"A computer model made by the Actuarial Society of South Africa, called ASSA2003, calculates that 345,640 people died from AIDS in 2006 - comprising 47% of all deaths. Among adults aged 15-49 years, it estimates that 71% of all deaths were due to AIDS."1
To put this mortality rate in context,
South Africa would annually rank 4th on the list of deadliest natural disasters the world has experienced in recorded history.
"The 2004 Tsunami ranks 9th at 230,210 and the recent tsunami in Japan estimates about 18,000 dead or missing."2
To say that South Africa does not experience natural disasters is misleading. We face an annual 'natural' disaster which arguably causes far more death, misery and poverty than most nations experience
in their history.
The vision of the iThemba Lethu (isiZulu for “I have a destiny”) HIV prevention program is to restore destiny to children whose future is at risk of being negatively impacted by HIV/AIDS. The threat of HIV/AIDS impact on children in KZN is significant in many direct and indirect spheres. Almost 1 in 5 adults (people aged 15-49)
in KZN are HIV positive.
iThemba Lethu Hillside does not offer a quick fix program, but a 5 year relationship which is nurtured between youth workers and learners with the goal of enabling sustained behavioral change.
The program which is in it’s 9th year of operation has been proven though research by accredited tertiary academic institutions to be one of the most effective interventions in the fight against the transmission of HIV-AIDS
in vulnerable communities.
In 2008 we started with 165 Grade 5 children. Today iThemba Lethu Hillside directly impacts 441 learners in grades 5, 6 and 7. We employ 3 youth workers who travel to Botha’s Hill Primary School daily to teach the Life Orientation portion of the school curriculum. In addition to the class room sessions, there are one-on-one meetings, youth clubs and holiday programs.
Please contact our office
should you wish to participate.
This program has the potential to impact many more children in their current situations, their life choices and their ability to participate in the future of this country. You can invest in a better future through financially supporting this initiative.
1 http://www.avert.org/safricastats.htm
2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_natural_disasters
