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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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iMeditate Africa Weekly – Meditate Fridays in Masiphumelele

As part of the iMeditate Africa Campaign, Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) graduates are facilitating free weekly Meditate Friday sessions at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation in Masiphumelele, Cape Town.

Meditate Fridays were created to provide young people with a safe space to pause, reflect, and learn practical tools for managing stress and emotions. With mental health becoming an increasing concern in many communities, these sessions aim to equip youth with simple yet effective techniques to help them self-regulate, build resilience, and cope with stress and trauma.

The initiative is a partnership between IAHV South Africa and the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation and forms part of the broader iMeditate Africa Campaign, which was launched during Africa Month in May.

Through guided meditation and mindfulness practices, participants are introduced to tools that support mental wellbeing while fostering a greater sense of calm, focus, and inner strength.

We are proud of our YLTP graduates who continue to give back to their communities by sharing these valuable life skills and helping to create positive change.

Together, through initiatives such as iMeditate Africa, we are contributing towards the vision of building a more peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Africa.

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Breath Water Sound Workshop at Jeppe Phakamisa Ubuntu

The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) is proud to be part of an ongoing collaboration with the Jeppe Phakamisa Ubuntu (JPU) community programme, coordinated by the School of Practical Philosophy (SPP).

JPU has been serving children in the Jeppe community for more than 25 years and is open to all children living in the area. Earlier this year, IAHV volunteers approached JPU with the idea of introducing the Breath Water Sound (BWS) Programme to complement the activities already offered. The proposal was warmly received and supported by the JPU team.

The JPU BWS Project began on 7 March 2026 and continues successfully through weekly follow-up sessions.

Each week brings a unique experience, with children responding positively to the calming practices and enjoying the interaction with volunteers. Activities introduced through the programme include storytelling, simple seated yoga stretches, breathing and mindfulness exercises, singing, and interactive group activities.

Looking ahead, the volunteers plan to introduce more songs and interactive activities, build a shared repertoire of music and wellbeing practices, and encourage participation in age-appropriate community service projects.

A special thank you to the dedicated volunteers who have made this initiative possible:

  • Leila Lewis – IAHV Volunteer and BWS Facilitator
  • Shivani Ramgovind – IAHV Volunteer and BWS Facilitator
  • Aradhana Bageloo – IAHV Volunteer and BWS Facilitator
  • Sarita Devchand – IAHV Volunteer and Art of Living Teacher
  • Manoj Dayal – IAHV Volunteer and Art of Living Teacher

Well done to the entire team for your dedication, effort, and perseverance in bringing these valuable tools and experiences to the children of Jeppe.

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Breath Water Sound Workshop at Juno Aurora Haven

A beautiful Breath Water Sound (BWS) Workshop was recently held at Juno Aurora Haven in Kelvin, Sandton, facilitated by Sumendrie and Shivani, VTP Graduates.

It was an amazing experience with these beautiful children, each carrying big hopes and dreams for their future. Over the many days of the workshop, it was heartwarming to witness their attention, engagement, and enthusiasm throughout the program.

To make the experience even more special, hygiene packs were distributed to the children old enough to participate in the workshop. Packs with crayons, colouring books, and other goodies were also prepared for the younger children so they could feel included too.

On the final day, the children enjoyed a mild vegetable biryani before receiving certificates to celebrate the successful completion of the program.

One of the greatest gifts has been reading the children’s experiences and reflections after the workshop. With follow-up sessions planned, there is great confidence that the positive impact of the program will continue to stay with them.

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Sponsorship of Yoga Mats for Senior Citizens Wellness Program

Recently, IAHV/Art of Living teachers Kamal Nepal and Rakhee Ramgolam, together with dedicated volunteers, facilitated an iKasi Happiness Program in iNanda Township, KwaZulu-Natal, at eLungelo Labadala for a group of senior citizens.

The program was arranged and supported by Xolani Radebe, a certified yoga teacher who has been quietly transforming lives through his selfless service to the elderly in his community. Despite facing personal challenges and currently being unemployed, Xolani continues to serve with unwavering commitment and compassion. His dedication ensures that the seniors in his care benefit holistically from the practice of yoga — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Until recently, the group practiced without proper equipment, using towels and cloths as makeshift mats. Recognising the need for safer and more comfortable practice conditions, IAHV stepped in to donate 50 yoga mats to the group.

This simple yet meaningful contribution has enhanced the quality of their sessions, allowing participants to practice with greater ease, dignity, and support.

IAHV extends its heartfelt appreciation to Xolani for his inspiring service and wishes him and his wellness group continued growth, strength, and impact within the community.

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Support for Du Noon Fire Victims (Western Cape)

Earlier this month, a devastating fire swept through Du Noon in the Western Cape, leaving many families displaced and in urgent need of support. In response, graduates of the Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) stepped forward to assist the affected community.

Several YLTP graduates have been actively volunteering at Silverleaf Primary School, where they recently supported learners during a Breath Water Sound (BWS) workshop. Through their close engagement with the school, it became clear that replacing lost school uniforms was an immediate priority for many of the children.

Thanks to the generosity of a sponsor, and the dedicated efforts of volunteers Diego and Cindy, new school uniforms were purchased and distributed to the learners. This simple yet meaningful support has helped restore dignity, stability, and a sense of normalcy for the children as they continue their education.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this initiative possible. Together, we continue to stand in service of communities in need.

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Children’s party at The Nelson Mandela Community Youth Centre (NMCYC)

On the 20th December, The Nelson Mandela Community Youth Centre (NMCYC) was lit up by the presence of 350 children who were treated to a day of fun, laughter, gifts, a hearty meal, music and dance.

This was a collaboration between The International Association for Human Values (IAHV), the Revolution Motorcycle Club and The Nelson Mandela Community Youth Centre who made it possible to have Children from various parts of Durban and different organisations brought to the centre to celebrate the end of 2025.

The children were treated to a snack on arrival, a live band, a clown that got their tummy aching with laughter, quizzes with prizes, stationery, a sumptuous lunch, ice cream and each child left with a goodie bag.

A representative from iCare said:

“We had a good time. Thanks for the invitation, Artists performance, food/ drinks, Christmas gifts for the boys- above all, gathering the children in one place to feel that belonging, opening the  platform for children show their strengths on talents, educational development and more. Once again, thanks a lot for inviting us.”

A huge thank you to over 50 Volunteers that made this event possible.

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Landsdowne Homeless Community – CT Christmas 2025

Thanks for supporting our Christmas Day Lunch event in Cape Town!

Our objective was to share the joy of Christmas and make the community feel loved and cared for.  We had a successful Christmas event with 130 people from the homeless community in Lansdowne. We served biryani, potato salad, jelly and custard, cake and cooldrink. We were also able to gift them a bag of non-perishable food items. We are deeply grateful for everyone’s generosity, kindness and enthusiasm that made this event possible.

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Volunteers needed to help pack over 1000 Christmas hampers 🎄🎁

We need 50 volunteers to assist in unpacking wholesale packages and repackaging the food items into 1,000 individual hamper boxes in Randburg, JHB, on the 29th of November 2025.

Please confirm your attendance by emailing projects@iahv.org.za with your name and contact number.

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IAHV South Africa

The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) is a worldwide organisation with a mission to make the world a better place by fostering globally the values that unite us as a human community.

IAHV holds special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Projects

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