Peacebuilding

Breath Water Sound Workshop Brings Wellness to Barrydale Youth

From 26–29 October 2026, IAHV, in partnership with Bright Haven, hosted another successful Breath Water Sound (BWS) Workshop at Fordshaven Hall in Barrydale, bringing together 35 young people from the local community for four days of learning, connection and personal growth.

Facilitated by IAHV BWS facilitator Francois Beer, the programme introduced participants to the benefits of breathwork, mindfulness, relaxation and sound-based practices, offering practical tools to support emotional well-being, self-awareness and inner balance.

The workshop forms part of IAHV Barrydale and Bright Haven’s ongoing commitment to making accessible wellness programmes available within the rural community, creating opportunities for young people to develop skills that can positively impact their everyday lives.

The success of the workshop would not have been possible without the generosity and commitment of the sponsors, facilitators and volunteers who helped bring the programme to life.

Bright Haven extends its heartfelt appreciation to:

Ladles of Love – for generously sponsoring and supporting the food.

OK Foods – for contributing food donations towards the workshop.

Natalie Uren – for her valuable support and involvement.

Elzaan Jumbo – for generously volunteering her time and preparing the meals.

Judha – from the Art of Living Barrydale Centre, for his dedication and commitment to the programme.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making these four days possible. Through initiatives like these, IAHV and its community partners continue to create opportunities for positive change, bringing practical wellness tools, connection and hope to communities across South Africa.

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Smile Senior Citizens Celebrate Community Service in Mitchells Plain

On 30 October 2026, Smile Senior Citizens (IAHV), led by project leaders Shirish and Ruweida Soni, participated in the Mitchells Plain Community Service Awards – a wonderful celebration recognising individuals making a meaningful difference in their communities.

The event also marked several important milestones: 40 Community Service Awards recognising people across different sectors, 45 years of the Art of Living Foundation, 50 years of Mitchells Plain and 10 years of the Mitchells Plain United Residents Association (MURA).

A special highlight of the evening was the recognition of three Smile Senior Citizens seva warriors, each receiving a R5,000 voucher and a gift bag from Smile Senior Citizens (IAHV).

The vouchers will enable these dedicated volunteers to initiate or support a community project of their choice, in partnership with Smile Senior Citizens (IAHV) and MURA, extending the spirit of service and creating even more opportunities to uplift local communities.

This initiative marks the fourth seva project undertaken by Smile Senior Citizens (IAHV) in celebration of the Art of Living Foundation’s 45th anniversary.

It was a fantastic evening celebrating service, community spirit and the power of working together. As the event so beautifully demonstrated, when we join hands and work together, we can do so much more for our communities.

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Sri Sri Phoenix Community Centre – Community Wellness Day Celebration

The Sri Sri Phoenix Community Centre came alive with joy, connection and community spirit as IAHV volunteers, together with The Art of Living, hosted a special Community Wellness Day.

The celebration marked three important milestones: Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s 70th birthday, the 45th Anniversary of The Art of Living, and 25 years of The Art of Living in Phoenix – the Silver Jubilee.

The day began with yoga and meditation, giving participants an opportunity to refresh their bodies, calm their minds and experience the benefits of mindfulness and relaxation.

Throughout the event, a variety of wellness and food stalls offered healthy lifestyle options, delicious food and refreshing drinks. A free medical camp also provided blood pressure, blood sugar and women’s health screenings.

There was plenty of fun for the younger members of the community too, with games and activities for children creating a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

The Community Wellness Day brought people of all ages together to learn about healthy living, enjoy wellness activities and celebrate the strength of community.

It was a wonderful celebration of Health, Happiness and Community Spirit, while honouring 25 years of The Art of Living in Phoenix.

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Roots of Change: Growing a Greener Future at Havenpark Secondary School

One tree at a time, a community can create lasting change.

Roots of Change is an IAHV-registered community initiative led by Ramona Sewlal, with a meaningful goal: to plant 1,000 Spekboom trees across the grounds of Havenpark Secondary School, creating a greener, healthier and more inspiring environment for learners.

The initiative came to life during the school’s Arbor Day celebration, where learners and staff welcomed Ramona and celebrated the beginning of this exciting environmental project.

Planting the seeds of change

Spekboom, a proudly South African indigenous plant, is well known for its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and support healthier air. By introducing hundreds of these hardy, water-wise plants to the school grounds, Roots of Change aims to contribute to a more sustainable environment while transforming the spaces where learners spend their school days.

The planting of 1,000 trees is about more than simply adding greenery. It is about encouraging young people to take an active role in caring for their environment and showing how small, consistent actions can grow into something much bigger.

As the trees take root and grow, they will become a living reminder of community, responsibility and the possibility of positive change.

Nurturing the environment — and the individual

The Arbor Day celebration also included a short meditation led by Ramona, giving learners an opportunity to pause, become still and connect with themselves.

This combination of environmental action and inner wellbeing reflects the holistic spirit of IAHV — recognising that creating a better world begins both around us and within us.

When young people are given opportunities to care for their surroundings, connect with themselves and contribute to their communities, they become part of a culture of positive change.

A greener future, together

IAHV extends its heartfelt appreciation to Havenpark Secondary School for embracing the Roots of Change initiative and to Ramona Sewlal for her generosity, leadership and commitment to environmental sustainability.

The journey towards 1,000 trees has begun — and with every tree planted, the roots of a greener future grow deeper.

Together, we grow. Together, we make a difference.

Roots of Change is an IAHV-registered community initiative led by Ramona Sewlal.

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Finding Calm and Hope: IAHV Prison Programme Reaches 44 Participants

Sometimes the most meaningful transformation happens quietly — in places and among people who are often overlooked.

A recent five-day International Association for Human Values (IAHV) Prison Programme brought practical tools for stress management, self-awareness and emotional wellbeing to 44 participants.

Facilitated by Rinel, Vishalin and Arti, the programme created a space where participants could pause, reflect and explore new ways of responding to the challenges they face.

For many, the experience offered something as simple — and as powerful — as a sense of calm.

Discovering a different experience within

Throughout the programme, participants were introduced to practical techniques designed to help manage stress, develop greater self-awareness and support emotional wellbeing.

The impact was reflected in the feedback shared during the programme. Several participants spoke about feeling more relaxed and calm, with some describing an improvement in their sleep and a greater sense of clarity within themselves.

For people living in challenging circumstances, having practical tools that can be used independently can be particularly meaningful. The techniques learned during the programme offer participants something they can continue to practise beyond the sessions.

When participants begin supporting one another

One of the most encouraging aspects of the programme was seeing participants engage with what they were learning and begin sharing the tools with one another.

The programme became more than simply learning techniques. It became an opportunity for participants to encourage each other, reflect on their own experiences and recognise that they have some ability to influence how they respond to stress and difficult emotions.

This kind of peer encouragement can be a powerful part of the learning process — when participants begin taking ownership of the tools and helping others discover their benefits too.

Creating space for hope and new possibilities

The IAHV Prison Programme is rooted in the belief that every person has the potential for positive change, regardless of their circumstances.

Providing practical tools for managing stress and developing greater self-awareness can help create an important foundation for that change. Just as importantly, programmes like these create space for people to experience dignity, connection and hope.

The openness and willingness of the 44 participants to engage with the programme was deeply moving for the facilitators.

Every person deserves the opportunity to rediscover hope, dignity and the possibility of a new beginning.

Through its prison programmes, IAHV continues to bring practical tools and human values into environments where they can make a meaningful difference — one person, one breath and one moment of transformation at a time.

Learn more about IAHV’s Prison Programme in South Africa:
⁠IAHV Prison Programme South Africa

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Bringing Calm and Resilience to Children Through Breath, Water & Sound

The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) is bringing practical tools for emotional wellbeing to children in Ocean View and Masiphumelele through the Breath, Water & Sound (BWS) Trauma Education Programme.

The programme is being rolled out by IAHV Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) graduates, who are taking their learning and leadership back into their communities. The initiative aims to reach approximately 100 children each month, introducing them to simple, accessible tools to help self-regulate their emotions and manage stress and trauma.

The early feedback from the children has been incredibly encouraging. Participants have shared that they feel calmer, more settled and better regulated after engaging with the programme — a wonderful indication of the positive impact these tools can have.

This programme demonstrates the power of equipping young people with the skills to become agents of positive change within their own communities. Through the dedication of our YLTP graduates, children are being given tools they can use not only during the sessions, but throughout their everyday lives.

We are deeply grateful to The Protea Project, whose generous funding is supporting this pilot programme. Their investment is helping us bring these valuable tools to more children and contribute to building healthier, calmer and more peaceful communities.

Together, we can give young people the tools to manage stress, build resilience and create a more peaceful future — one child and one community at a time.

 

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A Special Visit to the 1860 Heritage Garden Project

We had the honour of welcoming Neeshan Balton, Executive Director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, to the 1860 Heritage Garden Project.

Neeshan was in Durban to speak at the unveiling of the Babita Deokaran Monument, and we were delighted that he took the time to visit the garden and learn more about this special heritage project.

During the tour, we shared the story and vision behind the garden, and how an once-overgrown and neglected space is gradually being transformed into a vibrant indigenous garden – rooted in heritage, community and remembrance.

At the end of the tour, Neeshan was most pleased and pleasantly surprised to discover that there is much more to the garden than meets the eye. What may initially appear to be a garden is, in fact, a living project with layers of history, meaning and purpose.

The 1860 Heritage Garden continues to grow, evolve and take shape through the dedication of everyone involved and the support of those who believe in its vision.

We are grateful to Neeshan for taking the time to visit and for his interest and encouragement. Visits such as these remind us of the importance of preserving our heritage while creating something meaningful for future generations.

🌿 The garden continues to grow – and so does its story.

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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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Breath Water Sound Workshop at Cape Town Trauma Centre

A recent Breath Water Sound (BWS) Workshop was held at the Cape Town Trauma Centre with Marguerite and Merinda, bringing together 20 phenomenal social workers for a deeply meaningful experience.

Teaching BWS continues to be a journey of expanded awareness, deep transformation, and a joy that is often difficult to put into words. During the workshop, these beautiful and inspiring individuals opened themselves fully to the present moment with courage, openness, and genuine joy.

Experiences like these are a powerful reminder of the impact of breath, presence, healing, and human connection.

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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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    Carry the Love. Spread the Smiles.
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