Campaigns Archive - Page 6 of 7

Santa parcels for the Pasta Kitchen

R70 per parcel will cover these purchases, which will be bought in bulk to have the same in all parcels and reduce cost.

We will surprise hand-out at the pasta kitchen in early December. Participation of all is greatly appreciated.

Kerala Floods Relief

The International Association for Human Values (IAHV), sister organisation of the Art of Living Foundation, invites you to contribute towards the – Kerala Floods Relief fund.

Winter Pack for Kids

Let us open our hearts, wallets and purses and spread the love by keeping the children of South Africa warm during winter. “Let every action be an expression of love.”

The winter warm pack consists of:

Beanie
Scarf
Gloves
A few packets of soup

Your generous contribution of R60.00 per packet will go a long mile as you bring a smile in keeping the children that are less fortunate warm in winter. If you are feeling more generous R150.00 will include a blanket too.

Project Leader: Manisha Narayan
Tel: +27 83 680 7166
Email: manisha@phoenixice.co.za

Winter Warmer Blanket Drive

In honour of Madiba’s values let us all contribute this Mandela Day to the gift of a warm blanket to be handed to the Guests at the Pasta Kitchen on Wednesday 19th of July.

pastakitchen

Siyaphambili Day Care and Pre-school (Eikenhof)

Started: 2013

Lerato Educational Centre is a non-government school for underprivileged children from the ages of 3 -10 years. The school was started by Sister Mary Hughes in 2001. There are a total of 22 teachers. The school depends on donations and veggies received and cooks daily on the premises for ± 550 children.

The centre is run and managed by a board of trustees and Sister Helen Hartnett deals with the day-to-day running of the centre.

Feeding of underprivileged children for the day.
Bring smiles and joy to everyone partaking on the day.
An opportunity for volunteers to take part in the seva (service), execute and also contribute towards the fund raising for the project.

Youth Leadership Training Programme (YLTP)

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

African youth are increasingly facing challenges such as:

Deterioration of mental health
Exposure to violence and crime
Intergenerational trauma
Inadequate education
Alcohol, substance and drug abuse
Depression leading to suicide
Economic hardship
Lack of vision and goal setting
Inability to identify opportunities
Self-doubt and lack of confidence
Weak commitment and execution

A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION

The core components of the YLTP are:

Youth are empowered with:

Breath Water Sound

Simple breathing, sound relaxation, and meditation techniques are taught to relax the individual.

“From what the participants say it looks like for some of them life will never be the same after this course. It gave hope to those that were lost in hopelessness, lost in despair, joy to those who were surrounded by misery, peace to those whose life was in turmoil.” – Zethu Xapile, Hospital Manager, Mitchell’s Plain CHC

These techniques teach people how to handle negative emotions such as anger, regret and depression. By dealing with these emotions, there is a sense of peace and relaxation. What follows is mental clarity, confidence and focus to find solutions for challenges faced in the rural areas – be it substance abuse, infrastructural problems or lack of basic amenities.

When empowerment starts with individual transformation, it is sustainable. Communities are made up of individuals and empowered people naturally lead their communities towards progress.

A major component of the workshop is to foster community development and service. The values of responsibility for oneself and the needs of others, teamwork, sharing and service are kindled through a number of processes. This ensures that a strong community spirit and ownership of society is built, with cultural appreciation encouraged. On closure of the course, participants choose to contribute to a group community project with the aim of uplifting and empowering the community in which they live.

Breath Water Sound Workshop has been successful in:

Eliminating Stress
Reducing alcoholism and drug abuse and abusive behaviour patterns
Increasing, energy overall health and mental well-being
Reaffirming basic human values
Inspiring greater responsibility and a feeling of belongingness
Building communities and the community spirit

Breath Water Sound provides support for those living with HIV/ AIDS:
by alleviating depression and stress of those living with AIDS and their caregivers, family members and the community

by boosting energy and the immune system
by providing education on proper nutrition which empowers people to take better care of their bodies
a strong sense of belongingness is fostered, encouraging people to share their status

In South Africa BWS program has been rolled out to schools, churches, rehabilitation centers in the Gauteng, Pretoria and Cape Town areas.

Programs around the country

BWS course with 400 learners from Portia Primary School’s Foundation Phase in Cape Town:

It was so wonderful for us to be at Where Rainbows Meet and even the very young children were receptive to the personal development techniques, games and lessons on peace building, health and nutrition. Usually our Breath, Water, Sound courses are run for 7-12 year olds as well as adults, but we adapted the teachings to make it suitable for the younger age group and the course worked very well.

Thank you once again for welcoming us so warmly and to all the teachers that assisted us with the children. Their support was invaluable. Thank you for all that you do for the children and the community of Vrygrond and brining so much light and joy into these children’s lives.

With the University of Cape Town cleaning staff it is so special to hear how the knowledge and meditation techniques taught on the course has brought such peace and positivity in the lives of the participants, especially when experienced at the workplace with their colleagues.

Orange Farm at the Bokamoso – Skills & Economic development Centre

The feedback from participants was positive. They were able to understand themselves in relation to their body and mind. The power of the mind- empowered learners to understand that all starts in the mind and positive thinking is the key to that philosophy.

Learners were happy and they have started to exercise all the techniques learned in that workshop and changes are starting to occur. But with the understanding that BWS it’s a journey which ought to be undertaken with
commitment.

Obs Pasta Kitchen

Volunteers welcome!

Join us ANY or EVERY WEDNESDAY
No need to RSVP
Just arrive at 16h30

Every Wednesday

Hours

Dinner service: 16h30 for 17h00 service until 18h15

Address
Obs Pasta Kitchen: St. Michael & All Angels hall (entrance in Bedford Street, Observatory, off St. Michaels Rd)

Contact

Contact us on obspastakitchen@gmail.com or on social media @obspastakitchen on Instagram and Facebook.

“Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and feed him for a lifetime.”

A known dilemma of charity organisations is that handouts solve short-term problems but perpetuate longer term ones. To truly help the homeless and needy our goal should be to empower these people to help themselves.

So while the Obs Pasta Kitchen solves the short-term problem of hungry bellies, we have a higher purpose and long-term plan.

The Obs Pasta Kitchen is not just about handouts. This is more than a plate of food but an introduction to a long-lasting relationship.

Soup kitchens are known the world over for offering a warm plate of food to the hungry.
Observatory has always been a little left-of-centre and so we evolved the concept to create the Obs Pasta Kitchen.

Every Wednesday evening we offer a hot bowl of pasta to the many needy residents (often homeless) and passers-through in Observatory. But more than providing a meal it’s about creating connections with the people on the streets and developing a long-term strategy to help elevate their lives.

Not just a “soup kitchen”

“Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and feed him for a lifetime.”

A known dilemma of charity organisations is that handouts solve short-term problems but perpetuate longer term ones. To truly help the homeless and needy our goal should be to empower these people to help themselves.

So while the Obs Pasta Kitchen solves the short-term problem of hungry bellies, we have a higher purpose and long-term plan.

The Obs Pasta Kitchen is not just about handouts. This is more than a plate of food but an introduction to a long-lasting relationship.

Our volunteers will not only be handing out food but engaging with our guests. We are offering emotional support and an ear to listen with the aim of discovering how we can help these people more.

We would like to make ourselves available to change these people’s lives, to ultimately help them get off the street. It’s the opportunity for them to introduce themselves and share a load. It’s about acknowledging the co-existence of each other in this community. It’s about giving those often ignored the time of day and the dignity we all deserve.

We want to understand the issues at play, how we can help, what skills we can share, and how we can get these people off the street one phase at a time.

The Obs Pasta Kitchen offers a plate of food with a side-helping of hope for a better future.

OUR PROGRAMS

WOW Sessions – Working on Wellness – Previously Working Wednesday

Every Wednesday from 9:30am-11am we meet at number 9 Shelley street hall for a free Human Values and Life skills workshop open to all guests who attend our Obs Pasta Kitchen or are living in Observatory.

Using tools of yoga and meditation we aim to empower the individual to create inner peace leading to peace in our community. We invite all residents of Observatory to join us.

WOW Sessions are also taking place in partnership with Streetscapes in Vredehoek gardens every Monday and in Kuilsriver on a Wednesday.

Breath, water and Sound course

We offer this course to committed attendees of our WOW sessions twice per year.

What specific donations does the Obs Pasta Kitchen need?

Specifically we need Pasta – macaroni, tinned tomato – this can be dropped off at 205 Lower main road Observatory at Ferdinandos Pizza.

More specifically donations of money are helpful for supporting our community.

18A tax certificates are provided for donations of R1000 or more

How can local residents become involved or volunteer?

Volunteers are needed for creation and distribution of meals on a Wednesday please contact Dani Saporetti via WhatsApp to be added to the calendar – 076 1749353

Volunteers are needed for WOW sessions please contact Kimon on WhatsApp 084 7710485

Volunteers who can work from home doing an hour or two of admin per month are needed to assist us, from writing out updates, working on the social media team and fundraising teams please contact Kimon on WhatsApp 084 7710485 or email Obspastakichen@gmail.com

All residents are invited to join our weekly meals and WOW sessions to create a greater sense of belongingness and community in Observatory.

Obs Pasta Kitchen has been featured on Expresso

“Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and feed him for a lifetime.”

YES! For Schools

The YES! for Schools curriculum teaches powerful breathing techniques and interactive awareness processes. This merging of cognitive social emotional learning (SEL) with physiological restorative practices is what makes YES! for Schools a highly successful tool for supporting both educator and learner performance.

Learners are equipped with practical tools and strategies to effectively manage their stress and emotions while at the same time boosting their energy levels, focus, concentration, creativity, self-esteem and connectedness.

YES! facilitators guide learners through the sessions using games, dynamic interactive processes and discussions.

Transformation begins at an individual level resulting in a more harmonious classroom setting and ultimately a sustainable shift for schools.

Educator and Parent Programmes are recommended for optimal support in sustaining a learning environment.

Building SA’s Youth

South African learners face the combined stress of poverty, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety on a daily basis. Without healthy alternatives, learners could resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as smoking, alcohol or drug usage, aggression, violence and withdrawal from social interaction. Through the YES! for Schools programme learners are equipped with vital tools to reduce stress and manage emotions.

A research study conducted over a two year period at a Californian High School showed:

38% reduction in violence
28% reduction in disruptive behavior
45% reduction in drug and alcohol abuse
45% reduction in suspension hours
Leaners are responding!

“I will be able to use these lessons throughout my life and achieve the goals I wish to achieve. Thank you YES! for Schools!’’ Grade 12 learner, Pretoria

“Yes! for Schools has helped me with a focus technique which helps me to focus on school subjects. With the power breath I don’t get so angry anymore, I am more relaxed.” MZ 13 yrs, Grade 7, Rammolutsi

Prison Program

Since its inception in South Africa in 1998, over 12, 000 prisoners have experienced the benefits of Prison Program – Stress Management And Rehabilitation Training. Globally, the programme has been taught to 800, 000 inmates.

The Prison Program aims to reduce offender recidivism and end the repeated cycle of violence and abuse. Without tools to process past trauma and present stresses, incarcerated individuals often cope with their negative emotions such as anger, guilt, mistrust, and frustration with unhealthy behaviors and attitudes- including violence, addiction, apathy or lethargy.

The programme offers practical methods for participants to transform these negative emotions for true and lasting rehabilitation and to develop the core human values innate in all human beings, namely a sense of compassion and service to others. Essential life skills are taught which enable individuals to accept responsibility for past actions and to handle future conflict and stressful situations successfully.

Art of Silence at Krugersdorp Correctional Centre 🌿

A 4-day Art of Silence Program was held in October 2025 at the Krugersdorp Correctional Center in Gauteng — the first of its kind in over 15 years!

This powerful and transformative program was the culmination of a 2–3 month journey, following two feeder Prison Programs that prepared participants for a deeper experience of silence & reflection.

With approval from the National Department of Correctional Services, all 40 participants were specially catered by AOL/IAHV to ensure the integrity of the program.

Santa parcels for the Pasta Kitchen

Kerala Floods Relief

Winter Pack for Kids

Winter Warmer Blanket Drive

Siyaphambili Day Care and Pre-school (Eikenhof)

Youth Leadership Training Programme (YLTP)

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION

Breath Water Sound

Programs around the country

Obs Pasta Kitchen

JOIN US!

Volunteers welcome!

Every Wednesday

Contact

“Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and feed him for a lifetime.”

Not just a “soup kitchen”

YES! For Schools

Prison Program

Art of Silence at Krugersdorp Correctional Centre 🌿

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Wellness Market Day | YLTP Fundraiser

Christmas Day Lunch for the Homeless

Kan Jy Dans (KJD): Inspiring Youth Leadership Through Dance

Santa parcels for the Pasta Kitchen