Siphiwe Mya, the ark manager at Sithokozise, has been building partnerships to ensure that Noah is able to get coverage linked to the Soccer World Cup in order to get people talking about the plight of orphaned and vulnerable children in South Africa. It is so important that the world hears that not only do we have a crisis in South Africa with almost 3.7 million orphaned children, but there are communities and community based organisations that are prepared to do something about this crisis.

We so often hear the horror stories attached to orphaned and vulnerbale children, from abuse and neglect to loneliness, abandonment and loss of hope. But in reality more than 27,000 children are coming to Noah Arks around the country to receive psychological interventions, educational support, nutrition programmes and most importantly love and empathy from our team of over 500 volunteers and 800 committee members. The staff at Arks like Sithokozise are passionate about children and their efforts in relieving suffering do not go unnoticed. For this reason we are blessed and grateful to have been included on the 2010 FIFA WOrld Cup promotional tour of Durban as we celebrate South Africans and the amazing resources we have in our people.

Siphiwe Mya says “through this visit we hope to generate publicity around what we do on the ground here at Sithokozise Noah. The children will be made to feel important, that they are part of the global showpiece that is the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This will boost their morale, their confidence in life and give them the opportunity to dream.”

The bus will be travelling to over 60 communities throughout South Africa between February and June 2010 taking visitors on a thrilling, interactive journey. This campaign is designed to encourage South Africans to welcome the 2010 FIFA World Cup by flying the flag, singing the national anthem and learning the diski dance.

Children were able to climb on board, learning team facts and World Cup Trivia, play foosball football fun and watch a movie on the mini cinema that showed unforgettable moments from previous tournaments. It was an absolute treat for the children at Sithokozise Noah Ark

On a different level Siphiwe believes that “it is so important to bring the concept of Noah into the minds of the local people. This is a community programme, it is community driven and community based. We need to mobilise our communities around the Noah model and make them passionate about OVC.”

Thanks to Indigo Marketing, on behalf of Brand South Africa, and MS&L for including Sithokozise in their campaign to share the 2010 FIFA World Cup Spirit with the children and community at Sithokozise Noah Ark!

Coca Cola Flag Crew

In addition to being on the People’s Bus tour Sithokozise Noah has been nominated by our partners at ABI to be a part of the Flag Crew Team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup match between Nigeria and Korea on the 22nd of June 2010. This will provide 11 children with the opportunity to assume responsibilities learning the values of patience, persistence, concentration and hard work. In addition the children will be less than 500m away from some of the world’s most famous footballers.

On Saturday 5 December 2009 Phumzile Nyembe, an Ark Development Officer for Noah in the Newcastle region, was awarded the title “Woman of the Year” by Soul Magazine. Phumzile was nominated for her amazing dedication and commitment to children in South Africa. Phumzile we salute you and your dedication and congratulate you on your achievement.

Phumzile works for Noah as an Ark Development Officer. In this role she provides mentoring and support to existing Arks, investigates the possibility of new Arks and mobilises communities to better care for their orphaned and vulnerable children. Phumzile has created networks of care for children at risk through empowering community committees, launching feeding programmes and supporting educational and health programmes at Noah Arks. She is a treasure to her community and has become a beacon of light for children. Despite reaching retirement age, and being able to take a well deserved break, Phumzile continues to work with communities and fight for a better life for each child.

Phumzile has dedicated her life to improving the well being of children in her community. This she has done in both her professional capacity at Noah and her personal capacity through initiating a school for children with special needs in Ladysmith, starting “Phumzile’s Project” a project dedicated to providing school leavers with appropriate skills, and raising funds for a residential hostel for boarders at her special needs projects.

Phumzile believes that all children deserve a chance in life and has worked tirelessly to find ways to achieve this. Through her work at Noah as well as in her community she has illustrated that each of us can make a difference. Her dedication and passion for volunteerism is evident in everything that she does. Phumzile is a treasured member of the Noah team and we are incredibly proud of her achievements. Congratulations Mam Nyembe from all of us at Noah.

Today we join millions of people across the globe to mark World Aids Day.

We join multitudes who have determined that this epidemic cannot be overcome without a concerted and coordinated effort.

We join millions who understand that the epidemic is not merely a health challenge. It is a challenge with profound social, cultural and economic consequences.

It is an epidemic that affects entire nations. Yet it touches on matters that are intensely personal and private.

Unlike many others, HIV and AIDS cannot be overcome simply by improving the quality of drinking water, or eradicating mosquitoes, or mass immunisation.

It can only be overcome by individuals taking responsibility for their own lives and the lives of those around them.

Fellow South Africans,

As a country, we have done much to tackle HIV and AIDS.

In every sector of society, there are individuals and groups who have worked tirelessly to educate, advocate, care, treat, prevent and to break the stigma that still surrounds the epidemic.

Today, we wish to acknowledge their dedicated efforts.

As government we are ready to play our role of leadership, building on the foundation that has been laid over the past 15 years.

Under the leadership of Presidents Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe, the democratic government has put in place various strategies to comprehensively deal with HIV and Aids, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections.

Working with other sectors through the South African National Aids Council, we have managed to harness unity in confronting this scourge.

The amount of resources dedicated to prevention, treatment and care has increased with each successive year.

But it is not enough. Much more needs to be done.

We need extraordinary measures to reverse the trends we are seeing in the health profile of our people.

We know that the situation is serious. We have seen the statistics.

We know that the average life expectancy of South Africans has been falling, and that South Africans are dying at a young age.

We have seen the child-headed and granny-headed households, and have witnessed the pain and displacement of orphans and vulnerable children.

These facts are undeniable. We should not be tempted to downplay the statistics and impact or to deny the reality that we face.

At the same time, the epidemic is not about statistics. It is about people, about families, and communities.

It is about our loved ones.

For many families, it is a burden that they have to bear alone, fearful of discrimination and stigma.

Dear Compatriots,

Now is not the time to lament. It is the time to act decisively, and to act together.

Our message is simple. We have to stop the spread of HIV. We must reduce the rate of new infections. Prevention is our most powerful weapon against the epidemic.

All South Africans should take steps to ensure that they do not become infected, that they do not infect others and that they know their status.

Each individual must take responsibility for protection against HIV. To the youth, the future belongs to you.

Be responsible and do not expose yourself to risks.

Parents and heads of households, let us be open with our children and educate them about HIV and how to prevent it.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We are still marking the 16 days of activism against violence on women and children. During this period, it is important that we also remember to uphold the rights of women and children, including their right to protection from infection with HIV.

Many women are unable to negotiate for protection due to unequal power relations in relationships.

As we mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Thursday, the 3rd of December, let us remember the impact of HIV on persons with disability.

We have to tailor government programmes and messages to also speak to the needs of this sector.

Fellow South Africans,

To take our response a step forward, we are launching a massive campaign to mobilise all South Africans to get tested for HIV.

Every South African should know his or her HIV status. To prepare for a continuous voluntary testing campaign, we would like to announce a few new measures, to expand our response.

All children under one year of age will get treatment if they test positive. Initiating treatment will therefore not be determined by the level of CD cells.

This decision will contribute significantly towards the reduction of infant mortality over time.

All patients with both TB and HIV will get treatment with anti-retrovirals if their CD4 count is 350 or less. At present treatment is available when the CD4 count is less than 200. TB and HIV/Aids will now be treated under one roof.

This policy change will address early reported deaths arising from undetected TB infection among those who are infected with HIV.

We have taken this step, particularly on learning that approximately 1% of our population has TB and that the co-infection between TB and HIV is 73%.

All pregnant HIV positive women with a CD4 count of 350 or with symptoms regardless of CD4 count will have access to treatment. At present HIV positive pregnant women are eligible for treatment if their CD4 count is less than 200.

All other pregnant women not falling into this category, but who are HIV positive, will be put on treatment at fourteen weeks of pregnancy to protect the baby. In the past this was only started during the last term of pregnancy.

In order to meet the need for testing and treatment, we will work to ensure that all the health institutions in the country are ready to receive and assist patients and not just a few accredited ARV centres. Any citizen should be able to move into any health centre and ask for counselling, testing and even treatment if needed.

The implementation of all these announcements is effective from April 2010. Institutions are hard at work to ensure that systems are in place by the 31st of March.

What does this all mean? It means that we will be treating significantly larger numbers of HIV positive patients. It means that people will live longer and more fulfilling lives.

What does it NOT mean? It does not mean that we should be irresponsible in our sexual practices.

It does not mean that people do not have to practice safer sex. It does not mean that people should not use condoms consistently and correctly during every sexual encounter.

We can eliminate the scourge of HIV if all South Africans take responsibility for their actions.

I need to re-emphasise at this point that we must intensify our prevention efforts if we are to turn off the tap of new HIV and TB infections. Prevention is our most powerful and effective weapon.

We have to overcome HIV the same way that it spreads – one individual at a time. We have to really show that all of us are responsible.

The HIV tests are voluntary and they are confidential. We know that it is not easy. It is a difficult decision to take.

But it is a decision that must be taken by people from all walks of life, of all races, all social classes, all positions in society. HIV does not discriminate.

I am making arrangements for my own test. I have taken HIV tests before, and I know my status. I will do another test soon as part of this new campaign. I urge you to start planning for your own tests.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We are also mindful of the social impact of the epidemic, and continue to provide psycho-social support and home based care, through the Home Community Based Care and child care programmes of government.

Let me use this opportunity to salute all our caregivers including those neighbours who assist and support families in distress.

We also thank our international partners, who continue to provide material support to our campaign against AIDS.

On this day, our hearts go out to all South Africans who are in distress as a result of this epidemic. To families looking after sick relatives, we wish you strength. We understand what you are going through.

To those who have lost their loved ones to the epidemic we share your pain, and extend our deepest condolences.

Fellow South Africans,

At another moment in our history, in another context, the liberation movement observed that the time comes in the life of any nation when there remain only two choices: submit or fight.

That time has now come in our struggle to overcome AIDS.

Let us declare now, as we declared then, that we shall not submit.

We have no choice but to deploy every effort, mobilise every resource, and utilise every skill that our nation possesses, to ensure that we prevail in this struggle for the health and prosperity of our nation.

History has demonstrated the strength of a nation united and determined. We are a capable, innovative and motivated people.

Together we fought and defeated a system so corrupt and reviled that it was described as a crime against humanity.

Together we can overcome this challenge.

Let today be the dawn of a new era.

Let there be no more shame, no more blame, no more discrimination and no more stigma.

Let the politicisation and endless debates about HIV and AIDS stop.

Let this be the start of an era of openness, of taking personal responsibility, and of working together in unity to prevent HIV infections and to deal with its impact.

Working together, we can achieve these goals!

I thank you.

Johannesburg – While South Africa’s HIV infection rate may have stabilised, experts warn that the country’s slow Aids response has triggered a time bomb that may leave one in three children orphaned.

“Estimates show that by 2015, some 5 700 000 or 32% of all children in South Africa would have lost one or both parents due to HIV/AIDS,” said Gail Eddy, a researcher at the Institute of Race Relations, told AFP.

In 2008 there were 1.5m Aids orphans, according to the country’s health department.

She said as the epidemic continues to shorten the lives of parents, more children were going to be orphaned and the number of child-headed households would also increase.

Support

The government currently provides support to about 238 000 Aids orphans and to more than 20 000 homes where older children care for younger siblings after their parents died from the virus.

Eddy said orphans needed additional support that was not necessarily monetary in nature, as these children had also lost their primary caregiver.

“What exacerbates the lack of support for these children, is that South Africa has a shortage of social workers who are responsible for identifying vulnerable children and providing them with the necessary support,” she said.

Nearly 495 000 Aids orphans are in foster care, but the government is encouraging more adoptions so that orphans can have permanent families.

However, only a tiny fraction of the Aids orphans, about 1 900, were adopted by South Africans last year, a drop of nearly 13% from the previous year.

“If the status quo is maintained, South Africa will be faced with a major crisis in the future, due to the social and economic consequences of increasing numbers of orphans and child-headed households,” said Eddy.

5.7m living with HIV

A recent study by Harvard School of Public Health study said the failure to provide anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) to Aids patients in South Africa led to the premature deaths of 365 000 people between 2000-2005.

UNAids estimates indicate that 5.7m out of nearly 48m South Africans are living with HIV, up from 5.5m in 2005.

That puts South Africa in first place for the number infected, but only about a million people are getting the cocktail of ARVs that prevent people with HIV from developing full-blown Aids and extends their lifetimes.

Activists and the current government lay the blame for the rapid spread of the disease squarely on former president Thabo Mbeki’s policies as he delayed the roll out ARVs, questioning the link between HIV and Aids.

His infamous health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, promoted the use of lemon juice, garlic and beetroot above ARVs, which she said were toxic.

Gail Johnson, founder of Nkosi’s Haven, a shelter for 100 HIV-infected mothers and their 183 children, said South Africa lost valuable time due to the delays by Mbeki’s government to roll out the much needed ARVs.

“We became arrogant and recommended beetroot and garlic, people died,” said Johnson.

Genocide call

The leader of the young Communist Party last week made headlines when he called for Mbeki to be charged with genocide for their denial about the existence of the virus.

In stark contrast to his predecessor, Zuma will be taking in public a HIV test on World Aids Day on Tuesday, although his results won’t be disclosed.

Dr William Mapham, Wits University Reproductive Health and HIV Research unit spokesperson says there has been a policy shift in government’s response towards the epidemic: “There is no denialism anymore, Zuma came in and changed a few things and it’s definitely going to have a positive effect on South Africa,” he said.

The opportunity to work for Noah enables her to apply her corporate strengths in an NGO environment. Karen is an extremely results-oriented, passionate individual with inner drive and a desire to make a difference and is a welcome addition to the Noah team.

Inside this issue

• Letter from the general manager: Riaan Swanepoel
• General Noah news
• Donor corner: Noah’s pillar of strength
• Graduation ceremonies: Primary School here we come!
• Christmas festivities: Bringing the festivities to Arks around Gauteng and KZN
• Muldersdrift Ark extreme makeover: Hay House celebrating the life of Louise Hay, a living legend
• Two Oceans Marathon 2009
• Stories from the ground

Letter from the general manager

Noah’s focus in 2009 is on strengthening our community committees and the role of the volunteers. Without the dedication of the committees and volunteers Noah Arks would not be able to assist communities in caring for the more than 30,000 children made vulnerable by the AIDS pandemic.

In 2008 Noah expanded our services and reached more children with better quality interventions. Our communities have been provided with the support and safety net they have required as economic pressures became more difficult and as the scale of the orphan crisis increased.

I have been a part of the Noah Network of Care for only a short time but already I have learned much about how Noah cooperates with corporate, government and individual partners to bring relief to children at risk. My first day at Noah 3 months ago seems like only yesterday. The amount of energy and the drive of the Noah network of Arks, employees, volunteers, donors and most importantly children is extremely inspiring. As the new General Manager of this incredible organization I am humbled by the work that is done every day.

Today we are still in a position to make a choice if we want to be part of a network that can address the challenges of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. I challenge you to become part of our Noah network and make a difference today. Remember – today they live in our world – tomorrow we will live in theirs.

Always with best of regards,

RIAAN SWANEPOEL

Noah General Manager

General Noah news

Noah continues to provide services to over 30,000 children across Gauteng and KZN. With the support of our donors and partners, we continue the essential training, support and programmes we have seen benefit our Arks since our inception. In recent months Noah has welcomed new Members to our Board of Directors and we wish them a long and inspiring tenure. Noah has also undergone restructuring at management level with the introduction of an Executive Committee made up of Directors working closely with the General Manager to guide Noah through the year ahead.

We welcome the following members to the Noah Board:

• Mr Alan Knott-Craig
• Dr Dudu Kunene
• Dr Naledi Moyo-Ndwandwe
• Mr Geoff Rothschild

In January 2009 Noah was very pleased to welcome Riaan Swanepoel as our new General Manager.

Donor corner: Noah’s Pillar of Strength

Noah would not be able to function without the support and dedication of our donors. We would like to highlight the following for their new contributions and/or their continued support of Noah.

• Building on their initial support, the MAC AIDS Fund contributed an additional amount for health, nutrition and educational needs of Arks within Noah. This will go a long way to ensure that Arks can provide the necessary services to the children they serve.
• Deutsche Bank continues to be at the forefront of our support network, they are a reliable donor even in the toughest of times for the financial sector. We thank Deutsche Bank for their continued support and reliability.
• Hay House has once again confirmed their support – it could not have come at a better time! In addition to the monetary contribution, staff and authors have transformed some of our needy Arks with a lick of paint and a lot of love – keep reading for the full story.
• We are pleased to announce that the National Lotteries Distribution Fund is now a Noah donor. They will be supporting the operational costs at 25 of the newest arks in KZN
• The Rotary Clubs in KZN in collaboration with US and Canadian Clubs have raised enough funds to fully support the nutrition and training programs at 3 Arks in KZN. Monies raised will provide the support necessary to run these essential programmes at the arks thanks to this global network of care.
• We would like to thank the &Beyond Foundation for their donation of a new resource centre at Nkomo Ark near Phinda. With the hard work and dedication the &Beyond foundation has assisted in making Nkomo a more welcoming and resourceful place for the children it serves.

On behalf of our children, we would love to individually thank every donor who made a difference in the lives of children in South Africa through their support of Noah. Unfortunately we cannot name each of you in the space allowed here, but know that your contribution has made a difference. Be your donation one of money, time, clothing or parties it has brought a smile and a sense of community to our children. The Noah model would not be a success if it were not for you and your generosity. We look forward to working with you over the next year.

Christmas festivities: Bringing the festivities to Arks around Gauteng and KZN

During the 2008 holiday season we received a record number of donors approaching us in a bid to host Christmas parties for the children at the Arks. The parties were a day to remember with jumping castles, party packs, refreshments, and Christmas meals! Children received Christmas gifts of new clothes or shoes. We wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation for your support and for making children’s Christmas Wishes come true.

One particularly notable Christmas party was hosted by Deputy President Baleka Mbete at her residence in Pretoria. The theme of the party was “Lets Play” and children from Noah along with children from other institutions were treated to a day of fun and games.

Muldersdrift Ark extreme makeover: Hay House celebrates the life of Louise Hay, a living legend

Take one very run down house, a group of deserving children, several enthusiastic volunteers and what do you get? The Muldersdrift Ark Extreme Makeover. The Hay House team – along with their families, friends and colleagues – took a day to bring a well deserving facelift to the Muldersdrift Ark in celebration of Louise Hay’s 83rd birthday. As one of the first to work with people living with AIDS in the USA over 20 years ago, Louise Hay has been at the forefront of the HIV/AIDS solution. Starting with just a handful of people, the Hay Ride grew to reach over 1,000 infected with the disease. Louise Hay is an accomplished author with her bestseller titled “You Can Heal Your Life”, selling over 40 million copies worldwide. Louise published this book herself as in those days no publisher would touch a “self help” book. This was the beginning of an international publishing house, namely Hay House. Louise’s life work, we feel, has come full circle with her involvement with Noah. We truly admire the dedication, passion and wisdom that she possesses. To show their appreciation, the children and the staff of Muldersdrift Noah made a card with the most inspirational and heart warming messages from South Africa. Thank you Hay House for the love and support you give to us at Noah. Janice from Hay House captures Noah’s essence with the following words: “We really believe that all of you who are involved with Noah are the heroes of this country. All the carers and volunteers who do the work on the ground day after day in difficult circumstances.”

Two Oceans marathon 2009

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon will be held on the 11th of April. This year Noah is taking their involvement in the world’s most beautiful marathon to an all new level.

Old Mutual is hosting 2 golf days to raise funds for Noah in association with the Two Oceans Marathon. Noah will be represented with a stand at the Expo where you can pledge your support by purchasing bracelets and “Sweat your Support” Puma socks. 20 children from Mzimhlophe Ark in Soweto will be making their way to Cape Town to run in the Fun Run Challenges on the 10 April. They have trained hard for the 5km race and would appreciate your support! We invite anyone who is taking part or cheering for someone from the sidelines to visit our booth. Good luck to all the runners – we look forward to seeing you all there!

Stories from the ground

My name is Mpho Medupe. I am a young boy age of 17 years old. I live with my Aunt, my younger sisters and my cousins. I am in grade 11 at Thuto-Lehakwe high school where our Ark is operating. Mrs. Esther Bok is one of the Ark staff members and she is the one who registered us as Noah OVC for after care programme activities. Since my mother passed away, my aunt is not working. It is very hard for her to look after us together with her children. As she is our neighbour she knows all the life we lived. I thought there was no life after my mother passed away, I was very wrong. Since Mohlakeng Noah came to my life and everything changed. The nutrition we have, activities we do helped my life to improve. The programmes we are doing are very interesting, I even enjoyed them. Noah has taught me to communicate with people who are at the same situation I was and I have found I can help other children understand hope.

• Noah features in the Old Mutual Two Oceans Runners Magazine (February 2010)
• Launch of Income Generating Project Shakashead:  (February 2010)
• Living & Loving Article (January 2010)
• ABB article (October 2009)
• ABI Noah article (February 2009)
• Barloworld internal magazine (2009)
• Ithubalethu rural newspaper (2009)
• South African Institute of Chartered Accountants media release (October 2009)
• Living & loving article (2009)
• Noah advertisement
• Rotaract Aids hikers (2007)
• SASA article (2008)
• Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon network of care (May 2009)

Noah Radio ads

Self-Sustainable Projects: Aids Pandemic

Noah Video

Please contact Joslyn Walker on  083 413 5514  or joslyn@noahorphans.org.za.

You can get your friends, family and colleagues to support Noah by pledging their support as you run the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon in 2010. Click here to download the pledge form. Entries close on 3 March 2010, and the race takes place on 3 April 2010. Online entries for the half marathon have closed.

As part of a major fundraising effort, the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon will be auctioning half marathon and ultra entries, as well as a pair of Usain Bolt PUMA spikes, to participants with the highest bids.

 www.oldmutual.co.za/twooceansmarathon will be auctioning 20 Half marathon and 10 ultra marathon race entries. Bidding for the half marathon entries opens at R950 on Monday 22 February, providing those participants who missed the entry deadline with an opportunity to enter.

The first auction is for the half marathon entries and runs unil 10 March 2010. Bidding for the ultra marathon starts on 4 March and will run through till 10 March 2010.