The WISA 2010 Committee; in partnership with Southern Sun, have decided to “Give Back” to the KZN community and ask all the delegates to join them in their efforts.

The Committee has commissioned Jane Du Rand – Ceramic Mosaic Artist – to create a “WISA Water Droplet.” The “Water Droplet” will be constructed from a number of individually made ceramic mosaic tiles, attached to a spherical mesh frame.

You as the delegate are asked to donate towards the purchasing of the individual and unique ceramic tiles for R50.00. At registration, on arrival at the conference, you will be handed your tile and asked to place it on the frame.

By contributing to the “Water Droplet” your name and details will be placed in a lucky draw for a Southern Sun Breakaway and after much consideration the WISA 2010 Committee decided all proceeds will be given to Bobbi Bear, an organisation which exists to assist and nurture abused children.

Operation Bobbi Bear aims to further increase the quality, in which, children are handled and cared for in cases of abuse as well as empower vulnerable and orphaned children and parents to become aware of HIV/AIDS, Wellness Management and Positive Living in community. In turn they hope to minimize the risk of HIV infection and helping them towards wholeness.

This is important because in South Africa:

• The reported cases of child sexual abuse have increased by 400% in the past 8 - 9 years.

• In KwaZulu-Natal it is estimated that 51% of adults between 16 and 45 years are HIV+. Since this is the perpetrator age group for sexual abuse, child victims are at risk of contracting HIV.

• Rape and abuse charge dockets are difficult to complete due to language barriers (we have 11 official languages in South Africa). The loss of facts results in cases being refused to be heard in a court of law, and the perpetrators of the crimes walk free.

• The child rape victims experience secondary abuse when giving statements and evidence and being medically examined.

• The ongoing care for child abuse victims is often inconsistent - the child becomes confused since they are required to work with many different adults.

Operation Bobbi Bear Steps in when an abuse is reported; be it Physical or Mental abuse, and assists the child by acting as their interpreter and voice where needed.

After the Conference the “WISA Water Droplet” will be hung in the WISA head office and will serve as a reminder to all that one “drop” can make a difference.

To assist the WISA 2010 Committee on their Endeavour please donate on your registration form. Alternatively please click here to ONLY purchase a tile (or two).

• Visit the Bobbi Bear website for more information on the organisation and the work they do.
• Visit Jane Du Rand website
• Visit Southern Sun website