrote in June.)
It’s hard to believe it’s been six weeks already since the last vuvuzela sounded and world leaders met in South Africa to discuss the critical issue of education. The upcoming UN Summit is only four weeks away. It is time once again to speak up for those who cannot; for the orphaned and vulnerable children of South Africa and across the globe.
A warm blanket is a great start but these children from a Soweto creche need a guarantee of a solid education.
Can you imagine the future of the orphans we lovingly wrap blankets around if they were to be assured of a good education? There can be no doubt that education breaks the cycle of poverty. Please write to Secretary General Ki-moon now and let him know you support Universal Primary Education.
“We must not fail the billions who look to the international community to fulfil the promise of the Millennium Declaration for a better world. Let us meet in September to keep the promise.” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
Due in part to organizations like 1GOAL we are making progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The dream of a brighter tomorrow for all can become reality.
In closing, I want to share a video that makes me smile. It was shot this summer when Shakira, a famous singer and outspoken supporter of education, visited a 1GOAL school in Soweto. It provides a glimpse of what has been accomplished thus far and serves as an upbeat reminder that there is still much work to be done. These happy, healthy school children, shown in their school uniforms, are a stark contrast to the children in the photo above. It is for these children (and the millions they represent) that we must continue to act.
I hope you enjoyed watching this video and will take a moment of your time to share it in your social networks like Facebook and Twitter
by Dawne on August 19, 2010
Today we honour those who have fallen in the line of humanitarian work and hold those working around the globe in our thoughts and hearts as they continue their efforts. Humanitarian workers do more than respond to natural disasters, they promote Peace, human rights, health care and education for all. These men and women are heroes; beacons of hope. The problems are laid out clearly in our newspapers, no doubt, but those working towards solutions are everywhere, we need only look for them.
If asked “Are you a knitter?” would that question be easy to answer? You may reply “Yes, I am a knitter” or perhaps “No, but I crochet”. Many of you would even reply “Yes, and I crochet too!”. If asked “Are you a humanitarian?” would you be as quick to answer?
I hope you know the answer is a resounding Yes.
Today, on World Humanitarian Day, I’d like to take a moment and thank everyone who has supported KasCare and its efforts to help the orphaned and vulnerable children of South Africa by knitting, crocheting and donating to offset the cost of operations in SA. Every square knit or crocheted for the Knit-A-Square project is an humanitarian effort in my opinion. Every blanket we wrap around a child is made possible by our wonderful, global Knit-a-Square community. Every donation goes directly to the costs of assembly and distribution of blankets and clothing. Your donations make it possible for Knit-a-Square to continue supporting our field partners who work everyday to improve the lives of the children.
The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has a webpage detailing the four Humanitarian Principles.
As I read the first principle I found myself thinking of Knit-a-Square.
Humanity: Human suffering must be addressed wherever it is found. The purpose of humanitarian action is to protect life and health and ensure respect for human beings.
I know that when we pick up our needles and hooks we are thinking of the orphans. We think often of Ronda, Erin, Wandile, Lindiwe and the rest of our of on-the-ground volunteer team too. I hope too that we will think, with every stitch, that we are taking action from a position of respect and love to protect the health of human beings.
The next time you are asked “what did you do today?” I hope you will reply “today I was part of a continuing humanitarian effort to help improve the health and life of my fellow human beings.”
Thank you today, and everyday, for your continued support. Thank you for making time to respectfully embrace the humanity of so many who live with so little. Together we are making a difference.
