Describe in detail what your Organisation does:

The International Association for Human Values was created in Geneva in 1997 by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar as a global platform for humanitarian initiatives that solve problems by uplifting human values.

Through its country organizations and partners, IAHV conducts service projects and raises funds for humanitarian and disaster relief initiatives throughout the world. IAHV is registered in the following countries: France, Germany, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, Norway, Russia, Slovenia, USA, Canada, South Africa, Kenya, India, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and St. Lucia.
IAHV was registered as a Non Profit Organization in South Africa in 2004
NPO Registration No. 032 – 206 – N.P.O
PBO Registration No. 93000 3286
IAHV holds special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Which three words best describe your Organisation?

We reduce Stress

If you could change only one thing about your Organisation, what would it be?

That we could generate more funding for our YES FOR SCHOOLS programme. This would enable us to reach more schools in SA with this incredible initiative: http://youthempowermentseminar.org

Describe what a typical work day looks like for you at your Organisation?

A typical day in a volunteers life would be described as follows:

Awake early to do our spiritual practice which consists of yoga, sudarshan kriya and meditation.
We would generally have many programmes running during any given month such as Yes for Schools, Youth Leadership Programmes, Breath, Water Sound and other disaster relief programmes. These have to be monitored, volunteers given the relevant information required for various school and community programmes, marketing of courses and setting up meetings with educators and NGO Managers. Most of us work and teach at the same time so we have to juggle our time effectively.

What is the one thing you wish members of the general public knew about your Organisation?

That there was more awareness around the work we do and that the public can get involved and assist in many various areas such as feeding programmes and also on our iMeditate Africa Programme, visiting children’s homes, old-age homes etc.

Describe the saddest moment you’ve experienced while at work in your Organisation

Last year May 2016, we were working at a school in Bonteheuwel as part of our i Meditate Africa programme and a little girl of about 10 years old was interviewed after the meditation, she described her daily life of fear and stress living in Bonteheuwel with the gangs, drugs and violence associated with the area. To see such a little child having to live a life of fear and stress was heart-breaking but when she described how the meditation made her feel, stress free and more calm and centered. Whilst we were busy with that interview a child at Modderdam High SchooI was shot crossing a field. He was one of the children we had done the meditations with 3 days prior. I then realized then that the work we do is invaluable and we can transform children’s lives by meditation and yoga helping them become positive, enthusiastic children again. These are such simple techniques that once taught to children are essentially free thereafter. The techniques can be done in the privacy of your own home and enable the children to take control of their lives.

Apart from donating money, how can members of the general public assist your Organisation?

Yes – The general public can assist with donations of food, clothing and their time. We always need assistance with various programmes.

Describe the happiest moment you’ve experienced while at work in your Organisation

Becoming a Yes for Schools teacher last year December. We had the gift of being trained by a facilitator from the USA Bill Herman, the most incredible gifted teacher who imparted incredible knowledge and skills to a group of 33 Africans. We are now rolling out this initiative in various schools within the Western Cape and Gauteng as well as Mauritius.

If you could say only one thing to the Community your Organisation serves, what would that be?

We believe that –
All human beings are equal.
Responsibility and an attitude of selfless service are the foundation of true empowerment.
Peace, happiness and compassion are the intrinsic nature of human beings.
Socio-economic development must be built on human values to be sustainable.
Incorporation of human values into all aspects of life will ultimately lead to a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.

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