Happy New Year!

The year draws to a close, and as people come together to celebrate with family, friends and fireworks; contemplating New Year resolutions, and getting ready for 2011, some are also sharing their wishes and hopes on websites like the 1 Million Resolution Challenge.

We look back on a year that marked the 20-year anniversary of Nelson Mandela being released from prison, and it was also the year we saw the long-awaited release of fellow Nobel Peace Laureate and fighter for democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi.


Both Madiba and Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in the top 10 most admired men and women, according to a recent US poll, along with Bill Gates, the Dalai Lama, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Queen Elizabeth and Margaret Thatcher.

Thank you to those who supported the 46664 Bangle project, and for your belief in our efforts to make a difference, inspired by Nelson Mandela. We wish you a year filled with joy, peace, and good health - Happy New Year!

46664 Ambassador, Annie Lennox

Born on December 25th, Annie Lennox talks about how her new album, A Christmas Cornucopia, was inspired by her working class background and nostalgia for the spirit of Christmas.

"People love to touch base with something that is a bit traditional and is about celebration. Even if they are not church-goers, people will pop into church and sing a few Christmas carols. It's a nice thing, especially if people have kids."

Annie is becoming increasingly recognized for her AIDS/HIV charity work on behalf of Nelson Mandela's 46664 charity and The Sing Campaign, which she established in 2007. This year, she was named International Goodwill Ambassador for the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS called UNAIDS.

Buying a 46664 Bangle Bracelet Makes a Positive Impact on Those in Need

Annie has even teamed up with the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, by becoming his unpaid HIV ambassador. She has become a Scottish ambassador for HIV/AIDS, through the Scottish parliament.

"There is a huge pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa and all around the world but in the UK, we still have an issue with HIV and AIDS and we need to address it, especially when it comes to young people. I just feel that was a way to help me broaden my platform.

Annie’s words about the nobility of the human race sets the tone for a Christmas and New Year where we “support others to help themselves”.

Community Conversations Bring Awareness to HIV AIDS Epidemic in South Africa

Community discussions identify

the drivers of the spread of AIDS

World AIDS Day may be over, but the focus on how to deal with the epidemic continues in South Africa.

This year, the South African theme for World AIDS Day was “I am responsible. We are responsible. South Africa is taking responsibility,” and the Nelson Mandela Foundation commemorated the day by hosting community conversations across the country. Men, women and youth engaged in conversation on how South Africans can take responsibility for responding to the epidemic and its impact.

Groups discussed misconceptions surrounding HIV AIDS, particularly the belief that raping a virgin “cures” HIV. Some of the main drivers of the epidemic identified were substance abuse, prostitution and incest, which contribute significantly to the spread of the virus. It was also felt that a sense of community and ubuntu (“caring for one another”) had been lost, leading to increased stigmatization of those who were HIV positive.

Emphasis was placed on encouraging strong family and community value systems, establishing support groups and offering an integrated approach to HIV counseling and testing that would include family testing.

Read more here about how these discussion help to increase awareness and bring about change in communities affected by HIV/AIDS.

Source: The Nelson Mandela Foundation

Non-Discrimination is Focus of Human Rights Day, 10 December

December 10th is the opportunity to participate in Human Rights Day; advocating non-discrimination, organizing activities, raising awareness and reaching out to your local communities.

Acting alone or in groups within their communities, every day human rights defenders work to end discrimination by campaigning for equitable and effective laws, reporting and investigating human rights violations and supporting victims.

"Discrimination targets individuals and groups that are vulnerable to attack: the disabled, women and girls, the poor, migrants, minorities, and all those who are perceived as different.
... But these victims of discrimination are not alone. The United Nations is standing with them, committed to defending the rights of all, and particularly the most vulnerable. That is our identity and our mission." ~ United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

We’re proud of, and inspired by, Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi, who are icons recognized worldwide for standing up for human rights. And we also recognize the power of the individual to make a difference. Join us in celebrating Human Rights Day.

Speak up … Stop discrimination. Click here for ideas on how to be part of a campaign that brings awareness to Human Rights Day.

Read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, proclaimed on December 10, 1948.