Christian Aids Bureau looks ahead
2006-05-25
AT the recent Christian Aids Bureau for Southern Africa’s (CABSA) annual general meeting, manager Nelis du Toit said that the organisation was excited about the plans they had for the future.
CABSA was established at the Huguenot College in 2001 and although based in Wellington and Johannesburg, it works throughout Southern Africa to assist and serve churches and faith communities in their response to HIV and Aids.
According to Du Toit communication and reliable, accessible information has become crucial in building relationships, empowering facilitators and organisations.
“Although it has been 25 years since AIDS was identified as a terminal syndrome and although the news media often highlight the rise, too many people and congregations still do not take the situation seriously,” du Toit believes.
“There are no shortcuts to move from ignorance and apathy to an AIDS-friendly faith community that is dynamically involved in prevention, support and mitigation activities.
CABSA’s activities include visits to faith communities and the stimulation of church leaders to integrate HIV and AIDS issues in their sermons.”
According to du Toit, an effective way of challenging people’s attitudes is when people living with HIV tell their stories.
Through workshops, training and the mentoring of facilitators CABSA empowers leaderships. An increased focus is also being placed on educating the youth.
The organisation’s “Churches Channels of Hope” training programme (CCoH) effectively mobilises faith communities to minister reconciliation and hope.
During 2005, World Vision International signed an agreement to take CCoH to more than 23 countries in Africa and other parts of the world.
The first refresher meeting for trained facilitators was held in February at Wemmershoek.
According to du Toit, a complementary course “Integrating HIV and Aids information on a personal, spiritual and professional level”, was developed with staff members from Huguenot College as the first trainees last year.”
During three days of training participants are equipped with a thorough knowledge about HIV and AIDS and relevant issues and empowered to integrate it in their lives and professions.
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