30 September - Human Rights

In today’s show, we were joined on the line by Abrie De Villiers – CEO of Learning through Fun. The Learning through fun NPO exists to bring fun-based, innovative, learning programmes to previously disadvantaged communities in South Africa. The intention is for the children and adults of those communities to experience that learning can be easy and fun, thereby expanding their knowledge quicker and increasing the likelihood of them earning a higher income and reducing the levels of dependence and poverty. We spoke about the organisation and how children can learn while maintaining a certain level of fun. If you would like to find out more about the organisation, you can email Abri to learningthroughfun@whatspossible.co.za

We were also joined Instudio by Nobuntu Nkanyuza – Director of Ikhaya Labantu Homeless Shelter and Eyabantu Educare. The purpose of the shelter is to provide a sanctuary to anyone who finds themselves in the traumatic position of being homeless. The home helps to rehabilitate people and help them gain skills in order to find a job and a place to live back in the community. They also support some young people through high school and others into further education. We all know education is a basic human right. We spoke about the shelter and the programs they run to help those in need. If you would like to find out more about the shelter, you can call 071 284 7423 or e-mail nnkanyuza@hotmail.com

We heard from Ingrid Cupido – from Age in Action. This week is the week of the Elderly and tomorrow is the International Day of the Elderly. The importance of these days is not only to highlight the valuable contribution made by Older Persons to the globe but also to stress their basic human rights. Many older persons in South Africa are unaware of their rights and how to enforce them, due to a variety of reasons. They are victims of terrible abuse and crimes. We spoke about the rights of Older Persons and also the role that members of the society can play in respecting and enforcing those rights. If you want more information about Age – In – Action you can contact their offices at (021) 426 4249 or visit http://www.age-in-action.co.za/.

And our last interview was with Penny Henwood – A Social Worker from Cape Town Child Welfare. The organisation aims to promote, protect and enhance the safety, well-being and healthy development of children. With the high rate of teenage pregnancy and teens giving their unwanted children up for adoption, there is a great need for adoptive parents. However, for many, the process of adoption has proven to be a tedious task for many parents wanting to give a home to those who have been abandoned. We were talking about the process of adoption and the criteria that has to be met in order for a child to be adopted. If you want more information about the organisation, you can call their offices on (021) 638 3127 or visit their website http://www.childwelfare.org.za/