http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news.php Follow the latest news from Africaid's WhizzKids United. en Stefan Kunze Sat, 05 Jun 2010 18:00:00 +0200 In less than two weeks, WhizzKids United team member Theo Mitchell will climb Mt. Kilimanjaro for the children of the WhizzKids United Health Academy. To show support for WhizzKids United and his effort, Durban's own Earthmother Organic has decided to partner with the charity for this tremendous cause. Earthmother Organic has now dedicated their cafe and store as a donation centre for soccer-related items for the year. Customers and guests of Earthmother Organic can now donate their gently-used soccer equipment at the Glenwood-based health shop. Old shoes, kits, balls and gloves are items that are encouraged to be donated. 100% of the gifts will go directly to the children that utilize the adolesent-friendly health centre in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg, the WhizzKids United Health Academy. All gifts will be collected on February 29, 2012 where they will then be delivered to the Health Academy. Earthmother Organic is a cafe and store that is located on 106 Bulwer Road in the Glenwood section of Durban. They offer the latest and best in organic food products that can contribute to living a healthy lifestyle. For more information on Earthmother Organic, please visit their website. WhizzKids United wants to sincerely thank Earthmother Organic, Darren Glazer, Doris Nadler and Eva Muller for their warm generosity and kindness. WhizzKids United eagerly looks forward to their partnership with Earthmother Organic. So, please make sure to stop by Earthmother Organic for great food, friendly people and the chance to donate your soccer items for a worthy purpose! ... http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=54&src=rss 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=54&src=rss Everyday my organization WhizzKids United interacts with beautiful children in South Africa that daily must climb over a mountain of obstacles. From avoiding the traps of poverty to the pitfalls of HIV and AIDS, many adolescents are constantly faced with challenges that potentially hinder their full development. Although my organization works endlessly to support the youth, no child should ever have to endure such heartbreaking realities such as lack of education, guidance or hunger. My name is Theo Mitchell and I want to step up my efforts within the organization. For my personal fundraising project, I have decided to start an effort called “Conquering Kilimanjaro for WhizzKids United.” On February 14, 2012, I will go to Tanzania and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa that stands at 5,895m. My climb will be dedicated to WhizzKids United and the children that utilize our adolescent-friendly health centre, the WhizzKids United Health Academy, in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg. The purpose of my project is to raise a total of 8,000ZAR either by monetary value or physical gifts by the end of February 2012. 100% of the funds or gifts will go directly to the WhizzKids United Health Academy and their Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Feeding Programme. My expenses for the travel to Tanzania and my climb are already self-financed. My focus is strictly on the fundraising target in which I ask for your support in one of two ways: You can deposit money into this account here (for our US supporters) or here (for our UK and International supporters). Or you can deliver goods to the WhizzKids United office on 40 Clarence Road, Greyville, Durban, 4001, South Africa. I am very excited for the opportunity to reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. But, what makes me even more motivated is the chance to further support the children of South Africa to climb over their own personal mountains. I thank you for reading this message and I sincerely hope that you can support me conquering Kilimanjaro for WhizzKids United. ... http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=53&src=rss 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=53&src=rss We have uploaded the Final Report for our WhizzKids United Mixed Gender Football League which took place from October 2010 to March 2011 which was run with Nike RED Funding managed by King Baudouin Foundation. This was a highly successful project as you will be able to see from the teachers' and beneficiaries' feedback. We trust you will find the report interesting! You can download it here.... http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=51&src=rss 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=51&src=rss The 5th South Africa's AIDS Conference hosted by Dira Sengwe is on from 07-10 June here in Durban at the ICC under the theme 'Leadership, Delivery and Accountability'. The aim of the conference is to involve all experts and role players (including government, NGO's, researchers and activists) in drafting the new intergrated HIV and AIDS National strategic plan for 2012-2016. This will allow all participating role players to understand the strategic priority and the strategic enablers. The conference will tackle the currently dominating issues related to HIV such as the Male Medical Circumcision (MMC) and how effective HIV treatment can stop transmission to an uninfected partner (NIH 052) through the use of presentations, debates, skills building as well the current responses to this disease. We are proud to announce that our deserving organization Whizzkids United is among the selected participants in this conference. Our team members namely Gugu, Marcus, Tom and Paul were awarded with scholarships to attend, they are representing us and we support them fully and we trust that they will bring us new innovative knowledge and skills that will be helpful in our visionary practice. We are wishing Tom good-luck on his poster and presentation on the WhizzKids United Mixed Gender Football League. This is a great opportunity for our organisation to enhance its knowledge and skills thus expanding the services that we provide. This conference is of particular significance to Whizzkids United since our focus is on HIV and AIDS empowerment and therefore will be beneficial to WhizzKids United programme development as well as enable us to meet other like-minded individuals and organisations in the hope of possible future partnerships or knowledge sharing.... http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=48&src=rss 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=48&src=rss The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), The Yezingane Network (YN) , Equal Education and SECTION27 welcome the Department of Health's plans to extend HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) campaign to children 12 years and older. But we call for it to be done in a measured, phased manner after thorough and consultative planning. Encouraging HIV testing among young people is necessary. It is a tragic fact that HIV infection is a reality and a risk for teenagers. For over a decade studies have consistently shown rising rates of HIV infection after the age of 14, where HIV prevalence has been known to reach as high as 20% amongst girls aged 18 to 20. This, together with high rates of teenage pregnancy, shows that unprotected sex does take place among youth of school age. We therefore believe that extending the HCT campaign to teens can benefit this age group if approached carefully. Like adults, teenagers have a right of access to health care services, including for their sexual and reproductive health. It is unlawful to deny teenagers access to HIV preventative methods, such as condoms, information and HIV testing - when it is well know that they are at risk. But the right to access treatment, must also be accompanied with the surety that those in need of support are able to obtain it easily. We believe the HCT campaign potentially also opens unique opportunities to prevent new infections among teenagers and to create better knowledge of sexuality, sexual health and HIV. However we are very concerned about the challenges of conducting HIV testing with teens in the course of ordinary school activities and without serious preparation. Most schools in our country do not have a proper life-skills programme, despite government claims to the contrary. Problems of bullying, sexual abuse and substance abuse are widely reported. In this context, schools may pose serious challenges to privacy, confidentiality and voluntary participation. In a school setting learners reactions will be watched by their peers and educators. This is why it is necessary to thoroughly prepare teens, their families and communities to ensure that children's rights are protected, that there is no stigmatisation of HIV positive children and to ensure that the longer term care and support for post-testing is in place prior to testing. We should not take chances with individual children's lives because we think we are promoting the greater good. Children of different ages, including adolescents, have complex developmental needs which are not widely understood. Some of these needs require specialised training and more involved and longer term interventions. Testing must be promoted but at the same time entirely voluntary, confidential and children must be able to freely decline an HIV test. The campaign provides a valuable opportunity for parents and children to discuss sex and sexuality. However, parental involvement should not extend to being able to deny children the choice of taking an HIV test. To do so would be a violation of children's rights and autonomy in terms of the Children's Act. After proper preparation, counselling and protection of confidentiality, neither schools nor parents should be able to veto the informed decision of a young person to test for HIV. Treatment Action Campaign General Secretary Vuyiseka Dubula says, "There needs to be clear guidelines and a long-term strategy that will look at the psychosocial support needs of children pre- and post-testing. This will mean bringing teachers, learners and parents on board before the campaign kicks off to try to lay a foundation that safeguards against stigma and discrimination." She adds, "Referral support systems need to be established for children who test HIV positive so that they don't drop out of school and that they have proper health care follow up and services. Steps also need to be taken to ensure that those who test negative are encouraged to continue to stay negative." Yoliswa Dwane, Head of Policy, Communications and Research at Equal Education says, "Most schools do not have social workers. Teachers carry the social burden, on top of overloaded teaching responsibilities. To introduce testing into that environment is a risk. Proper counselling, and absolute confidentiality for the learners are prerequisites. If these are put firmly in place the HCT in schools campaign can succeed." Cati Vawda Chairperson of the Yezingane Network says, "The SANAC HCT in Schools Task Team needs to ensure that the strategy document comprehensively addresses mental health and social issues including those that are not HIV specific and will be inevitably raised through proper preparation and counselling and testing such as abuse." The organisations jointly urge the following: A thorough pre-testing preparation phase at school and community level including working with educators to deal with their personal issues related to HIV and to teens' sexual and reproductive health rights, and putting into place long-term care and support. This phase must include education, information, communication and advocacy. Ensure that planning, implementation and monitoring are in children's best interest and fully and meaningfully realise and protect their rights to health, information, care and support, and participation. Post-testing monitoring of stigma, discrimination, mental health and social concerns at sites. This is an area where action and operational research and communications are required. Proper attention to HIV prevention, in tandem with testing, including ensuring the availability of condoms at schools. Support from parents, but no veto power in the hands of schools or parents. The decision to test, in the context of counselling, support and information, must be in the hands of the young people themselves. Rapidly strengthening and monitoring the Life Skills curriculum including effective training and attitude changes for educators. We urge the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) which includes the Departments of Health, Basic Education, Social Development and Public Service and Administration to pay close attention to these issues and give a public assurance that these requirements will be met. We call for independent monitoring of the campaign. Finally we urge SANAC to ensure that all relevant government departments take a multi-dimensional approach to this campaign (HIV, child development and protection, mental health, safety and security and access to health care) in order to achieve maximum benefits for the learners and for the fight against the spread of HIV. In this they can be assured of our support. Source: polity.org.za... http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=47&src=rss 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=47&src=rss We are pleased to report that the 2010 Africaid WhizzKids United Annual Report is now available for download. It has a very nice layout (for which we are grateful to graphic designer Clint Griffin) and is full of great photos.... http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=45&src=rss 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=45&src=rss On International Worlds AIDS Day, December 1st 2010, WhizzKids United hosted a World Cup style football tournament. The World AIDS Day Tournament was a fundraiser for WhizzKids United's football-based HIV/ AIDS prevention programmes across South Africa. Twelve Durban based teams from different companies, schools and universities attended the event. The teams played in four different groups before entering the knockout stages and competing for the World AIDS Day Tournament Champion. All teams enrolled in the event donated their entry fee of R500 to WhizzKids United's dedicated work in HIV/ AIDS prevention, care, treatment and support. Each participating team chose their favourite national team to represent. The event began with an opening ceremony and a diski (South African) dance performance by students of Clarence Primary School. The tournament was based on the FIFA Fair Play rules which highlights that all matches are self-refereed and all teams are mixed gender. Many teams brought their entourage of fans to enjoy the afternoon filled with braais, a salad bar, cold drinks and great competition. The day was a great success in promoting HIV/ AIDS awareness, fair play and gender equality, three major areas WhizzKids United focuses its programmes around. The winner of the tournament was team Ghana from Ningizimu High School. WhizzKids United would like to thank everyone who donated their time and money towards the event. A very big thank you to David Guselli for being the MC of the day and also for the prizes sponsored by Australian Volunteers International, Rotary Club of Durban Bay, Nedbank, uShaka Marine World, Southern Suns Hotels (Waterfront - Cape Town), Clarence Road Primary School, Remax - Montpelier Road, Bread Ahead - Cowey Road, Everfresh Market Gardens - Cowey Road, Garden Grove Retirement Village, Afcon Electrical, Egil Packaging, Avon Beauty Products, Mum's Mail, Bearea Mail, Avonmore Superspar, Wines-KZN and Life Phefumula Beach Resort. Big thanks to our helping hands as well - the hardworking volunteers from America, Australia, Germany, Canada, United Kingdom and South Africa. ... http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=44&src=rss 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=44&src=rss WhizzKids United are inviting local NGOs and corporates to make people aware of WORLDS AIDS DAY on 1 December 2010. WhizzKids United are holding a world cup style football tournament at the Clarence Road Primary School which will also be a great opportunity to team build and network locally. WKU has been able to secure some fantastic prizes and the teams will be able to represent the country of their choice. The cost of your 8 player team to participate is R500 per team and each participant will receive a medal ! The AIDS Foundation was the first to register and have decided to represent Kazakhstan ! The MC on the day will be well-known local DJ Dave Gueselli who will also be responsible for reffing the final match. To register for our football tournament on World AIDS Day - please contact Charmaine WKU (031) 303 8236 On a more serious side - the newly re-launched AIDS Clock, an initiative of the UNFPA, has been counting the relentless toll of the epidemic since 1997.When UNFPA unveiled the AIDS Clock that year in the United Nations public lobby in New York, it registered some 24 million people living with HIV. By now, most of those people have died and millions more have become infected. In 1999, UNFPA launched the AIDS Clock as a web-based exhibit and has recently revised and expanded its reach. The clock's mission remains unchanged: to present the world with a powerful symbol of the epidemic's scale and the urgent response it demands. More than 65 million people have been infected with HIV since AIDS was first detected 25 years ago. More than 25 million people have died, and an estimated 40.3 million people are now living with HIV. "The AIDS Clock reminds us of how pressing our work is", said UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid. "Behind each number is a face, a family and a circle of loved ones who are also affected. Our goal is to slow down, and eventually turn back the AIDS Clock. Preventing HIV is the key". For some very thought provoking statistics - check our this link - The AIDS clock is available at www.unfpa.org/aids_clock... http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=43&src=rss 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=43&src=rss On October 18, 2010 in New York, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution entitled, "Sport as a means to promote education, health, development and peace." This resolution confirmed the role of sport as a means and medium of social change. The debate was attended by Mr. Wilfried Lemke, a former football manager in the German Bundesliga who is now the Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General on Sport for Peace and Development. As WhizzKids United has received a letter of endorsement from Mr. Lemke on behalf of the United Nations, we see this resolution as a global mandate for us to continue working towards our vision of delivering excellence in HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment and support to youth through the medium of football.... http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=42&src=rss 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=42&src=rss Henryk Predki interned with WhizzKids United in South Africa from March to September 2009, and also came back to assist us during the World Cup period in 2010. He conducted some research with some of our beneficiaries and wrote a paper entitled, "A stacked deck: A school-based study investigating the behavioural factors behind the high vulnerability of young South African women to HIV infection." Now he has earned the opportunity to present this paper at the Student Research Conference 2010 in Leiden, Netherlands, where he is in the running for the Student Research Award. Mr. Predki will present on October 15, 2010 from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. local time, at the Academiegebouw at Leiden University. If you happen to be in the Netherlands, why not check it out! You can read more about the paper on this page. You can also download the paper here.... http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=41&src=rss 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.whizzkidsunited.org/news2.php?newsid=41&src=rss