REGIONAL GATHERING FOR GRANDMOTHERS FOR AFRICA

Saturday, September 28th, Grandmothers for Africa groups from this region met in Penticton to share ideas, gain new knowledge and network to promote fund raising for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.  Laughter was shared and a few tears too as guest speakers, Yodit Tsegaye,  Graham Coultas and Miriam Grant shared their experiences and helped deepen understanding of the situation faced by grandmothers in Africa.

We learned some astonishing facts.  In the 30 years since the first AIDS diagnosis more than 25 million people have died from the disease.  Sub-Saharan Africa has 69% of new infections and 60% of all people living with HIV in Africa are women.  Worldwide AIDS is the leading cause of death for women in the 25 – 34 year age group.   So although retroviral drugs are now available to a much larger population, underlying problems as well as immediate need must be addressed.

Yodit spoke of the many initiatives underway in the local projects.   They include everything from nutritional support (kitchen gardens, better farming skills, soup kitchens) to educational support to keep kids in school, efforts to encourage treatment adherence, healthy living training, psychosocial support, vocational training and on and on.

But what does an initiative called ‘model social justice’ really look like?  In Kenya, one project provided shelter and safety for girls who had been sexually abused.   It became apparent the police simply did nothing when girls tried to report perpetrators so the girls could not return to their homes and communities.  Shelters could not keep up with the need.  So in this case, ‘social justice’ meant getting detailed statements from 150 girls with the help of free foreign lawyers who volunteered their time.   “The 150 Girls Initiative” meant taking the police to Court for not carrying out their duties.  The case was won.   The police now arrest perpetrators.   In Ghana and other African countries there is interest in taking similar action.

Yodit expertly explained the way the Stephen Lewis Foundation works as it fosters mutual respect and trust with the local grassroots organizations.  There is due diligence from the onset before funding takes place.  She tries to ensure the Foundation responds to real needs on the ground and the response is both rapid and flexible.   A community based model is used with an emphasis on communication and partnership.  It gives local people, especially grandmothers, voice.  They become courageous advocates for their families and communities.  Their collective voice is growing stronger – pressing for their human rights and a hopeful future.   Canadian grandmothers have responded in soidarity.

The local Grandmother’s group meets the first Thursday of each month at 1 pm in the basement of Oliver United Church.   New members are always welcome.