I have just spent the last two days in the sea of humanity. It was rather intense, youthful, noisy, to the extent of being loud, colourful, fashionable statements with trendy “weaves” of the young aspiring women. There was a sprinkle of White, Coloured and Indian Diversity, all draped in care and laced with humility – all very vibrant, like only South Africans can be. It was a privilege to be part of this event, KWNCSOC – the Kwa Zulu Natal Civil Society Organisation Coalition safely birthed after a two and a half year interim period of formation.
The KWNCSOC is a network that draws the caring society of Kwa Zulu Natal together in a coailtion e.g the Non Profit Organisations, and others in Mercy Ministries who work to bring some relief to poor and broken communities. These are the caring angels of the peoples, the unsung passionate heroes of our societies, and, not duly recognised, as the semi invisible arm of the social development work of the government.
What made this event, so vibrant was the percentage of young adults that attended the occasion. I sensed such a passion (and maybe it came from a place of survival !) yet there was an underlying caution, an alertness, a community intelligence, not to be drawn in and swayed by the flavours of the day. Present too were the donors of projects, and social drivers, all necessary for progress ? – or exploitations for other agendas ? But such is the way of politics. But their polite caution, the listening ear, the hearing heart gave me a hope, for I do believe it is people and not finance that will make the biggest difference to South Africa’s future.
Durban’s beautiful Botanical Gardens.
The conference came together in a community hall situated at the entrance of the beautiful Durban Botanical Gardens – which I call the Green Cathedral. It is made magnificent with its three hundred year old tress planted in a vastness of green, with lawns and flowers and shrubs of every kind. It is worth a visit, to linger and to soak up its splendour! It is one of my most favourite places to be.
The organisers of the conference, the Democracy Development Program, had arranged the chairs in little circles of five, where intense discussion could take place, where identities were revealed, hearts could be shared, and dreams could be told.
I listened, and heard mainly of the obstacles toward progress, but then also the aspirations and longing for a better life and a better future.
The Care Africa Movement.
A Care Garden envelope of spinach seeds to grow food in your yard for a promise from you to read the Word of God to grow food for your soul.
I, too could share my dreams of a Care Africa Movement, where there are Care Gardens in the hearts of people, and a vegetable garden in their yards. Hunger – or more positively Food Production – is the pivotal place of poverty alleviation, it can also be a starting point for social development and entrepreneurship in Africa. I shared my dream and gave a few seed envelopes to those who would receive them, and hope that they will join the movement, and send me photos of their gardens, to put on my blog for you to see.
Growth is a learning process whether you are growing your soul, or growing your food.
But basically, on different levels, it is the same. There is the soil, (the heart) and then there is the seed (the Word of God) that is sown. Necessary is the nurturing, the watering, the weeding, and good nutrition (teaching) for good results. After many months (or years) comes the harvest, the product, the bearing of fruit – (or the character !) Good seed will produce good results. Finally comes the joy of achievement, and the sharing of what is good, the tasting of what is good, and the knowing that God is good !
May the Care Africa Movement be a growing process for those who join in, and bear good results, for the soul, and for food for poverty alleviation. Plant your Care gardens today – and make a difference in your life and in your community – and email me a photo to share with other.
Eat well, Grow well, Share well.
CareSA 