Nelson Mandela Foundation Publishes Case Studies

At first, the Nelson Mandela Foundation created an einvornment for discussing the issue of HIV AIDS, and the social and cultural implications of combating this disease in South Africa. The discussions allowed people to come together and openly discuss their fears, the prejudices they encountered, and their thoughts on what steps to take to prevent HIV AIDS in their communities.

It wasn’t long before the Nelson Mandela Foundation recognized that these structured conversations were also an excellent way of approaching the topic of xenophobia, and addressing the violence that broke out in South African townships in 2008. Trained facilitators conducted community conversations to “get to the root causes of the attacks” and these social cohesion dialogs soon became a platform for reconciliation and healing.

Read more about the newly-published social cohesion booklet and download case studies on the day to day struggles of foreigners in South Africa and how to heal communities.

Source: The Nelson Mandela Foundation

AIDS2031 Book Launched at Nelson Mandela Foundation

A publication initiated by the aids2031 consortium, AIDS: Taking a Long-Term View, is launched at the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

The book’s key message is that the fight against AIDS is a generations-long challenge that requires a new emphasis on long-term planning, financial backing, political commitment and leadership.

Initiated by UNAIDS in 2007, aids2031 is a consortium of partners who have come together to assess lessons learned about the AIDS response, as well as consider the implications of the changing world around AIDS, in order to chart options for the long-term response.

Sharply reducing the number of new infections and AIDS deaths by 2031 requires new ways of thinking about AIDS and responding to the challenges that the pandemic poses.

The 46664 Bangle project raises awareness of social issues such as HIV AIDS prevention, and every sale of the official 46664 Bangle provides income for people in need.

Source: The Nelson Mandela Foundation

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

World AIDS Day - December 1st

Wearing the official 46664 Bangle shows your support of social issues such as the fight against HIV AIDS

Join the 46664 Bangle team on December 1 and observe the 22nd annual World AIDS Day. Thousands of individuals and organizations will mark this day by raising awareness of HIV AIDS, with the intention of reducing global infection rates and helping orphaned children affected by HIV AIDS.

The 46664 Bangle project plays a committed role in raising awareness of HIV AIDS through the official 46664 Bangle bracelet (on the left), which is engraved with Nelson Mandela's prisioner number. Nelson Mandela's legacy is now being used in a new struggle - the fight against HIV AIDS. The 46664 Bangle is handcrafted in South Africa to raise funds for HIV AIDS prevention projects and to create jobs for communities most affected by this global disease.

There’s positive news about the progress that’s been made in combating this disease as infection rates are falling, but the fight is not over yet. According to the UN, in 2009 there were 2.6m new HIV infections and 1.8m people died from AIDS-related illnesses.

On December 1, we remember those who lost the fight against AIDS, show compassion to those suffering from AIDS, and re-commit to promoting the prevention of this global disease.

What will you do on World AIDS Day?

• Know your status – get tested
• Know your partner’s status
• Encourage your friends to know their status
• Be responsible – prevention, prevention, prevention. Choose condoms to dramatically reduce the chances of infection
• Wear and talk about the official 46664 Bangle bracelet – not just on World AIDS Day … every time you wear your 46664 Bangle, you make a statement of responsibility and increase awareness about HIV AIDS

Create awareness – post a red ribbon as your Facebook profile photo, or go for a double whammy – use our red ribbon photos of the 46664 Bangle, and you’ll also be telling people about the 46664 Bangle project which creates much-needed income in areas with HIV AIDS statistics.

The 46664 Bangle bracelet is available in copper, silver, gold and platinum, and with prices ranging from $24.95 to $17,760 ... there's a bangle to suit everyone's budget.

Buy a Bangle ... Change a Life.

Do You Know Your MDGs?

There are eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) defined by the United Nations, from reducing extreme poverty to improving education and halting the spread of HIV/AIDS ... all by the target date of 2015. The MDGs are driving unprecedented worldwide efforts to meet the needs of the world's poorest.

Nelson Mandela's wife, Graça Machel, is a humanitarian and social activist, and is vocal about Africa taking responsibilitly for addressing the MDGs on its own continent. "Everybody seems to have a plan for our continent. We need a plan for Africa, by Africans. I challenge the youth of today to build a world of equity, prosperity and well-being," she says.

Learn more about the 8 MDGs and how they address gender equality, education, environmental sustainability and other glocal social issues.

World AIDS Day ~ December 1st

This year's World AIDS Day theme is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. With an estimated 33.4 million people living with HIV, including 2.1 million children, December 1st is a reminder that HIV remains a threat to men, women and children, worldwide.

Wearing the 46664 Bangle is a daily reminder of social issues such as poverty, hunger and HIV prevention. Nelson Mandela's words, "It's in our hands", encourage us to make a difference.

• In Botswana, 23.9% of adults are now infected with HIV
• In South Africa, 18.1% are infected with HIV
• With a total of around 5.7 million infected, South Africa has more people living with HIV than any other country
  

These shocking statistics from AVERT are Africa-centric, but HIV AIDS is a global issue. There are currently more than one million people living with HIV and AIDS in America and around a fifth of these are unaware of their infection, posing a high risk of onward transmission.

This World AIDS day, see what you can do to take action against HIV AIDS.

To join the global discussion about HIV AIDS, visit these Facebook communities: Red Ribbon Army and World AIDS Day.

Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Dialogue Initiative Raises Community Awareness re HIV AIDS

During August 2010, a host of community conversations were held in 11 areas in South Africa as part the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s dialogue initiative to raise community awareness and reduce the incidence of HIV AIDS.

The rationale behind the conversations is to change the perception and values of communities dealing with HIVAIDS by equipping them to identify and discuss HIV AIDS-related concerns and to make informed decisions. Communities are supported by dedicated facilitation teams.

In recognition of August being Women’s Month in South Africa, the focus of the August conversations was on issues relating to women and girls within the wider scope of HIV/AIDS.

Read more about how socio-economic issues affect communities’ perception of, and attitude to, HIV AIDS prevention.

Source: The Nelson Mandela Foundation

Positive Voice About HIV AIDS

The opening sentence, “Emma Cole climbed into her coffin and lay, contemplating her death” is bound to get your attention.

Read more about how this brave lady responded to the life-changing news in 1991 that she was HIV positive.

She speaks frankly about the stigma and misconceptions of the disease – after all, many assume HIV AIDS is an unlikely disease for a heterosexual, one-partner woman.

A 46664 supporter and campaigner for HIV AIDS prevention, Emma has turned her experience as a woman living with HIV into a positive story of educating others, in the hope that the younger generation will not put themselves at risk. Through her initiative, Positive Voice, she visits school children across the United Kingdom and presents the facts about HIV AIDS.

Speaking at over 100 schools each year. She likes to think that, because she doesn’t fit the profile people might expect of an HIV-positive person, she shatters illusions that they have about the virus.

Emma is shocked at the lack of basic knowledge about HIV AIDS in schools. Education is key in driving awareness of HIV AIDS prevention, and it’s a core message of the 46664 Bangle project. People wearing the 46664 Bangle raise awareness about global social issues.

Every 46664 Bangle sold directs funds to HIV AIDS prevention projects, such as Khululeka, the theatre group that educates students in South Africa about HIV AIDS and how to behave responsibly.

It's through individual voices such Emma Cole's, and the voice of the 46664 campaign of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, that we are able to continue education about global social issues. Read the full article about Emma Cole here and her September update on how she's feeling, here.

Graça Machel, Wife of Nelson Mandela and Spokesperson for The Elders, Talks About Ending HIV Infections

Graça Machel speaks at press conference about ending Pediatric HIV/AIDS.

Photo: Stephane de Sakutin, AFP/Getty Images

Graça Machel urged African leaders to commit to ending HIV infections among children and women, in the world’s worst affected continent. Speaking at the launch of the Campaign to End Pediatric HIV/AIDS, Graça Machel highlighted how little budget is assigned by African countries to health issues. She pointed out that Africa cannot only rely on international commitment to the eradication of HIV/AIDS - the pandemic has to be addressed just as conscientiously by African leaders.

"You tell me next time we meet how much is being spent in wars and defence...but how much is being spent in health, how much is being spent in agriculture to produce food for our kids," Machel told delegates.

"We will not get there when African leaders do not get moved, they do not get moved by the hundreds of thousands of people who are dying on this continent when we know that this can be prevented," she said.

She said she would lobby for African governments to meet pledges made in 2001 to devote at least 15 percent of national budgets to health.

World Humanitarian Day Video Highlights Philosophy of Aid Workers

Last week's World Humanitarian Day brought a focus to the people who serve humanity, no matter what the circumstances. This inspiring video reminds us what it takes for aid workers to respond to global tragedies and social issues.

Waging war on disease, hunger, and violence on women; "everyone is entitled to our help, regardless of race, religion or politics. We work in dangerous environments, but we do not carry guns, or take sides".

The messages of World Humanitarian Day emphasize how preventing these brave individuals from doing their work "harms no-one more than the most vulnerable. Today is a good time for a renewed commitment to humanitarian principles by all concerned" - Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes.

We admire this community of determined people and how their motivation stems from the desire to make a difference, just as the 46664 Bangle project does. We especially loved the cameo feature of Matt making a guest appearance in the World Humanitarian Day video (as in Where The Hell Is Matt). Look out for him - and yes, he is dancing badly!

National Women's Day in South Africa - See Impact on Wellbeing of Children

As South Africa celebrates its women today, and acknowledges the important role they play as they juggle family, business and social responsibilities, we found this Unicef report on how the world's children are impacted by the way their mothers are treated.

The report focuses on the discrimination and disempowerment women face throughout their lives and how that impacts children’s lives. Key messages:

• Gender equality and the well-being of children go hand in hand.
• Gender equality furthers the cause of child survival and development.
• Gender equality produces a double dividend: It benefits both women and children
• Healthy, educated and empowered women have healthy, educated and confident daughters and sons.
• Gender equality will not only empower women to overcome poverty and live full and productive lives, but will better the lives of children, families and countries as well.
• Gender equality is not only morally right, it is pivotal to human progress and sustainable development
• Promoting gender equality and empowering women will contribute to reducing poverty and hunger, saving children’s lives, improving maternal health, ensuring universal education, combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
  

Happy Women's Day to the women of the world, particularly those in South Africa who proudly work on the 46664 Bangle project. The 46664 Bangle project makes a direct difference in the lives of others. In the words of one of the ladies on the 46664 Bangle team, “The bangles are made so that [Nelson Mandela’s] selfless contribution should be known by everyone, even the future generations.”
Buy a Bangle, Change a Life.

Nelson Mandela Day A Tremendous Success

We saw people planting trees, handing out food to the homeless, visiting orphanages, meditating for world peace, and countless other activities to make a difference to their communities on Nelson Mandela Day on Sunday, July 18.

It was an extra meaningful day to wear your 46664 Bangle bracelet as a reminder of the leadership of Nelson Mandela and how each of us can make a positive impact through even the smallest actions.



Morgan Freeman starts the Nelson Mandela Day road trip




Celebrities, sports stars and political leaders around the world mucked in and did their bit, adding glamorous muscle to the celebration of Nelson Mandela Day. But it was the collective power of the individual actions that was particularly inspiring, as communities came together to enjoy helping others in less fortunate situations than themselves – which is the very essence of Nelson Mandela Day.

In the words of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, who thanked people worldwide for their participation:

Let the wonderful work that people have done with and within communities now continue, and people and organisations should establish ongoing relationships with the various charities that they assisted.

Wear a 46664 Bangle on your wrist, keep Madiba in your heart, and make every day a Mandela Day.

46664 Campaign Empowers Communities in Mozambique

The Foundation for Community Development (FDC) is a civic organization started by Graça Machel, the former Mozambican First Lady and the wife of Nelson Mandela. The FDC, with help from 46664 and other funders, is empowering communities to uplift themselves and their children through a skills development program called Tecendo a Vida (“Weaving Life”). The FDC is trying to move away from the traditional aid models that provide developing countries with resources but seldom encourage sustainability.

FDC runs sustainable social programs in Mozambique and aims to empower people by strengthening community structures and decision making processes and giving communities ownership of their future. The FDC provides very little direct funding to communities, but does provide constant support from the project implementation agency, Mbatilamukene.

Field workers help solve a variety of development problems, from creating hygienic sewerage systems to encouraging people to diversify their diets by growing their own fruit and vegetables. People learn to rely on themselves providing a platform for sustainable solutions. With this philosophy in mind, the FDC is helping to tackle the issue of HIV/AIDS by encouraging communities to tackle the underlying social problems which will help to reduce HIV infection rates.

The 46664 Bangle project contributes funds to support the 46664 Campaigns of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

46664 Ambassador, Annie Lennox, Gives Voice to Women With HIV

Annie Lennox is an HIV AIDS activist and a 46664 ambassador

From the United Nations News Center: As lead singer of the band Eurythmics and a solo artist, Annie Lennox is known around the world for a successful music career that spans over three decades. In her new role as a celebrity advocate for the United Nations, she is giving voice to millions of women and girls suffering with HIV and AIDS, an issue close to the heart of this mother of two daughters.

“As a woman and a mother, I have a direct experience with what parenthood is about and I appreciate how precious every child is to their parent,” Ms. Lennox said in an interview with the UN News Centre.

“That is something that is sacred and if we as mothers are not given the tools to survive and cope, educate and nourish, and protect our own children, there’s something really wrong.”

About 16 million women over the age of 15 are living with HIV worldwide and in sub-Saharan Africa, women make up almost two-thirds of people living with HIV, according to the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). In many parts of the world, women have a higher risk of HIV than men.

Ms. Lennox, who was appointed as an International Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS in June, is no stranger to social activism, having worked with organizations such as Oxfam, Amnesty International and Greenpeace.

The 46664 campaign of the Nelson Mandela Foundation is a project close to Annie Lennox’s heart and she noted that if South Africa can make headway in addressing HIV and AIDS, it could serve as “a beacon of hope” for the entire continent. The 46664 Bangle project echoes these hopes.

Beauty and the Bangle: Miss World Representatives Wear the 46664 Bangle

Miss Chile, Miss Japan, Miss Cameroon and Miss USA wearing the 46664 Bangle bracelet

Looking good took on a new meaning this week in South Africa, as Miss World representatives wore the 46664 Bangle bracelet to raise awareness for the HIV/AIDS prevention campaign in support of the Nelson Mandela Foundation..

Over the years, the Miss World event has raised more than $400 million in support of children’s charities worldwide, and philanthropy has become an integral part of the pageant. The Beauty with a Purpose award recognizes the Miss World contestant who has made a real difference to people in need as they volunteer their time and efforts towards a local charity. As these beautiful young women highlight the importance of humanitarian campaigns, they bring hope to thousands of people in need, making the world a better place.

Thank you for your support. Beauty with a purpose, indeed!

Taking In More Than Football - Sports Stars at World Cup Support 46664 Bangle

In an extraordinarily dramatic World Cup so far; from underdog wins to referee upsets and players on strike, it's good to see international superstars take a step back from football (or soccer, as we call it in the US) and make time to experience different facets of South Africa.

There was great excitement when Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints, Thomas Williams of the New England Patriots, and legendary French football ambassador Zinedine Zidane visited the 46664 Bangle workshop; meeting some of the employees and learning more about the project's contribution to HIV/AIDS prevention.

Reggie Bush praised how the 46664 Bangle project "does a lot of good for HIV/AIDS awareness and I hope that I can help by bringing more awareness to the issue.”

The stars also spent time at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, learning more about the work that the Foundation and 46664 does in South Africa and across the continent. Nelson Mandela Foundation spokesman, Sello Hatang, said that Reggie Bush "was here to show his commitment and support for the foundation and its work, and to make sure that we can make Mandela's legacy live forever".

Zinedine Zidane spoke passionately of Nelson Mandela, "he has written history, great history with a great H" and "this man is very, very special.” We agree!

Letters of Hope and Pride - That Madiba Magic

The 46664 Bangle initiative has been bringing hope and dignity to people in South Africa, since its inception in 2008. Now we can see examples of the positive impact this official wrist bracelet in support of the 46664 campaign of the Nelson Mandela Foundation has had on the lives of those handcrafting the bracelet and its packaging.

In rural White River, an area in Mpumulanga, South Africa, with high statistics of HIV/AIDS, the 46664 Bangle project has created jobs and made a difference to people like Beauty Mazabuko, who says “It helps the people that are having HIV and AIDS. Also the children are affected by that disease.”

Sipho Mashego adds, “It is a great honour to be part of the Mandela Bangle; the man who didn’t want to shine in the limelight but known worldwide.”

This heartwarming collection of letters from some of the team who work on the 46664 Bangle, describes the significance and pride associated with their work. In the words of Mirriam Shabangu, “The bangles are made so that [Nelson Mandela’s] selfless contribution should be known by everyone, even the future generations.”

Clearly, it’s not just the income and skills the project provides, but it’s also the honor and pride felt to be associated with something so closely linked to Africa’s most favorite and most famous resident, Nelson Mandela. As Walter says, “You know what, everybody loves Mandela, and I do too.”

Read more in letters from Beauty, Mirriam, Nester, Sipho, Walter and Yvonne.

Buy a Bangle. Change a Life.

It's In Our Hands To Make A Difference

In the words of Nelson Mandela, “It is in your hands”. Every individual has the power to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem.

46664 was Nelson Mandela’s prisoner number and is now an official, global HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaign, inspiring individual and collective action towards an AIDS-free world.

The 46664 Bangle is the official wrist bracelet in support of this campaign, making a difference in the lives of others through the manufacturing of these beautiful pieces of jewelry in South Africa. Wearing a copper bracelet may not seem like a significant gesture, but each 46664 Bangle generates income in South Africa for communities where it’s most needed. Wearing a 46664 Bangle also serves as a daily reminder of the difference one person can make in the lives of others.

At its core, the 46664 campaign is about bringing hope and inspiration to all affected by HIV/AIDS. 46664 also raises awareness about social responsibility issues such as poverty, lack of education, gender inequality, lack of access to health facilities and the denial of economic opportunities.

46664 uses the universal connecting power of music, sport, entertainment and celebrity to educate, engage and empower those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, and draws upon an extensive global network of ambassadors and celebrities to raise funds for the many projects it supports.

The 46664 Bangle - it’s on your wrist, and it’s in your hands.