Urban Acupuncture is an urban environmental methodology, the brainchild of Finnish architect and professor Marco Casagrande who combines the theory of urban design with that of acupuncture.

In urban acupuncture, an area is regarded as a complex organism of energy in which different ‘energy layers’ overlap with each other and influence residents behaviour and conduct and how an urban area develops. Urban acupuncture is a point by point manipulation of the urban energy to create a sustainable town or city, which Marco Casagrande has dubbed ’3rd Generation Cities’.

Can’t you hear them? The unmistakable voices shouting: “Hands off our children, there is no excuse for sexual abuse”!

Mothers Unite took part in a march co-ordinated by the forum ‘Hands off our children’ (HOOC) in the Lavender Hill area on Youth Day this year. Striking T-shirts with the slogan and banners which clarified the cause. We marched for the childrens’ rights, and their protection against sexual, emotional and physical abuse. Our friend organization Philisa Abafazi Bethu, that offers shelter for abused kids as well as abused women, led us through the streets. A couple of other social service organizations joined the manifestation; obviously we made a strong front. Each and every community leader worked together that day, marching, appealing to the people and the government. Unfortunately the winter is breaking into Cape Town – the streets were flooded and the sharp wind seemed devastating at times – but with God’s will we caught a moment of sunshine while we marched.

Afterwards we gathered in a small church to talk about the high prevalence and frightening silence that surrounds child abuse every day. All agreed that “It’s time to break the silence” as we approached one another. A sketch performed by two policemen opened up the gathering and then a striking speech by Sheila from Sharing and Caring followed.

People became thoughtful as they listened to deeply touching poems about the abused child’s pain and its loneliness and another one about the inalienable freedom. The organizations (NGO’s) introduced themselves and welcomed every soul feeling the need to speak out. Sexual abuse causes a devastating long-term sociological and physical harm to the survivor. The speech givers were willing to wake up the audience sharing shocking facts but also showing how we can become part of the solution.

One could feel the convincing and vibrant message. Everybody became one during that morning of the 16^th June. The Youth are our only future, it is in our hands to give them love and peace along their way.

]]> http://www.mothersunite.org.za/2011/07/youth-day-16-june-2011/feed/ 0 http://www.mothersunite.org.za/2011/06/high-tea/ http://www.mothersunite.org.za/2011/06/high-tea/#comments Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:57:34 +0000 mothersunite http://www.mothersunite.org.za/?p=503 Our second High Tea was another footprint made in the hearts of those that support Mothers Unite. Once a year we host a High Tea with a difference. This year proved to be as much fun as the year before. More than 150 people spent their Sunday afternoon with us, enjoying tea and a variety of delicious cakes. What makes this event unique is the colourful rainbow of live performances that are showcased.  Without a doubt all returned home with an illuminated picture of Mothers Unite in their minds. Our High Tea is always an opportunity to spread the positive news of Mothers Unite to the rest of Cape Town. Every ticket that is sold flows directly into our projects. We thank all that supported this event and enjoyed the day with us. We hope to see you at the next one!

Here is a movie from when we worked at the garden on one of the schools in the area. It was a lot of fun! Hard effictive work and the children was really curios on us. I like the idea that when we paint or dig trenches in schools (not just the center) we come in touch with more people and hopefully engage them.

Today we went bowling! It was a lot of fun!

Kram
Andrea