Stationery for Students

At IAHV, we believe that education is a powerful tool for transformation—and access to essential learning materials can make all the difference.

We’re proud to share that our IAHV Project Leader, Ruchay Sohawan, recently donated much-needed school stationery and books to Sierra Nevada Primary School in Lenasia South, Johannesburg.

This act of kindness brought joy and relief to both learners and educators, reinforcing the importance of community support in sustaining education, especially during challenging times.

In response, the school shared a heartfelt letter of appreciation:

“Please accept our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for your kind donation of the stationery and books for our learners. The success of the school is thanks to the generosity of the many loyal supporters, like yourselves.
It is heart-warming to note that in these times you are able to support the needs of the school.
Community support like yours is indispensable and plays a significant role in sustaining our services. We appreciate the magnitude of your gesture.”

We extend our deepest thanks to Ruchay for leading with compassion and to all our volunteers and supporters who continue to uplift communities through service.

Together, we can continue to inspire change—one child, one book, one act of kindness at a time.

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Spreading Joy and Dignity: The Smile Senior Citizens (SSC) Project

On Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2022, a heartwarming initiative took root in Bonteheuwel, Cape Town — the Smile Senior Citizens (SSC) project. Launched under the banner of the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), the SSC project is dedicated to bringing joy, care, and a renewed sense of dignity to our elders. True to its name, the project places smiles on the faces of senior citizens by focusing on three key pillars:

  • Entertainment: Providing uplifting and engaging activities that bring joy and connection.

  • Nutritious Meals: Ensuring seniors are cared for with hearty, wholesome meals.

  • Heartfelt Blessings: Celebrating and honouring elders with love, respect, and community support.

Following the success of its Cape Town launch, the SSC project expanded in 2024 to Durban, in collaboration with Tafta, further extending its reach and impact.

The roots of this beautiful Seva (selfless service) initiative go back to the very first Art of Living teachers in South Africa — Shirish and Ruweida Soni, who are now senior citizens themselves. Their vision and compassion continue to inspire communities to honour and support their elders.

If you’re inspired and would like to bring the Smile Senior Citizens project to your own area, you’re warmly encouraged to connect with Shirish and Ruweida to learn how you can get involved and make a difference.

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Breathing New Life at Wits: BWS Course Inspires Calm and Connection

On 15 May 2025, BWS teachers Nisha, Vigie, and Mafere successfully facilitated a Breath-Water-Sound (BWS) workshop at Wits University, with 24 participants joining the session.

The atmosphere was one of transformation and tranquility. Many participants expressed feeling calm, relaxed, and emotionally lighter after the session. One woman shared a particularly powerful testimony—she usually struggles with anger, but for the first time in a long while, she felt noticeably calmer. Her husband even noticed the shift, asking her what she had been doing differently.

Another participant, navigating personal hardships, expressed deep gratitude, describing the session as a source of profound peace in a difficult time.

There was a strong sense of community and enthusiasm in the group, with many participants eager to share their experiences. Several mentioned they would invite friends to the next BWS session and expressed a sincere desire to attend again.

As a heartfelt gesture of care, and in conjunction with IAHV’s ongoing Blanket Drive, each participant also received a warm blanket to take home.

This BWS course is part of IAHV’s broader commitment to emotional resilience and community upliftment, and the team is inspired to continue bringing more such impactful programs to those who need them most.

Stay tuned for upcoming sessions—and join us in breathing new life into our communities.

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