IAHV Blanket Drive Brings Warmth to Families in KwaZulu-Natal

The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) South Africa extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to our IAHV Blanket Drive in KwaZulu-Natal.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the blanket drive reached more families in need than we ever imagined. Your support has transformed compassion into action, bringing warmth and comfort to those facing the winter cold. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and for helping to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many.

As part of the Guru Purnima celebrations, IAHV volunteers Previn, Veena, Verosha and Rashnee packed and distributed 130 blankets to learners, as well as the security and cleaning staff, at Dr Macken Mistry Primary School in the Sea Cow Lake area of KwaZulu-Natal.

This initiative is a wonderful reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together in the spirit of service. Every blanket shared was more than a gift of warmth—it was a gesture of care, dignity and hope.

To everyone who donated, volunteered and supported this project, thank you for helping us spread kindness where it was needed most. Together, we continue to create positive change, one act of service at a time.

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YLTP Graduates Excel in Home Based Care Examinations

The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) South Africa is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Ayabonga Mde and Vathiswa Guwata, who successfully completed their Home Based Care examinations, both passing with distinction on 21 July 2026.

Ayabonga and Vathiswa are part of the second group of Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) graduates to participate in the Home Based Care, Health Assistant and First Aid Skills Development Programme. Their exceptional results reflect their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

As they begin their practical placements in their respective departments to complete their certification, we wish them every success in this next phase of their journey. We are confident that the knowledge and skills they have gained will enable them to serve their communities with compassion, professionalism, and care.

Congratulations once again, Ayabee and Vathiswa! Your achievement is an inspiration, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to make in your communities.

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Celebrating Mandela Day 2026 Through Service and Togetherness

Mandela Day 2026 was celebrated on Saturday, 18 July, by the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), together with graduates of the Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP), IAHV teachers and volunteers, through a beautiful day of service at the Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town.

Inspired by the spirit of Ubuntu and Nelson Mandela’s legacy of selfless service, volunteers came together to make a meaningful contribution to the community. The day was filled with compassion, teamwork and the joy that comes from serving others.

One of the highlights of the celebration is a breathtaking video, beautifully compiled by Mandla Boqwana, an IAHV YLTP Graduate and Youth Leader. The video captures the energy, smiles and heartfelt moments that made the day so special, allowing everyone to experience the true Spirit of Giving that inspired the initiative.

Every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the power to create lasting change. Through service, we strengthen our communities, uplift one another and honour the values that Mandela Day represents.

Watch the video below and experience the Spirit of Giving for yourself.

Together, we celebrate life, inspire hope and make a meaningful difference.

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Growing Together at the 1860 Heritage Centre

As part of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s 70th birthday celebrations and in honour of 45 years of the Art of Living, volunteers from the International Association for Human Values (IAHV) and the Art of Living have come together to support the ongoing care of the 1860 Heritage Centre in Durban.

The 1860 Heritage Centre is a unique museum dedicated to the pioneers who journeyed from India to South Africa between 1860 and 1911. It stands as a proud testimony to their courage, determination and sacrifice, preserving the history and legacy of a community that helped shape South Africa’s rich cultural heritage. Located in the heart of Durban on Derby Street, the Centre serves as an important place of remembrance, education and community connection.

Our volunteer initiative aims to assist with the cleaning and maintenance of the Centre’s gardens and outdoor spaces. The vision includes upgrading the garden, planting trees and flowers, and creating a welcoming environment with features such as a garden bench for visitors to enjoy.

In May, a garden hosepipe was donated to the 1860 Heritage Centre to support the ongoing development and maintenance of the garden. What began as a small act of service by our volunteer, Kaveri Padayachee, has steadily grown, one step at a time.

Kaveri has generously dedicated her time, energy and expertise to the Heritage Centre Garden Project. Her passion for creating beautiful, welcoming spaces also led to an invitation to upgrade the plants inside the Grey Street Mosque. Today, each week, more members of our community join Kaveri, contributing their time and creativity to this colourful and meaningful project.

This initiative is a wonderful example of how small acts of service can grow into lasting community impact. Through collective effort, we are not only helping to preserve an important piece of South African history, but also creating spaces that inspire pride, connection and belonging.

If you would like to learn more or become involved in the project, please contact Kaveri Padayachee at kaveripadayachee@gmail.com.

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Our First YLTP Free Dental Camp

The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) recently hosted its first Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) Free Dental Camp, coordinated by Youth Leader Lwando Siboninge and Community Leader Kina Mbulelo Dumani.

The initiative was a partnership between IAHV, Projekt Ubuntu, Exchange do Bem, You2Africa, Masi Creative Hub, and Dent Care, a local dental practice serving the community.

The Dental Camp week included free dental and oral hygiene workshops, fun activities, free dental screenings, and free dental treatment for children. During the week, 170 children were screened by Dr Keziah Reddy, with 60 children receiving free dental treatment.

The aim of the Dental Camp is to improve oral hygiene among children and young adults. Good oral hygiene and dental care are an important part of overall health and well-being and help strengthen young immune systems.

This initiative forms part of our YLTP in Community approach, implementing the 5H Programme – Health, Hygiene, Homes, Human Values, and Harmony in Diversity.

Our Youth Leaders continue to serve their communities through a variety of projects, including soccer clubs and youth activities, food gardens and nutrition programmes, free medical and dental camps, clean-up campaigns, the implementation of Breath-Water-Sound workshops, and weekly Meditation Fridays.

The week concluded with a meditation session at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, bringing together our Brazilian volunteers and local youth. The meditation was facilitated by Youth Leader Yasmin Mzwai.

IAHV extends its sincere gratitude to all our partners, volunteers, healthcare professionals, and youth leaders for making our first YLTP Free Dental Camp a meaningful success.

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Bringing Smiles to Senior Citizens at GrandWest

The IAHV Smile Senior Citizens (SSC) Project, led by Shirish and Ruweida Soni, brought together 150 senior citizens from six community groups for a special movie morning at CineCentre, GrandWest Casino on 6 June 2026.

The Smile Senior Citizens Project is one of IAHV’s flagship initiatives, dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults through meaningful experiences, companionship, entertainment, and care.

Seniors from Seniors Connect, Club 60, Bemur Seniors, Red Roses, Leawood Seniors, and the Art of Living community enjoyed a screening of Michael, the inspiring story of pop icon Michael Jackson’s journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 to becoming one of the world’s greatest entertainers. Each guest also received complimentary popcorn and a soft drink to complete the cinema experience.

The gathering also marked two special milestones—the 70th birthday celebrations of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the 45th Anniversary of the Art of Living Foundation—making the occasion even more memorable for everyone present.

IAHV extends its heartfelt gratitude to AB Moosa, the shareholders, management, and staff of CineCentre for their generous support and hospitality. Most importantly, the day achieved its greatest purpose: bringing joy, connection, and plenty of smiles to our cherished senior citizens.

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