The Novalis Ubuntu Blog

Sobonfu Somé in Cape Town next week!

2009-07-02T03:29:00.000-07:00

One of the foremost voices in African spirituality in the West, Sobonfu Somé, will be visiting South Africa from July 8-12, and holding serveral special events here at Novalis Ubuntu.

Destined from birth to teach the ancient wisdom, ritual, and practices of her ancestors, Sobonfu, whose name means "keeper of the rituals," travels the world on a healing mission sharing the rich spiritual life and culture of her native land, Burkina Faso, which ranks as one of the world's poorest countries yet one of the richest in spiritual life and custom.

While in South Africa, Sobonfu will perform her renown "Grief Ritual" on Friday, July 10th at 7:00 PM here at Novalis. A R30 donation will be collected at the door.

Then on Saturday, July 11th at 4:00 PM she will speak about "Intimacy: A Gift from Spirit", during a two-hour talk on how to develop relationships that are in perfect alignment with Spirit, also here at Novalis. Registration is R145. For more information about tickets, registration, etc. please contact Iain Macdonald at (021) 462-6755 or email him at info@awakening-intuition.com.

OVC News: Siyaphambili Orphan Village educates young and old on Human Rights

2009-05-26T03:26:00.000-07:00

On March 21st, Ndeleka Xameni and a group of caretakers and workers at Siyaphambili Orphan Village in Langa, celebrated Human Right's Day by educating more than 100 children and 25 Gogo's with basic human rights such as the right to life, the right to have a decent home, the right to freedom and equality and right to freedom of association, including the right to participate in culture, the right to food, and the right to education.

While the large crowd savoured a delicious meal, Nokwazi "Ouma" Gogxeka, the chairperson of the Gogo's Support group, told the youngsters "Respect old people. You must listen to your parents and do house chores if you want to live longer. You must at all times look after yourself and protect yourself. You are beautiful and you should remain that. We want you to know that you have rights too. But do not abouse those rights."

It was a fun-filled day as the children showed off their artistic skills by outlining their hands on paper and sticking them on the wall. They also performed drama, and dance, and took part in drumming while reciting their rights. Then they were given a brief history lesson so that they left with an understanding of what South Africa has gone through. "Let us entertain and educate those who come and stay here every day. Children should not feel alienated and should be developed to increase their mental capacity" said Anele Gqasana, team leader and facilitator at Siyaphambili Orphan Village, who has been working very closely with Ndeleka.

Siyaphambili, which means "moving forward", is one of the homes supported by our Orphan and Vulnerable Children's Programme (OVC). They are a true example of an organization that strives to restore the dignity and security of the children by providing a home for them, to give them hope, care security, and protection. This programme has been made possible thanks to the generous donation of the Swedish Government (Forum Syd) through the SOFIA Foundation.

Good and New: The Ubuntu Spirit Leadership Training Programme

2009-05-23T03:24:00.000-07:00

During the month of March the Novalis Ubuntu Institute began the development of a new programme we believe is going to rock the youth empowerment world: The Ubuntu Spirit Leadership Training Programme!

This new programme is designed to address the gaps in leadership training of today's youth community leaders. Under the leadership of our experienced staff and a few good volunteers, this new, innovative and revolutionary programme has as its core objective to develop Youth Leaders aged 18-35 into future community leaders who will make a positive and creative contribution to their communities and strengthen the fabric of the South African civil society.

The 8-month programme will provide South African youth with effective, accelerated, comprehensive and dynamic experiential learning that will propel their leadership into a whole new direction, all supported by a networking, mentoring, and coaching component. All of this, during 8 intense months of leadership work that will lead towards the realization of a final project for the participants to add to their body of work.

To find out more about this empowering programme, and to learn how your youth group may benefit, please contact us.

Growing our own Veggies with Kirsten

2009-05-22T03:23:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you ate an organic salad with vegetables fully grown in your own garden? Here at Novalis Ubuntu, we do just that at least once a month thanks to our Permaculture trainer Kirsten, and the dedicated sponsorship of the Light Center of Kansas.

The Whole Foods Garden project is a part of our Orphan and Vulnerable Children's Programme (OVC) and teaches each children's home how to grow their own food. It is also a project we implement right here at the Institute and a very special part of our everyday lives. As part of the continued training, during the month of March Kirstern conducted two training sessions for our staff and community members: How to start your own worm farm and restore a healthy soil, and How to Grow your Own Food. Here's a picture of Kirsten speaking about the importance of mulching the top soil in order to allow the moisture to stay on the ground.

Cafe Geneve goes Wireless and gets a Facelift!

2009-05-12T03:21:00.000-07:00

Our very own Cafe Geneve, named after the coffee shop in Durban where the idea of the Institute was first conceived by Dr. Ralph Shepherd and a few friends 25 years ago, recently got an upgrade and is joining the digital revolution by offering our members and patrons wireless internet.

We are working very hard to bring you a fully functional tea/coffee shop where you can enjoy a delicious meal while mingling with other Novalis Ubuntu friends and find out what's cooking at Novalis - all this as you savour a delicious cup of Coffee or Tea while you check your e-mail. Stay tuned for more news in the coming weeks! In the meantime, stop by to say hello, enjoy a cup of coffe or tea, and -- why not? -- surf the web!

Member Spotlight: Jilla Benneyworth

2009-05-03T03:20:00.000-07:00

Starting with this ePollen, each month we will be featuring a special Novalis Ubuntu member, and collect some of their impressions about what it means to be a member of the Novalis Ubuntu family. This month our spotlight is on our member Jilla Benneyworth.

Jilla has been an active member since 2005. As she explained during her last visit to the Institute "I'd wanted to join Novalis Ubuntu for many years but was too timid. Now I am pleased I did because my experiences there have enlivened and enriched my life!"

Jillas's group, the PASSION Knitters, found Novalis Ubuntu the perfect home to hold their "Shining Light" ceremonies, which gives out scarves that they make to people they admire for the way in which these people light up the lives of those in need. "We have learned something about the many ways Novalis serves our community, enabling us to focus our work, where we can make a difference", she said. This coming Friday Jilla's PASSION Knitters will donate 30 garments or blankets to Cape Town and Suburban Clothing Guild.

But her work doesn't stop there. At her home, she and her pal Mindi Baldwin have initiated KREATIVE KALEIDOSCOPE, a monthly group gathering that brings to its U3A members a new topic/activity each month. This month they will present a DVD called 'WATER' based on Dr. Masaru Emoto's work. For more information about the PASSION Knitters and KREATIVE KALEIDOSCOPE you may contact Jilla at (021) 794-6243. We are very proud to have Jilla Benneyworth as a member. Her life is an inspiration to us all!

To find out how you can support our mission and become a member of the Novalis Ubuntu Institute please visit our membership page.

Looking for a venue to host your upcoming workshop, class, conference or event?

2009-05-02T03:17:00.000-07:00

Incorporating a live art/music/cinema venue, conference rooms, bookshop and internet cafe bar, the Resource Center is a dynamic and versatile location suitable for a variety of events including classes, exhibitions, talks, workshops or other educational, musical, spiritual and creative events.

We offer flexibly priced Conference packages for groups of 15-70 people starting at R155 per person! (includes Venue Hire with Standard Equipment, coffee/tea with biscuits on arrival, mid-morning tea/coffee break, a delicious lunch and a mid afternoon tea/coffee break). We also offer professional sound, lighting, projection and presentation facilities and box office support to help ensure your event is a success. (Read More)

This Prayer's for You! Video from Unity

2009-04-04T01:07:00.000-07:00

Robin Goff, our partner for the Light Center just sent us this amazing video produced by Silent Unity। This original song, written by Rich Fagan, Chris Clarke and Richard Mekdeci (vocalist), showcases the powerful effect affirmative prayer can have on the world. To purchase an MP3 of this song go to www.empowerma.com.

Success Story: 46 Aprons for our Go-Go's

2009-03-15T22:40:00.000-07:00

On Feb. 19th, a group of South African Go-Go's received 46 aprons which were specially hand made by volunteers in the U.S. in support of South African Grandmothers (Go-Go's). It was a day of celebration, love and gratitude for this strong group of women who stand as the backbone of our society.

The atmosphere was festive and jovial at the little house in Langa where Siyaphambili Orphan Village, Ndileka Xameni's initiative, resides. As we entered the crowded patio, we were greeted by more than 40 South African grandmothers (Go-Go's) with a plate of food. "You arrived just on time!" One of them said. "The Celebration is about to begin."

As we sat down to eat a delicious plate of home made food, Mary Stuart, a U.S. volunteer from the The Light Center of Kansas, accompanied by a group of several volunteers from the United States, proceeded to gift each Go-Go with a beautifully hand-crafted apron, as a symbol of recognition and gratitude for the labor these courageous women undergo each day. These aprons were the result of many hours of labor by volunteers in the United States who wanted South African Go-Go's to know that they feel for them, and that they are also standing beside them.

In case you are not aware, South African Go-Go's have been one of the most affected population groups after losing their daughters to HIV/AIDS and having to become heads of households again, some of them having to act as mothers and fathers of their own and others' grandchildren.

During the ceremony the Go-Go's shared their successes, their failures, their feelings and support for each other. They sang, danced, and continued to honor each others' efforts to uplift their families, ensuring their grandchildren stay in schools and are properly cared for. "These women need each other, they need the support of their community to do the work they do in helping their families. That is why I created a weekly support group. I don't want them to feel that they are all alone. We have each other." Said Ndeleka Xameni who leads the weekly support group in Langa as part of the Institute's OVC Programme.

On behalf of the Novalis Ubuntu Institute, we would like to thank all the volunteers in the United States including Robin Goff and Mary Frost, as well as other individuals who through The Light Center in Kansas made this event possible. Thank you for your love and compassion, and most important for showing your support to this wonderful group of grandmothers. Thank you Ndileka for continuing to hold these support groups. We at Novalis Ubuntu are very proud of you.

OVC News: Thank you Claire! We'll miss you!

2009-03-12T22:42:00.000-07:00

After nearly three years pioneering the development and successful implementation of our Orphan and Vulnerable Children's Programme (OVC) our beloved Claire Barry (center), will step down from her post as Program Manager in order to continue her exciting journey of life. We are very sad to see her go, and wish her all the best in the world, knowing that she's already riding high on the wings of creativity, joy and success!

We are very grateful to Claire for all those years she dedicated to the successful implementation of her vision, by patiently and organically crafting a very powerful transformational programme. Since its inception, the programme has positively affected the lives of more than 2,000 South African children, their caretakers, their communities and their homes. Without her instrumental guidance and enthusiasm, this programme would have never been possible.

Claire will be replaced by the wonderful Mrs. Bea Juries (top left). We have no doubt that Mrs. Bea will continue to help expand the vision of our Orphan and Vulnerable Children's Programme (OVC) and we would like to publicly welcome her, knowing that we believe she's the most qualified person to lead this wonderful programme, and wish her much success! Welcome to the Novalis Ubuntu Institute Mrs. Bea!

The Orphan and Vulnerable Children's Programme (OVC), which brings a creative intervention into the lives of orphan and vulnerable children and their caretakers has been made possible thanks to the generous donation of the Swedish Government (Forum Syd) through the SOFIA Foundation.

Concert Review: Releasing the artist inside

2009-03-05T22:39:00.000-08:00

The following is an excerpt from an article published on the Feb. 19th issue of the Constantia Bulletin. It was written by Inga Strydom. Thank you Inga for covering our Beautiful Schools for Africa Concert and School Tour, for all your support in helping us spread our message.

It was a beautiful benefit indeed. So beautiful in fact, that it moved the audience to hold hands, sing and dance together. Two days of intense artistic interaction with 4,000 pupils from six schools culminated in the Beautiful Schools for Africa Benefit Concert held at the Novalis Ubuntu Institute of Holistic Education in Wynberg on Sunday.

Before the actual concert, "spontaneous cellist" and musician Francois le Roux (also known as the Ha! Man) spent two days performing at Ottery Road Methodist, Kannemeyer, Sid G Rule, Bongolethu, Mzamomble and Entshona primary schools where art and music do not play an integral role in the schools' curricula.

Mr. le Roux said the performances were very interactive and focused on the students' innate musicality. "They could just express themselves. What I try to release or reveal is in that in each of us there is an artist that expresses beautifully. As an artist, you need to experience all sides of the spectrum. It's between these polarities that you can truly create music that brings us together from all spheres of life."

The concert also featured a silent auction which was held in the foyer where holistic books and CDs mainly by Natalia Baker were on sale as well as paintings. To support, join or donate to the Novalis Ubuntu Institute visit www.novalis.org.za

Want to see pictures of the concert and schools tour? View the Photo Gallery.

Visitors this month:

2009-02-28T22:43:00.000-08:00

During the month of February we had the privilege of being visited by representatives of Forum Syd, Heidi Huusko, project officer at the Youth Fund and Enos Mwale, financial manager in Lusaka.

On the SOFIA Foundation's side we received the visit of Ida Lofstrom. Ida is now in charge of overseeing the implementation of the programme. Her involvement in the Orphan and Vulnerable Children's Programme (OVC) began when in 2006 she came to South Africa and worked as a volunteer in the programme's early stages of development.

Thank you Forum Syd and SOFIA Foundation for making this grant available to us, and for supporting the Novalis Ubuntu Insitute's mission and programmes.

February was also a busy learning month here at the Institute and as part of the monthly activities, we received the visit of several Healing Touch Teachers and Trainers from the United States.

Leading the outreach programme was Mary Frost, Certified Healing Touch practitioner and trainer. Mary has been traveling to South Africa every year, as part of an outreach programme developed in partnership with The Light Center in Kansas. Their visit, in addition to providing Healing Touch to our Programme Participants, also included a two-weekend intensive training in Healing Touch, Levels 1 and 2 where several of our facilitators and staff participated. One of the sessions included the participation of well known African Sangoma Peter von Maltitz.

Healing Touch is a series of energy-based therapy classes in which students use a variety of hands-on techniques that facilitate energy balance for wholeness within the individual, supporting physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Healing Touch is a complementary (or integrative) energy therapy that can be used in conjunction with traditional therapies. The goal of healing touch is to restore harmony and balance in the human energy system by creating an optimal environment to enable the body's innate tendency for healing to occur. For more information on Healing Touch visit www.healingtouchprogram.com

A big THANK YOU!

2009-02-18T22:44:00.000-08:00

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported our Beautiful Schools for Africa Concert. Thank you HA!Man (Francois le Roux) for the out-pouring of passion and talent. Thank you staff, board members, volunteers, and members of our community. Thank you to everyone who donated their time, talent, and gifts. Finally, a big THANK YOU to our sponsors for your donated gifts:

Steven Jacobs of SFJ Media for donating the Poster and Ticket Design
Agape SA for donating the cost of printing materials
Natalia Baker for her wonderful CDs and Classes
Robin Beck of Kima Global Publishers for a wonderful stack of empowering books.
Dilana Howell of Going 4 Gold for the wonderful DVDs and books
Kent Smith for the Marble Pestle and Mortar

We could not have do it without you!

Success Story: Ndileka Xameni, An Angel in Langa

2009-02-11T22:36:00.000-08:00

Ndileka Xameni runs the Siyaphambili Orphan Village, one of the recipients of our Orphan and Vulnerable Children's Program (OVC). She has devoted her life to caring for children whose lives have been affected by the scourge of AIDS. The following is a reprint from the January 22nd issue of Drum Magazine.

There's a house in Langa township outside of Cape Town where the joyful sound of children playing almost never ceases. This is the home of Ndileka Xameni. She's called "Nosicelo", which means gift from God. She lives there with her husband, her three children and the 25 AIDS orphans (ages 4 to 18) she has taken into her care. It's a modest house and the children live in cramped quarters, but it's also a place for brightness and hope.

While working in Mitchells's Plain at Lentegeur Hospital as a qualified social worker, Ndileka started delivering letters from AIDS patients in her ward to their children living in Langa. The letters brought comfort to the youngsters but Ndileka wanted to do more. So in 2005 she quit her job, turned her house into a haven and started the Siyaphambili orphanage. "To start with we dug out of our own pockets" says Ndileka, "but today we have assistance through donations."

Apart from running Siyaphambili, Ndileka also runs programmes for 210 children who live with their gogos, provides aftercare for about 60 children, runs a support group for grannies who look after their orphaned grandchildren and facilitates teen-mother support groups. "When the noise gets too much and I want to rest, I run away to friends", she jokes.

Ndileka also loves cooking and is often in the kitchen preparing delicious meals that ensure full stomachs and smiles on innocent faces.

Here at the Novalis Ubuntu Institute we feel both honoured and blessed to be working with Ndileka, and look forward to continuing to support her through our OVC Program.

The Beautiful Schools for Africa Concert and Silent Auction, Sunday Feb. 15th 2009

2009-02-03T22:37:00.000-08:00

Have you bought your ticket yet? Preparations are now under way for our upcoming Beautiful Schools for Africa Concert and Silent Auction next Sunday February 15th at 16H00 here at the Institute's Resource Centre in Wynberg. Tickets are on sale for just R50 each, and can be bought online.

The concert will feature South African performance artist Ha! Man (Francois le Roux) whose music reflects Southern Africa’s roots and his spontaneous approach to playing the cello, combined with other electronic instruments and theatricals. He challenges conventional ideas in both the serious and commercial music environment.

Ticket prices are just R50, and all proceeds from the concert and auction will benefit the Institute’s “Beautiful Schools Programme”, a holistic initiative that employs innovative and creative strategies that will enable the best environment for effective teaching and learning in South African schools.

We are currently soliciting donated items for the auction. Example of items can include Art, Gift Certificates/Vouchers, Antiques, Toys, etc. If you would like to contribute, please contact Gabriel Gonsalves, Concert and Auction Chair at 021-797-1857 or 079-039-9693. Or simply download this form, and fax back to us. All donations are tax deductible!

A cradle for civil society

2009-01-30T04:27:00.000-08:00

The Novalis-Ubuntu Resource Centre is a building that has provoked a lot of comment about its unconventional design. For me it is very personal. Each time I walk into the building I experience something remarkable. It is a feeling of peace and, somehow, of renewal. And it’s a feeling I’ve had ever since the building took shape in 1995/96.

Architect Brian Johnson’s harmonious forms have created a space that many other organisations and individuals identify with, judging by the number of people who have used the Resource Centre for a wide range of activities.

I was one of those who took turns turning over the soil at the ceremony that began the process in May 1995, along with Ralph Shepherd, Anne-Lise Bure, Len Smith, Brian Johnson, Nana Gobel (of the Friends of Rudolf Steiner Education in Germany), Dr Nick Lee, former editor of the SA Medical Journal, and teaching colleagues John Coates, Howard Dobson and Yvonne Bleach, together with co-workers Maria Rademeyer and Laurine Le Roux.

A geometrical form known as a dodecahedron was buried in the foundations, a symbol of the totality of the universe, and a blessing was given by the Reverend Neville Adams as we listened to these words by teacher Peter King: “This building is dedicated to education that will empower a future generation to accomplish its chosen tasks with strength of purpose, with sureness of heart, with clarity of intent and with love in freedom.” From that solemn ceremony has flowed much hard work, love and wisdom.

The Resource Centre has been a cradle for a basketful of creative civil society programmes that have sought to express the same relevance and commitment to people’s needs as the remarkably healing human-scale architecture for which the building has become known.

Written by Stan Maher

AFRICA: HER TIME HAS COME

2009-01-14T13:44:00.001-08:00

Hi there! I could not think of a better way to start this blog than with this awesome video by the very talented performance artist and musician Francois le Roux. (who by the way, will be the main attraction at our upcoming Beautiful Schools Concert on Feb. 15th, 2009)

The song is titled "Africa: Her Time Has Come" and it has been sung by various international choirs since its conception in 2003 and a great number of people are proposing for the Soccer World Cup in 2010. Check it out and let us, and Francois know what you think!

I couldn't help but feel very emotional after listening to it, and could certainly relate to Francois' words "I came back to Africa to find my Soul". Powerful video! We at Novalis Ubuntu have began preparations for this wonderful event. In the meantime, check out this video. We're all very excited to have Francois at Novalis Ubuntu next month.

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year 2009!

2008-12-24T04:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Novalis Ubuntu Friend,

As we’re coming to the end of the year we want to take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy Holiday and thank you for your continued presence and support. We could have never done it without you!

September 2008 marked the beginning of a year-long celebration of 25 years in the Holistic Education field. We expect 2009 to be a year of more celebration, expansion and growth!

We are so grateful for all we were able to accomplish in 2008 and rather than telling you about it in a long email, we thought it would be nice to 'show' you by inviting you to view our 2008 web photo album slideshow. In the mix we've also added a couple of videos. Enjoy!

May your 2009 be filled with greater Love, Abundance, Happiness and Growth! Happy Holidays!

With Love and Gratitude,

The Novalis Ubuntu Institute's Staff