Little Lives

 The Idea

This christmas, give a gift that can change a life. Each year about 70,000 children are born with HIV/AIDs in South Africa. This is almost entirely preventable with the right care and medication for pregnant mothers.

The first step is for the mother to be tested for HIV. We are working with our charity partner Thembalethu, In South Africa to get this message to pregnant mums using a drama based workshop led by the Youth In Action group. The drama will show mums how to avoid passing HIV on to their babies. HIV councelling and testing will be available after each performance.
As further encouragement, we would like to offer each mum who is tested a 'new baby pack' with gifts for her baby.

How It Works

You can buy products online from Bella Natura, we will then put the items in either a recyclable or paper bag and they will be sent to South Africa. Please remember even the smallest of donations will help, here are some ideas:

1. New or nearly new baby clothing, suitable for 0-6 months (baby grows, jackets or cardigans, scratch mitts or booties)
2. New or nearly new baby blankets
3. New baby comforters (small soft cuddlies for bedtime).
4. New pots of baby cream.
5. New or nearly new baby board books (suitable for 0-12 months)
6. Baby hats or beanies.

You can find these items yourself or choose a gift from the Bella Natura shop where all the profits go to Thembalethu in South Africa.

How it Helps
You can be sure that your gift will helpto give a healthy, happier start in life to the babies of the Nkomazi, South Africa. This is the area where the youth in action group and our local charity partner, Thembalethu are based.

Did You Know
Youth In Action (UK) was set up this year by local people in North Somerset. Since January we have;

• Raised more than £30,000
• Provided a youth exchange visit to the UK for 17 young South Africans.
• Reached 3,500 North Somerset pupils with creative workshops on South African culture and dramas on HIV/AIDs.
• Worked with charities like Room to Read to create 2 new school libraries in the Nkomazi area.
• Youth in action (UK) is currently in the process of registering as a charity