I spent most of today just relaxing and reading. I thought I'd try something new with my camera and behold, this is what came about.
Jerome
Read More Here.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
A Favorite from Today Sunday, May 31, 2009
Read More Here.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thank God for Good, Friday: The Papillon Foundation Friday, May 29, 2009
Many of us are so happy to see Friday roll around. The workweek ends, the weekend begins. We have time with our families, friends and all those things that just seemed to slip out of grasp during those other boring weekdays.
It has even coined a saying, "Thank God It's Friday".
There was even a TV line-up commemorating this wonderful feeling.
Oh and not to mention a popular franchise of U.S. (maybe international) restaurants, who claim "In here, it's always Friday"
So Friday, for most of us, something to shout, yell or even dance about.
Well I thought I'd change it up a bit.
Don't get me wrong, I thank God for Friday's (it's the end of my workweek too!). It's a nice day. Sometimes you skip out a few minutes early from work, there may be a concert going on that night or maybe a good sports game. Whatever it is, Friday's usually hold something good.
And that's just it, something good.
So excuse me ABC, and Tgi Friday's, I'm going to make a little change for Friday.
How about we Thank God for Good, Friday.
I'm going to take Fridays, and point out people, causes, ideas, NPOs, NGOs and whomever else is doing something good in today's world. I hope you all don't mind. It's a minor thing really, you can take a read here, see something good and maybe it will just make your Friday that much better.
The Papillon Foundation
I met Steve and Marian Smith a few weeks ago. There great people and by far some of my favorite Afrikaners so far!
Look at them, what's not to like?
Well I'll tell you, a WHOLE lot.
Steve and Marian founded The Papillon Foundation in 2002 out of the need to feed the hungry, serve the poor and give hope to the down-and-out. Since then, they have have a 7-page list of highlights and accomplishments, testifying to their beliefs.
As I walked into the building, Marian was helping Dr. MZ Thabile Msibi of Mission Society Care load up boxes upon boxes of household items like soap, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner. (I didn't have my camera out, but it's amazing how much can fit into a little pickup!)
Distributing goods to meet the basic needs of people has been one of Papillon's greatest charges. To date (April 2009) they have given of 73 TONS of goods to various NGOs, Churches and Mission Organizations.
But that's not even what gets me about Papillon.
They are building up their community through education.
Since 2002, they have held English Language Classes for Adults. For about $150 U.S. students can receive 12 weeks of English Education. Oh and did I mention this was accredited? Yes, so $150 buys you a semester of college credit (books, tuition, exams, everything) which is accredited by The University of the Witwatersrand.
In 2004, Papillon began a computer training course. There is a basic course (Windows, Excel, Powerpoint, Word, Expolorer ) that offers introductory computer training for abot $60 US. Oh yeah, this is accredited too.
Papillon also offer ICDL (Intl. Computer Drivers License) training as well. The ICDL is a internationally recognized, and offers students the opportunity for better job placement or preparation in IT and Accounting Majors. The ICDL has adopted Papillon as its Social Outreach Partner is South Africa and now houses its regional office on the Papillon Foundation's grounds. From registration to exams, this one only costs about $175 US.
I could go on and on, but I think you should check it out yourself.
I hope this dose of good sweetens your weekend.
If not, that might. :D
Best
Jerome
www.jeromelovesyou.com
jeromelovesyou@gmail.com
Read More Here.
It has even coined a saying, "Thank God It's Friday".
There was even a TV line-up commemorating this wonderful feeling.
Oh and not to mention a popular franchise of U.S. (maybe international) restaurants, who claim "In here, it's always Friday"
So Friday, for most of us, something to shout, yell or even dance about.
Well I thought I'd change it up a bit.
Don't get me wrong, I thank God for Friday's (it's the end of my workweek too!). It's a nice day. Sometimes you skip out a few minutes early from work, there may be a concert going on that night or maybe a good sports game. Whatever it is, Friday's usually hold something good.
And that's just it, something good.
So excuse me ABC, and Tgi Friday's, I'm going to make a little change for Friday.
How about we Thank God for Good, Friday.
I'm going to take Fridays, and point out people, causes, ideas, NPOs, NGOs and whomever else is doing something good in today's world. I hope you all don't mind. It's a minor thing really, you can take a read here, see something good and maybe it will just make your Friday that much better.
The Papillon Foundation
I met Steve and Marian Smith a few weeks ago. There great people and by far some of my favorite Afrikaners so far!
Look at them, what's not to like?
Well I'll tell you, a WHOLE lot.
Steve and Marian founded The Papillon Foundation in 2002 out of the need to feed the hungry, serve the poor and give hope to the down-and-out. Since then, they have have a 7-page list of highlights and accomplishments, testifying to their beliefs.
As I walked into the building, Marian was helping Dr. MZ Thabile Msibi of Mission Society Care load up boxes upon boxes of household items like soap, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner. (I didn't have my camera out, but it's amazing how much can fit into a little pickup!)
Distributing goods to meet the basic needs of people has been one of Papillon's greatest charges. To date (April 2009) they have given of 73 TONS of goods to various NGOs, Churches and Mission Organizations.
But that's not even what gets me about Papillon.
They are building up their community through education.
Since 2002, they have held English Language Classes for Adults. For about $150 U.S. students can receive 12 weeks of English Education. Oh and did I mention this was accredited? Yes, so $150 buys you a semester of college credit (books, tuition, exams, everything) which is accredited by The University of the Witwatersrand.
In 2004, Papillon began a computer training course. There is a basic course (Windows, Excel, Powerpoint, Word, Expolorer ) that offers introductory computer training for abot $60 US. Oh yeah, this is accredited too.
Papillon also offer ICDL (Intl. Computer Drivers License) training as well. The ICDL is a internationally recognized, and offers students the opportunity for better job placement or preparation in IT and Accounting Majors. The ICDL has adopted Papillon as its Social Outreach Partner is South Africa and now houses its regional office on the Papillon Foundation's grounds. From registration to exams, this one only costs about $175 US.
I could go on and on, but I think you should check it out yourself.
I hope this dose of good sweetens your weekend.
If not, that might. :D
Best
Jerome
www.jeromelovesyou.com
jeromelovesyou@gmail.com
Read More Here.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Future Voices : Maztleng Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Following up on my latest post, I have another story to share with you all. I have to say that I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to converse with these individuals. They have defined perseverance with their lives.
Enter Maztleng.
I met Maztleng over the weekend in Soweto. We met her at her new RDP Home. She lives there with her mother and other relatives. Her older sister lives next door.
Question: " Hi, please introduce yourself, how are you doing tonight? "
Answer: " Hello, my name is Maztleng. I am 18 years of age. I live here in Soweto with my mother, sister and family. "
Q: " Nice to meet you Maztleng. How do you like it here? What do you like to do? "
A: " Where I live now is nice. As you can hear [it was a saturday night, apparently this calls for block parties all over Soweto] there is life here! I enjoy my school, hanging with my friends, church. I also like to go to the mall. "
Q: " Yes! This is the first time I've seen people out at night in South Africa! So you are receiving a bursary[scholarship] from Soweto Vineyard Church, why is that? "
A: " Well I have been involved in the church, I guess they want to bless me. It is strange though, Mpho and David really found me, they just invited me to come with some other kids from the neighborhood. I do well in my studies. "
Q: " That's good to hear. So how are you involved with the church? "
A: " I am taking the computer courses they offer and I lead the children's time. "
Q: " How do you like the computer classes? "
A: " They are great. David teaches very well."
Q: " Good, so what do you want to study at university? "
A: " I would like to study law and become a police officer one day. "
Q: " That's quite the major. Why law? Why a police officer? "
A: " If you look around South Africa, there is so much crime. White on black, black on white, coloured on white, black on black. It's everywhere. There is corruption too. I want to change that. Especially here in Soweto, I want to help my community. "
Q: " Yes, I've see all the car alarms, gear locks, fences, razor wire. It's different here in Jo'burg. That's a very good goal, why do you think there is crime? "
A: " There are many reasons. Some say apartheid, some say it's one race or the other, others say it's culture. I know here in Soweto, people are jealous easy. If they see you succeed or move up they "You think you are better than us now!". I think this jealous is this main problem. "
Q: " Yes I've heard all kinds of things. What makes you want to succeed? From what you say, living here doesn't help. "
A: " I want to succeed because I know I can do better than this. People from the church tell me this, and really care about me. I am inspired by them and my family "
Q: " I believe that's key. You say people are jealous sometimes, that's not everyone, what keeps you going? "
A: " No not everyone, but many. In spite of people who hate to see me succeed, I continue to. If I get knocked down I get back up. I see my sister who has children, no job and just survives. I love her, but I do not want to live like that. She inspires me to do better, so that I can help her and my family one day."
Q: " Wow, that is a statement! I'm so impressed! What makes you think this way? Who influences you? "
A: " Mpho and David have been... like fathers to me. They care about me, they believe in me. Only few of my teachers even tell me this."
Q: " So do you think that is this is important? That people invest in you? "
A: " Yes, I agree. In the schools here, teachers do not even tell you you can do anything. They tell you must do it, that's it. People from the church and only a few teachers tell me I can do more! I know it. I believe it now. "
Q: " I'm am so blessed to hear that!One more question. What would you say that South Africa needs most? "
A: " Justice. There is so much corruption and problems here. Racial, within communities, within cultures. I believe that educating us youngsters and teaching people to think right will change this country. "
Q: " Great! Well thank you for your time and I can't wait to hear how university is for you. Is there anything else you'd like to say? "
A: " Thank you. "
This interview doesn't embody how passionate Maztleng is for justice and change. I hope the slideshow will help convey that.
Jerome
Read More Here.
Enter Maztleng.
I met Maztleng over the weekend in Soweto. We met her at her new RDP Home. She lives there with her mother and other relatives. Her older sister lives next door.
Question: " Hi, please introduce yourself, how are you doing tonight? "
Answer: " Hello, my name is Maztleng. I am 18 years of age. I live here in Soweto with my mother, sister and family. "
Q: " Nice to meet you Maztleng. How do you like it here? What do you like to do? "
A: " Where I live now is nice. As you can hear [it was a saturday night, apparently this calls for block parties all over Soweto] there is life here! I enjoy my school, hanging with my friends, church. I also like to go to the mall. "
Q: " Yes! This is the first time I've seen people out at night in South Africa! So you are receiving a bursary[scholarship] from Soweto Vineyard Church, why is that? "
A: " Well I have been involved in the church, I guess they want to bless me. It is strange though, Mpho and David really found me, they just invited me to come with some other kids from the neighborhood. I do well in my studies. "
Q: " That's good to hear. So how are you involved with the church? "
A: " I am taking the computer courses they offer and I lead the children's time. "
Q: " How do you like the computer classes? "
A: " They are great. David teaches very well."
Q: " Good, so what do you want to study at university? "
A: " I would like to study law and become a police officer one day. "
Q: " That's quite the major. Why law? Why a police officer? "
A: " If you look around South Africa, there is so much crime. White on black, black on white, coloured on white, black on black. It's everywhere. There is corruption too. I want to change that. Especially here in Soweto, I want to help my community. "
Q: " Yes, I've see all the car alarms, gear locks, fences, razor wire. It's different here in Jo'burg. That's a very good goal, why do you think there is crime? "
A: " There are many reasons. Some say apartheid, some say it's one race or the other, others say it's culture. I know here in Soweto, people are jealous easy. If they see you succeed or move up they "You think you are better than us now!". I think this jealous is this main problem. "
Q: " Yes I've heard all kinds of things. What makes you want to succeed? From what you say, living here doesn't help. "
A: " I want to succeed because I know I can do better than this. People from the church tell me this, and really care about me. I am inspired by them and my family "
Q: " I believe that's key. You say people are jealous sometimes, that's not everyone, what keeps you going? "
A: " No not everyone, but many. In spite of people who hate to see me succeed, I continue to. If I get knocked down I get back up. I see my sister who has children, no job and just survives. I love her, but I do not want to live like that. She inspires me to do better, so that I can help her and my family one day."
Q: " Wow, that is a statement! I'm so impressed! What makes you think this way? Who influences you? "
A: " Mpho and David have been... like fathers to me. They care about me, they believe in me. Only few of my teachers even tell me this."
Q: " So do you think that is this is important? That people invest in you? "
A: " Yes, I agree. In the schools here, teachers do not even tell you you can do anything. They tell you must do it, that's it. People from the church and only a few teachers tell me I can do more! I know it. I believe it now. "
Q: " I'm am so blessed to hear that!One more question. What would you say that South Africa needs most? "
A: " Justice. There is so much corruption and problems here. Racial, within communities, within cultures. I believe that educating us youngsters and teaching people to think right will change this country. "
Q: " Great! Well thank you for your time and I can't wait to hear how university is for you. Is there anything else you'd like to say? "
A: " Thank you. "
This interview doesn't embody how passionate Maztleng is for justice and change. I hope the slideshow will help convey that.
Jerome
Read More Here.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Future Voices : Lerato Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Six [almost seven] weeks in. It's been a process adjusting and living here, but overall a great experience. I've come to realize that the biggest problem in this country is education [or lack thereof]. There are many contributing factors, apartheid and a teenage democracy in the height of its puberty years; just to name a few. If there's one thing that I will forever look to from this experience it is this: I can look anywhere [just about] and find thousands [millions really] of things that make me throw my hands in the air and for lack of a better term that embodies this feeling, say "F*** it. I'm going home. This place is nuts." OR....
I can search for the glimmers of hope here and the amazing triumphs there and think to myself, "This is why God put me here". So I choose the latter.
Enter Lerato.
I had the opportunity to talk with Lerato over the weekend in Soweto.
Question: "Pleased to meet you. Tell me a bit about yourself"
Answer: "My name is Lerato. I am seventeen years done. I live here Soweto."
Q: "So you are receiving a bursary [scholarship] from Soweto Vineyard, why is that?"
A: " They tell me I am a good student. I study well, I work hard. I help here in the church."
Q: " Are you excited about that? "
A: " What's excited? "
Q: " (Gestures) Umm, joyful or happy? "
A: " Oh yes! It is great opportunity to go to
university. I feel I will accomplish a lot. "
Q: " There are a lot of other students here in Soweto, who work hard but seem to end up on the streets. What makes you different? "
A: " Yes many. You look here at the church, more children, less adults. Who looks after them properly? I am blessed to have adults care about me.
Q: " What does care about you mean? "
A: " People like Mpho and my mother encourage me. They tell I can do good things when I work hard. My teachers never tell me this. It makes me look forward. "
Q: " Is it hard to look forward? "
A: " Yes. Here it is hard to succeed. Many others do not want to see you better than them. I am lucky with Mpho and my mother, they comfort me."
Q: " That's nice to hear. What do you want to study?"
A: " Travel, Tourism. The FIFA Soccer Cup will be here 2010. I can learn a lot! "
Q: " Sure sure! That's great, why Travel and Tourism? "
A: " I would like to travel (laughs). I want to see new places, I want to learn new things. "
Q: " Yes, travel is nice. What do you hope for in the future? "
A: " I'd like to have my own office. That is my dream. I'd like to bring people to Soweto, show them all of the cultures here. So many people are afraid to come here, the student uprisings in the 70s. I want to show them my Soweto. Maybe people like you can help. "
Q: " That's great, Soweto really is a nice place. I hope this story will help in some way. What do you think will produce change here in South Africa? "
A: " I am not a political leader. I don't know. "
Q: " You don't have to hold office to make change. Here is Soweto is was just students. "
A: " I see that. If I must answer, I only know what I experience. People like Mpho and David who say I can do things, they make me feel like I can change my life and be better person. "
Q: " Would you say that it takes a person to invest in you? "
A: " I guess. Well yes, if they didn't tell me I could do good things, I don't know what to do after secondary."
Q: " That's inspiring to hear. I have no more questions, do you have any or anything you'd like to say? "
A: " Where are you from? "
Q: " America, California. Do you know?"
A: " Yes! Do you know movie stars?"
Q: " (Laughing) No sadly, I don't."
-Jerome Love
Read More Here.
I can search for the glimmers of hope here and the amazing triumphs there and think to myself, "This is why God put me here". So I choose the latter.
Enter Lerato.
I had the opportunity to talk with Lerato over the weekend in Soweto.
Question: "Pleased to meet you. Tell me a bit about yourself"
Answer: "My name is Lerato. I am seventeen years done. I live here Soweto."
Q: "So you are receiving a bursary [scholarship] from Soweto Vineyard, why is that?"
A: " They tell me I am a good student. I study well, I work hard. I help here in the church."
Q: " Are you excited about that? "
A: " What's excited? "
Q: " (Gestures) Umm, joyful or happy? "
A: " Oh yes! It is great opportunity to go to
university. I feel I will accomplish a lot. "
Q: " There are a lot of other students here in Soweto, who work hard but seem to end up on the streets. What makes you different? "
A: " Yes many. You look here at the church, more children, less adults. Who looks after them properly? I am blessed to have adults care about me.
Q: " What does care about you mean? "
A: " People like Mpho and my mother encourage me. They tell I can do good things when I work hard. My teachers never tell me this. It makes me look forward. "
Q: " Is it hard to look forward? "
A: " Yes. Here it is hard to succeed. Many others do not want to see you better than them. I am lucky with Mpho and my mother, they comfort me."
Q: " That's nice to hear. What do you want to study?"
A: " Travel, Tourism. The FIFA Soccer Cup will be here 2010. I can learn a lot! "
Q: " Sure sure! That's great, why Travel and Tourism? "
A: " I would like to travel (laughs). I want to see new places, I want to learn new things. "
Q: " Yes, travel is nice. What do you hope for in the future? "
A: " I'd like to have my own office. That is my dream. I'd like to bring people to Soweto, show them all of the cultures here. So many people are afraid to come here, the student uprisings in the 70s. I want to show them my Soweto. Maybe people like you can help. "
Q: " That's great, Soweto really is a nice place. I hope this story will help in some way. What do you think will produce change here in South Africa? "
A: " I am not a political leader. I don't know. "
Q: " You don't have to hold office to make change. Here is Soweto is was just students. "
A: " I see that. If I must answer, I only know what I experience. People like Mpho and David who say I can do things, they make me feel like I can change my life and be better person. "
Q: " Would you say that it takes a person to invest in you? "
A: " I guess. Well yes, if they didn't tell me I could do good things, I don't know what to do after secondary."
Q: " That's inspiring to hear. I have no more questions, do you have any or anything you'd like to say? "
A: " Where are you from? "
Q: " America, California. Do you know?"
A: " Yes! Do you know movie stars?"
Q: " (Laughing) No sadly, I don't."
-Jerome Love
Read More Here.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Arrival: Women Who Provide, Children Who Dream Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Arrival:
Fact: 26.1% of Swaziland's Adult Population is infected with HIV/AIDS (UNICEF).
Fact: 40% of Swaziland's Population is unemployed (CIA WFB).
Fact: VOXUnited is working to change that.
How, you might ask?
Through this little machine.
Among those affected by HIV/AIDS, women and children are hit the hardest. In 2007, there were an estimated 100,000 women (15+) [<---- I know, 15?] to child transmission infections. In a population of a little over 1 Million, that's a dangerous stat.
Only 50% of the women are thoroughly educated about HIV/AIDS.
Vox threads is one of Vox's micro-business initiatives. By providing such things as sewing machines, business education opportunities, skills workshops, and small amounts of capital, we are able to help impoverished communities create opportunities for gainful employment and economic development.
Through the sewing project in Swaziland, we have empowered women.
Empowered to provide. Empowered to educate. Empowered to get educated.
Women are providing for their families by sewing handbags sold at fair trade prices. Many of the women are making between R400 and R1200 (75-180 US) per month. They are able to sew at care centers like these.
This one is still under construction.
They are able to provide for their children and families.
Ruby (Proudly 79 this November!) has no children but is empowered to provide for those orphaned by HIV/AIDS
Ruby's family :D
Besides food, these women can afford school uniforms (some sew their own!) school fees and send their children to school! Children that are able to read, write, critically think are children who will change the world. Who will be future community leaders, politicians, doctors and whatever they dream.
An organization known as Adventures in Missions has now taken over this project. They have a base in Mbabane, Swaziland have greater resources to serve the people. Julie is in charge of operations for this project and arranges shipping and point of sale in the States.
Vox threads is now launching in Soweto in July. We are seeking to bring these same opportunities to other communities! If you'd like more information feel free to email me or visit www.voxunited.org!
Best
Jerome Love
www.jeromelovesyou.com
VOXUNITED
www.voxunited.org
jerome@voxunited.org
Read More Here.
Fact: 26.1% of Swaziland's Adult Population is infected with HIV/AIDS (UNICEF).
Fact: 40% of Swaziland's Population is unemployed (CIA WFB).
Fact: VOXUnited is working to change that.
How, you might ask?
Through this little machine.
Among those affected by HIV/AIDS, women and children are hit the hardest. In 2007, there were an estimated 100,000 women (15+) [<---- I know, 15?] to child transmission infections. In a population of a little over 1 Million, that's a dangerous stat.
Only 50% of the women are thoroughly educated about HIV/AIDS.
Vox threads is one of Vox's micro-business initiatives. By providing such things as sewing machines, business education opportunities, skills workshops, and small amounts of capital, we are able to help impoverished communities create opportunities for gainful employment and economic development.
Through the sewing project in Swaziland, we have empowered women.
Empowered to provide. Empowered to educate. Empowered to get educated.
Women are providing for their families by sewing handbags sold at fair trade prices. Many of the women are making between R400 and R1200 (75-180 US) per month. They are able to sew at care centers like these.
This one is still under construction.
They are able to provide for their children and families.
Ruby (Proudly 79 this November!) has no children but is empowered to provide for those orphaned by HIV/AIDS
Ruby's family :D
Besides food, these women can afford school uniforms (some sew their own!) school fees and send their children to school! Children that are able to read, write, critically think are children who will change the world. Who will be future community leaders, politicians, doctors and whatever they dream.
An organization known as Adventures in Missions has now taken over this project. They have a base in Mbabane, Swaziland have greater resources to serve the people. Julie is in charge of operations for this project and arranges shipping and point of sale in the States.
Vox threads is now launching in Soweto in July. We are seeking to bring these same opportunities to other communities! If you'd like more information feel free to email me or visit www.voxunited.org!
Best
Jerome Love
www.jeromelovesyou.com
VOXUNITED
www.voxunited.org
jerome@voxunited.org
Read More Here.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Under the Weather... Tuesday, May 19, 2009
I've fallen ill this past weekend due to an annoying tick bite, but no worries, I'm full of antibiotics and well on my way to recovery. I've had an invigorating and inspiring weekend and I'll be sharing most of that with you all this week. Here's a lineup of what's to come:
The arrival and meal from Swaziland - Stories and photos about individuals and work in Swaziland
Soweto - Stories and photos from Soweto. A focus on the need for education in South Africa
Township stories - Stories and photos from some of the poorest areas in South Africa, how people in spite of their environment and circumstances, are persevering with joy.
Cheers
Jerome
Read More Here.
The arrival and meal from Swaziland - Stories and photos about individuals and work in Swaziland
Soweto - Stories and photos from Soweto. A focus on the need for education in South Africa
Township stories - Stories and photos from some of the poorest areas in South Africa, how people in spite of their environment and circumstances, are persevering with joy.
Cheers
Jerome
Read More Here.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
A weekend in Soweto Saturday, May 16, 2009
Arriving Friday, I've been taken in by Mpho Putu and his family to experience Soweto and township life. Mpho is the pastor of Soweto Vineyard Church. It's been a great experience so far, and I've captured some great stories. I'll have some photos up by Wednesday next week! It has been a huge privlege to be brought in and journey through day-to-day life with him.
I will be making a second trip to Swaziland tomorrow so I'll be out of contact till Monday night. Yes Alan, I will be stopping by and seeing Sinikiwe :D
Cheers
Jerome
Read More Here.
I will be making a second trip to Swaziland tomorrow so I'll be out of contact till Monday night. Yes Alan, I will be stopping by and seeing Sinikiwe :D
Cheers
Jerome
Read More Here.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Preventative HIV/AIDS Education in South Africa Thursday, May 14, 2009
Laura Van Netten with Sparrow Schools Psychologist Sisa Danisa. Sisa was instrumental in introducing the Youth United programme to Sparrow Schools – Auckland Park.
Youth United launches in a new school this week! Wednesday Youth United began working in Sparrow Schools – Auckland Park, near downtown Johannesburg. Youth Initiatives leader Laura Van Netten (pictured above) will be supplementing the schools Life Orientation class with preventative HIV/AIDS education. Throughout the presentations students will participate in forum-like discussions to follow-up on understanding, instill preventative action and promote open discussion. One of the problems surrounding HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa is cultural stigma. Victims of the virus are discouraged to disclose their status due to social repercussions like harassment, abuse and in some cases death. This in turns furthers the spread of the virus. By going into schools, VOX seeks to instill in students that HIV/AIDS can be easily avoided and those who are infected should be supported and not stigmatized.
Read More Here.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Kingdom of Swaziland. Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Descent. Swaziland is one of the most beautiful places I have set my eyes on. It's beauty is that of natural ruggedness. It's a huge agricultural society, where you see cows, goats and chickens on just about every field and a few roads :D. Politically this is the last ruling monarchy in Africa, run by His Majest King Mswati III. You see his photo in just about every shop and restaurant, I think it's required by mandate. For a more of a visual taste of Swaziland, there are more photos through the link.
This country's beauty leaves me awe struck. After crossing the border I immediately felt a wave relief. It's so much more relaxed here! Not all the traffic, noise and buildings. Just mountains beyond mountains...
The farther I get in, the more and more houses and farms appear. A simple life.
This is the outlook from Emmanuel Wesleyan Bible College outside of Manzini. We stayed here for the two nights we were there.
The roadside tuck shops and vendors are pretty much everywhere. You can find all kinds of treasures at a "special price today, just for you".
Some are just excited to wave!
Overall it was a great experience. The landscape is a treasure in itself. More stories on our projects and individual lives to come. In the meantime, cross a bridge or two.
for now with Love
Jerome
www.jeromelovesyou.com
VOXUnited
www.voxunited.org
jerome@voxunited.org
Read More Here.
This country's beauty leaves me awe struck. After crossing the border I immediately felt a wave relief. It's so much more relaxed here! Not all the traffic, noise and buildings. Just mountains beyond mountains...
The farther I get in, the more and more houses and farms appear. A simple life.
This is the outlook from Emmanuel Wesleyan Bible College outside of Manzini. We stayed here for the two nights we were there.
The roadside tuck shops and vendors are pretty much everywhere. You can find all kinds of treasures at a "special price today, just for you".
Some are just excited to wave!
Overall it was a great experience. The landscape is a treasure in itself. More stories on our projects and individual lives to come. In the meantime, cross a bridge or two.
for now with Love
Jerome
www.jeromelovesyou.com
VOXUnited
www.voxunited.org
jerome@voxunited.org
Read More Here.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Format Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Since I returned from Swaziland, I’ve been brainstorming ways to present all of the stories I encounter. I want you all to grasp life here in a way that is real, relevant and provocative. Over a few cups of tea ( Rooibos, I feel South African now ) on a format for presenting most of the work here. Think of it as a airplane ride.
The descent. I’m going to begin by introducing you to the land and culture. This is like your final descent, you’re able to look out of the window, see the mountains, greenery, some animals and some of the architecture. To understand life here, I think it is important to understand the environment we live in.
The arrival. This is where you begin to get acquainted and settled in. I’m going to explain some of the projects that I’m covering, the problem that they’re addressing and the solutions that we provide.
The meal. Finally you will meet individuals and hear their stories of life. What a day requires, who they hold close and what they are achieving. I have a sincere interest in the people that I meet and their well-being. I feel listening first and taking photos later is the best way that I can show that. A little more on this through the link below.
Now not all of my posts will follow this format (most probably won’t after a few weeks) but when you ask the question “Where are the people?” or “What about the projects?” I’m probably laying a foundation to share those stories. All in all, I hope that these stories and photos will inspire you. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to make it here, but it wasn’t just one big decision. It was a series of small ones that got me here. If anything, I want you to know that it doesn’t take a huge wallet or a national foundation to make a difference. Most of the time it’s a few like-minded people who said we’re going to stand up to injustice and suffering. Other times it’s just a shared meal, lending an ear to listen or the best is an acknowledging smile.
-Jerome
www.jeromelovesyou.com
VOXUNITED
jerome@voxunited.org
Read More Here.
The descent. I’m going to begin by introducing you to the land and culture. This is like your final descent, you’re able to look out of the window, see the mountains, greenery, some animals and some of the architecture. To understand life here, I think it is important to understand the environment we live in.
The arrival. This is where you begin to get acquainted and settled in. I’m going to explain some of the projects that I’m covering, the problem that they’re addressing and the solutions that we provide.
The meal. Finally you will meet individuals and hear their stories of life. What a day requires, who they hold close and what they are achieving. I have a sincere interest in the people that I meet and their well-being. I feel listening first and taking photos later is the best way that I can show that. A little more on this through the link below.
Now not all of my posts will follow this format (most probably won’t after a few weeks) but when you ask the question “Where are the people?” or “What about the projects?” I’m probably laying a foundation to share those stories. All in all, I hope that these stories and photos will inspire you. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to make it here, but it wasn’t just one big decision. It was a series of small ones that got me here. If anything, I want you to know that it doesn’t take a huge wallet or a national foundation to make a difference. Most of the time it’s a few like-minded people who said we’re going to stand up to injustice and suffering. Other times it’s just a shared meal, lending an ear to listen or the best is an acknowledging smile.
-Jerome
www.jeromelovesyou.com
VOXUNITED
jerome@voxunited.org
Read More Here.
Monday, May 11, 2009
I was supposed to update today... Monday, May 11, 2009
But it turned out to be a super busy day. In the schools, meetings and welcoming some new people to our area and then finished off the night with some wonderful conversation with someone I miss so dearly. Tomorrow!
Best
Jerome
Read More Here.
Best
Jerome
Read More Here.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Out of Contact.. Saturday, May 02, 2009
Ill be out of touch for the next few days. We're going up to Swaziland to cover the sewing initiatives and the poultry project up there. Huge updates when I get back!
Jerome
Read More Here.
Jerome
Read More Here.
