Global Seva Challege: South Africa

From September to December 2010 I'm throwing all my energy and enthusiasm behind an amazing project, the Off the Mat, Into the World Global Seva Challenge for South Africa. My goal is to raise $20,000 by December 15th, which will go to a range of projects supporting people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa.

Why HIV/AIDS? Why South Africa?

The HIV/AIDs epidemic is the leading cause of death in Africa leaving behind a trail of destruction. The statistics are staggering….

The age bracket that AIDS most heavily targets – younger adults – means it is not uncommon for one or more parents to die from AIDS while their offspring are young. The number of premature deaths due to HIV/AIDS has risen significantly over the last decade from 39% to 75% in 2010. The burden upon family members, particularly children and older people caring for terminally ill adults, and the trauma of bereavement and orphanhood compromises the physical and mental well-being of entire households. This all happens in a society where the majority of children live in poverty and 23.2% of the economically active population is unemployed. (Statistics supplied by Off the Mat, Into the World)

Major natural disasters like the earthquake in Haiti and the floods in Pakistan are putting huge pressure on the international development community. Between this and the ongoing cost of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is a risk that the AIDS epidemic will be overlooked and really impressive local initiatives, initiatives that are already working, will miss out on the resources they need to keep going.

Why me? Why now?

I'm personally compelled by this need, so when Off the Mat, Into the World announced that their Global Seva Challenge this year would be raising money for HIV/AIDS projects in South Africa my heart started nudging me to join in.

I resisted for a long time. $20,000 is a lot of money to raise, and I have a strong connection to Afghanistan, where there is also an ongoing desperate need for resources. But this project wouldn't leave me alone. I thought about it at night, and woke up thinking about it in the morning. So now, at the end of August, I am signing up. Because I dragged my feet I now have three and a half months to raise $20,000, rather than a year. But I have seen the generosity of this community, and I believe we will raise it.

What is a 'Yogic Approach to Change'?

This is not a singular issue and requires and multi-dimensional response. As yogis, we believe in whole wellness of the body, mind and soul. Our approach in SA reflects this philosophy. We are working with unique local organizations who are going beyond the issue to address the broader impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and developing creative solutions to bring about whole and long lasting change.

Where will the money go exactly?

Follow these links for more information about the partners and projects that will be supported through the Global Seva Challenge South Africa, and exactly how the money will be used:

EarthChild Project
Christel House South Africa: School Library
South African Whole Grain Bread Project
Gold Peer Education Development Agency
Linawo Children's Home
Baphumelele Halfway House

What happens if I meet the $20,000 goal?

If I meet the goal then I will be invited to join Off the Mat, Into the World founders Seane Corn and Suzanne Sterling on the the Bare Witness Humanitarian Tour in South Africa. Now, I've worked in development and humanitarian work long enough to be deeply sceptical about 'humanitarian tours', so why would I want to be part of this one?

Well, firstly I know the great care that Seane and Suzanne have taken to ensure that the tour, and this entire project, is grounded in sound development and humanitarian principles. Secondly, as the Regional Leader for Off the Mat in New Zealand and Australia, it is important to me to see how the organisation runs these tours. I need to feel confident myself that they do in fact respect humanitarian principles, and - most importantly - add value to the work of the partners we are supporting.

What happens if I don't meet the $20,000 goal?

All the money raised still goes to these projects, I just don't get an invitation to join the tour. No harm done, but plenty of good done!