What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead” – Nelson Mandela
At the Vodacom Change the World conference the volunteers who were selected for this year’s program were inspired to launch projects that would alter the lives of fellow South Africans. Although we are all aiming to make a huge impact with our projects it is important not to forget that “Small Acts Change the World!” What I have experienced over the past few days is no exception – the kindness of a few volunteers has played a crucial roll in the refining and launching of the Tales of Turning project on social media platforms. One such volunteer is actress, singer and dancer, Caitlin Kilburn who gave a day of her time this week to help set up the project’s social media. (An exciting side-note: you can see her in action in the upcoming musical “Snoopy”). Duncan Prince, founder of Ranga Media, played a pivotal role in the process by contributing his expert advice and training me to set up and manage the Tales of Turning blog site. By sharing what we can, when we can, and appreciating those that do – we can make a great impact in our community, together.
Jenna-Lee Strugnell, Tales of Turning Project Manager, was awarded a bursary from the Dympna Meaney Women’s Leadership Development Fund which she will use to strengthen her knowledge in Narrative Therapy. The Dympna Meaney Women’s Leadership Development Fund connects women leaders with skills building opportunities to strengthen their contribution to global human rights. These skills will enhance the efficacy of the Tales of Turning project.
In collaboration with the Narrative Foundation the Tales of Turning project was launched in Durban this week. The community upliftment initiative was made possible by sponsorship from Vodacom. Project Manager, Jenna-Lee Strugnell, and Narrative Foundation Founder, Yvonne Sliep, flew to Johannesburg to attend the Vodacom conference. The conference provided an opportunity to witness the passion which goes into the Vodacom Change the World program and to network with other South African NGOs.
Tales of Turning uses Narrative Therapy techniques to identify the challenges that mothers are facing in South Africa. The project will facilitate a safe space where mothers can re-author the stories of their lives and delve into the hidden possibilities which are located within themselves. The Tales of Turning project aims to generate aspiration and confidence in mothers as well as to facilitate a space where they can identify their strengths and skills. The project goals include resource mapping and building links with other groups and agencies.